Can One Person Fulfill the Role of Father and Priest?
In this article, you will learn how Judges 17:10 contradicts 1 Samuel 8:7, Matthew 23:9, Hebrews 7:12 and 1 Peter 2:9. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the book of Judges, Micah strikes a deal with a young man to become his personal priest and father figure. This arrangement seems innovative, but when we compare it to other Scriptures, we find intriguing contradictions about spiritual authority and community.
Firstly, 1 Samuel 8:7 highlights a moment when Israel asked for a king, and God tells Samuel that the people have rejected His direct rule. In a similar way, Micah's decision to appoint a personal priest seems to bypass God's intended structure for spiritual leadership, opting instead for human control and intimacy.
Moving to the New Testament, Matthew 23:9 reveals Jesus' teaching against calling anyone 'father' in a spiritual sense. This challenges Micah's arrangement, suggesting that such earthly titles could divert focus from our ultimate Father in heaven.
Moreover, Hebrews 7:12 speaks about a transformed priesthood with the coming of Jesus Christ. This shift signifies that Christ's sacrifice changed how people connect with God, making Micah's setup appear outdated and limiting in its understanding of divine access.
In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as a "royal priesthood," suggesting that all followers have direct access to God. In contrast, Micah's decision to establish a personal priest limits spiritual engagement to a single, chosen individual. It's like having access to a whole wireless network but connecting your device to just one hotspot—it's unnecessary and restrictive.
These contradictions raise important questions about spiritual leadership. Does establishing personal priesthoods or earthly spiritual fathers divert us from divine intimacy? Or do they serve a meaningful purpose that aligns with Scripture's broader message? As we ponder these questions, the contrasts help us reflect on how to approach our relationship with God and each other.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Judges 17:10 | And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten [shekels] of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in. [a suit...: or, a double suit, etc: Heb. an order of garments] |
| 2. | 1 Samuel 8:7 | And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. |
| 3. | Matthew 23:9 | And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. |
| 4. | Hebrews 7:12 | For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. |
| 5. | 1 Peter 2:9 | But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: [peculiar: or, purchased] [praises: or, virtues] |