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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 17:8 This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah's house in the hill country of Ephraim.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/17-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/07_Jdg_17_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 17:8 - Micah's Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. 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On his way he came to Micah&#8217s house in the hill country of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He had left Bethlehem in search of another place to live, and as he traveled, he came to the hill country of Ephraim. He happened to stop at Micah’s house as he was traveling through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the man departed from the town of Bethlehem in Judah to sojourn where he could find a place. And as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find <i>a place</i>: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The man departed from the city of Bethlehem in Judah to stay wherever he could find <i>a place.</i> Then he came to the mountains of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the man left the city, Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he would find <i>a place;</i> and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the man departed from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he might find a place; and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the man departed from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he might find <i>a place;</i> and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the man went from the city, from Bethlehem in Judah, to sojourn wherever he might find <i>a place</i>; and as he made his journey, he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah, to stay wherever he could find <i>a place;</i> and as he journeyed, he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to stay wherever he could find a place. On his way he came to Micah’s home in the hill country of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to settle wherever he could find a place. On his way he came to Micah&#8217s home in the hill country of Ephraim.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the man departed out of the city, out of Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place, and he came to the hill-country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the man departed out of the city, out of Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />This man left Bethlehem in Judah to live wherever he could find [a place]. He came to Micah's house in the mountains of Ephraim to carry on his work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He left Bethlehem to find another place to live. While he was traveling, he came to Micah's house in the hill country of Ephraim. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The man had left his city Bethlehem in Judah to live wherever he could. As he traveled along, he eventually arrived at Micah's house in the mountainous region of Ephraim, looking for work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to find another place to live. He came to the Ephraimite hill country and made his way to Micah's house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The man departed out of the city, out of Bethlehem Judah, to live where he could find a place, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he traveled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the man departed out of the city from Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah to settle where he could find a place. And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The man departed out of the city, out of Bethlehem Judah, to live where he could find a place, and he came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he traveled. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the man goes out of the city, out of Beth-Lehem-Judah, to sojourn where he finds, and comes to the hill-country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, to work his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the man goeth out of the city, out of Beth-Lehem-Judah, to sojourn where he doth find, and cometh to the hill-country of Ephraim, unto the house of Micah, to work his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the man will go from the city from the House of Bread, of Judah, to sojourn wherever he shall find: and he will come to mount Ephraim, even to the house of Micah, to make his way.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now he went out from the city of Bethlehem, and desired to sojourn wheresoever he should find it convenient for him. And when he was come to mount Ephraim, as he was on his journey, and had turned aside a little into the house of Michas, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, departing from the city of Bethlehem, he wished to sojourn wherever he would find it beneficial to himself. And when he had arrived at mount Ephraim, while making the journey, he also turned aside for a little while to the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The man set out from the city, Bethlehem of Judah, to take up residence wherever he could find a place. On his journey he came into the mountain region of Ephraim as far as the house of Micah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah, to live wherever he could find a place. He came to the house of Micah in the hill country of Ephraim to carry on his work.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the man had left the city of Beth-lehem of Judah to dwell wherever he could find a place; and he came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, to obtain provisions for his journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the man went on from the city of Bayth Lekhem of Yehuda to dwell where he could, and he arrived at the Mountain of Aphreim at the house of Mikah to make his way<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the man departed out of the city, out of Beth-lehem in Judah, to sojourn where he could find a place; and he came to the hill-country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the man departed from Bethleem the city of Juda to sojourn in whatever place he might find; and he came as far as mount Ephraim, and to the house of Michaias to accomplish his journey.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/17-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=5177" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/17.htm">Micah's Idolatry</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>And there was a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah who had been residing within the clan of Judah. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">This man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">left</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: mê·hā·‘îr (Prep-m, Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: mib·bêṯ (Prep) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1035.htm" title="1035: le·ḥem (Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and lechem; house of bread; Beth- Lechem, a place in Palestine.">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">in Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1481.htm" title="1481: lā·ḡūr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to turn aside from the road, i.e. Sojourn; also to shrink, fear; also to gather for hostility.">to settle</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ba·’ă·šer (Prep-b:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: yim·ṣā (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To attain to, find. ">he could find a place.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">And as he traveled,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: dar·kōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb."