Epilogue 1: Micah's idolatry and the Danite migration

Idolatry at Dan (Judges 17–18)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   Micah sets up an idolatrous shrine for his private use17:1–6Micah makes an ephod and cultic objects for his shrine (cf. 18:14); result: peaceful
2. b
   Micah secures services of Levite17:7–13Levite arrives at Micah's home; "live with me and be my father, and be my priest" (wəheyê-lî ləʾāḇ ûləḵōhēn); states benefits of the job; Levite agrees; result: peaceful
3. c
   Danite spies visit Micah's house in peace18:1–6begins: they set out from Zorah and Eshtaol; result: peaceful
4. d
   TURNING POINT: Danites carry out their mission and return to propose hostility18:7–10
5. c′
   Danite spies visit Micah's house in hostility18:11–13begins: they set out from Zorah and Eshtaol again, this time with an army, confiscate Micah's idols and kidnap his priest; result: hostile
6. b′
   Micah loses services of Levite18:14–26Danites take Levite from Micah's home to serve as their priest; "come with us and be our father and priest" (wəheyê-lānû ləʾāḇ ûləḵōhēn); Levite agrees; result: hostile
7. a′
   Danites set up an idolatrous shrine to serve their entire tribe18:27–31Danites use Micah's idol (pesel) in their shrine; Levite is finally given identity: Moses' grandson!; result: hostile