Abstract:
This paper analyzes religious elements in Judges 17 that are contrary to the instruction
of Yahweh in the Torah. This chapter paints a picture of syncretism where the
characters worship Yahweh in the wrong way by incorporating other borrowed forms
of religious practices. The pattern of the curse made by the mother of Micah follows
the common understanding of cursing among the neighbors of the Israelites. The
dedication of silver to make a carved and cast image in the name of worshipping
Yahweh violates the ten commandments. The ordination of the non-Levitical priest
failed to observe the appointment rules in the Torah. Micah’s confidence in the Levite
for prosperity conforms to the pattern outside Levitical laws. These patterns fall
outside the Torah but have more in common with practices among the Canaanites,
though in some cases there is more clear evidence of syncretism than in others. The
implication is that there is the worship of Yahweh in the wrong way.