></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">he came</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4318.htm" title="4318: mî·ḵāh (N-proper-ms) -- The name of several Isr. An abbrev. Of Miykayah; Micah, the name of seven Israelites.">Micah’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">house</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: har- (N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">in the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>“Where are you from?” Micah asked him. “I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he replied, “and I am on my way to settle wherever I can find a place.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/1-1.htm">Ruth 1:1-2</a></span><br />In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man from Bethlehem in Judah, with his wife and two sons, went to reside in the land of Moab. / The man’s name was Elimelech, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah, and they entered the land of Moab and settled there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-9.htm">1 Samuel 9:9-10</a></span><br />(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.) / “Good,” said Saul to his servant. “Come, let us go.” So they set out for the city where the man of God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">1 Kings 12:28-30</a></span><br />After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-28.htm">2 Kings 17:28-29</a></span><br />Thus one of the priests they had carried away came and lived in Bethel, and he began to teach them how they should worship the LORD. / Nevertheless, the people of each nation continued to make their own gods in the cities where they had settled, and they set them up in the shrines that the people of Samaria had made on the high places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/11-14.htm">2 Chronicles 11:14-15</a></span><br />For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. / And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-10.htm">Isaiah 30:10-11</a></span><br />They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. / Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-21.htm">Jeremiah 23:21-22</a></span><br />I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. / But if they had stood in My council, they would have proclaimed My words to My people and turned them back from their evil ways and deeds.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/13-2.htm">Ezekiel 13:2-3</a></span><br />“Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Tell those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the LORD! / This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6-9</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. / The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me; they exchanged their Glory for a thing of disgrace. / They feed on the sins of My people and set their hearts on iniquity. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/7-12.htm">Amos 7:12-15</a></span><br />And Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. / But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.” / “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-11.htm">Matthew 24:11</a></span><br />and many false prophets will arise and deceive many.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-22.htm">Mark 13:22</a></span><br />For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-26.htm">Luke 6:26</a></span><br />Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers treated the false prophets in the same way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-12.htm">John 10:12-13</a></span><br />The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the man departed out of the city from Bethlehemjudah to sojourn where he could find a place: and he came to mount Ephraim to the house of Micah, as he journeyed.</p><p class="hdg">departed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/17-11.htm">Judges 17:11</a></b></br> And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">Nehemiah 13:10,11</a></b></br> And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given <i>them</i>: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field… </p><p class="hdg">as he journeyed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Bethlehemjudah</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Beth-Lehem-Judah</a> <a href="/judges/16-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/17-1.htm">Country</a> <a href="/judges/16-20.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/judges/17-1.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/judges/17-1.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/judges/17-1.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/judges/17-1.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/judges/17-5.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/4-9.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/judges/11-18.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/judges/17-5.htm">Micah</a> <a href="/judges/17-4.htm">Micah's</a> <a href="/judges/17-1.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/judges/6-29.htm">Search</a> <a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Sojourn</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-4.htm">Somewhere</a> <a href="/joshua/9-17.htm">Traveled</a> <a href="/judges/14-10.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/2-15.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/judges/16-21.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Bethlehem</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Beth-Lehem</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Bethlehemjudah</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Beth-Lehem-Judah</a> <a href="/judges/18-27.htm">City</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Country</a> <a href="/judges/18-7.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/judges/18-13.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/judges/17-12.htm">House</a> <a href="/judges/18-5.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Journeyed</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Micah</a> <a href="/judges/18-3.htm">Micah's</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/judges/18-2.htm">Search</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Sojourn</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-19.htm">Somewhere</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">Traveled</a> <a href="/judges/18-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/judges/17-9.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/judges/19-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/17-1.htm">Of the money that Micah first stole, then restored, his mother makes idols</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/17-5.htm">And he makes ornaments for them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/17-7.htm">He hires a Levite to be his priest</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>This man left the city of Bethlehem in Judah</b><br>Bethlehem, known as the "House of Bread," is a significant location in biblical history. It is the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ, highlighting its importance in the lineage of the Messiah. The departure from Bethlehem may symbolize a search for spiritual or physical sustenance, as Bethlehem was a small town with limited resources. This movement reflects the broader theme of seeking God's provision and guidance, as seen in the journeys of the patriarchs like Abraham.<p><b>to settle where he could find a place</b><br>The phrase indicates a search for stability and belonging, a common theme in the narratives of the Israelites. This search can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of finding one's place in God's plan. The transient nature of the Levite's journey reflects the broader human quest for purpose and fulfillment, echoing the wanderings of the Israelites in the wilderness.<p><b>And as he traveled, he came to Micah’s house</b><br>Micah's house represents a place of opportunity and potential compromise. Micah had established a private shrine, which was contrary to the centralized worship commanded by God. This encounter foreshadows the moral and spiritual decline depicted in the latter chapters of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). The Levite's decision to stay with Micah highlights the tension between personal gain and spiritual integrity.<p><b>in the hill country of Ephraim</b><br>The hill country of Ephraim is a region known for its rugged terrain and strategic significance. It was centrally located in Israel, making it a crossroads for various tribes and cultures. Ephraim was one of the leading tribes of Israel, often associated with leadership and influence. The setting underscores the themes of leadership and the consequences of straying from God's commands, as Ephraim's prominence did not prevent the moral decay evident in the narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_man_from_bethlehem.htm">The Man from Bethlehem</a></b><br>This unnamed Levite is central to the account. He leaves Bethlehem in Judah, seeking a place to reside, which reflects a time of instability and personal wandering.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethlehem_in_judah.htm">Bethlehem in Judah</a></b><br>A significant town in the tribal territory of Judah, known for its later association with King David and Jesus Christ. It represents a place of origin and identity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/hill_country_of_ephraim.htm">Hill Country of Ephraim</a></b><br>A region in central Israel, known for its rugged terrain. It is significant as the setting for many events in the Book of Judges.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/micah.htm">Micah</a></b><br>A resident of the hill country of Ephraim who has established a shrine in his home, representing the syncretism and idolatry prevalent in Israel during this period.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_micah.htm">The House of Micah</a></b><br>This location becomes a focal point for the account, symbolizing the spiritual confusion and moral decline in Israel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_wandering.htm">Spiritual Wandering</a></b><br>The Levite's journey from Bethlehem reflects a deeper spiritual wandering. Believers should seek God's guidance rather than relying on their own understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_roots.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Roots</a></b><br>Just as Bethlehem is significant in biblical history, Christians should remain rooted in their faith and heritage, drawing strength and direction from it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dangers_of_syncretism.htm">Dangers of Syncretism</a></b><br>Micah's house represents the blending of true worship with idolatry. Believers must guard against compromising their faith with worldly practices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_place_for_us.htm">Seeking God's Place for Us</a></b><br>The Levite's search for a place to live challenges us to seek God's will for our lives, trusting Him to lead us to where we can best serve Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>The Levite's isolation highlights the need for community and accountability in our spiritual journey. We should surround ourselves with fellow believers who encourage and challenge us in our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_levite's_status_credible_in_judges_17.htm">In Judges 17:7–13, how credible is the Levite’s priestly status, given the requirements found elsewhere in the Old Testament regarding priestly lineage? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/judges_12_1-7__unity_or_conflict.htm">Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_micah's_mom_shift_from_curse_to_idol.htm">In Judges 17:1-4, how does Micah's mother shift from cursing the stolen silver to dedicating it for an idol, and what does this imply about her religious consistency?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_lessons_do_moses_and_aaron_teach.htm">Where is Mount Ephraim mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">To sojourn where he could find.</span>--Or, as we should say, <span class= "ital">to get his living. </span>It may easily be supposed that in the disorganisation of these days, the due support of the Levites would be much neglected. The same neglect occurred in the troubled days of Nehemiah: "I <span class= "ital">perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: </span>for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field," &c. (<a href="/context/nehemiah/13-10.htm" title="And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.">Nehemiah 13:10-11</a>).<p><span class= "bld">To the house of Micah.</span>--Probably he was induced to go there by the rumour of Micah's chapel and worship.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">From Bethlehem-judah</span>. Rather, <span class="accented">out cf. The</span> whole phrase means, <span class="accented">out of the city</span>, <span class="accented">viz.</span>, <span class="accented">out of Bethlehem. <span class="cmt_word"></span>Mount Ephraim</span> - the hill country of Ephraim, as ver. 1, where see note. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/17-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">This man</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאִ֜ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">left</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the city</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵהָעִ֗יר</span> <span class="translit">(mê·hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבֵּ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">Bethlehem</span><br /><span class="heb">לֶ֙חֶם֙</span> <span class="translit">(le·ḥem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1035.htm">Strong's 1035: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to settle</span><br /><span class="heb">לָג֖וּר</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḡūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1481.htm">Strong's 1481: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside from the road, sojourn, to shrink, fear, to gather for, hostility</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ba·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he could find [a place].</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְצָ֑א</span> <span class="translit">(yim·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And as he traveled,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּבֹ֧א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ḇō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Micah’s</span><br /><span class="heb">מִיכָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(mî·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4318.htm">Strong's 4318: </a> </span><span class="str2">Micah -- the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">house</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(bêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the hill country</span><br /><span class="heb">הַר־</span> <span class="translit">(har-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ephraim.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְרַ֛יִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/17-8.htm">Judges 17:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/17-8.htm">OT History: Judges 17:8 The man departed out of the city (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/17-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 17:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 17:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/17-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 17:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 17:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>