The account of the Levite joining the Danites is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 17 and 18. This narrative provides insight into the religious and social dynamics of Israel during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by decentralized leadership and frequent lapses into idolatry.

Context and Background

The account begins with a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim, who had stolen silver from his mother. Upon confessing, his mother consecrated the silver to the LORD and had a silversmith make an idol (Judges 17:1-4). Micah established a shrine, made an ephod and household gods, and installed one of his sons as a priest (Judges 17:5). This act was a clear violation of the Mosaic Law, which prescribed worship at the Tabernacle and restricted priestly duties to the descendants of Aaron.

The Levite's Arrival

A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, seeking a place to stay, arrived at Micah's house. Micah offered him a position as his personal priest, providing him with ten shekels of silver annually, clothing, and food (Judges 17:7-10). The Levite accepted, and Micah believed that having a Levite as a priest would bring him divine favor (Judges 17:11-13).

The Danites' Expedition

Meanwhile, the tribe of Dan was seeking territory to settle, as they had not yet secured their inheritance (Judges 18:1). They sent five men to spy out the land, and these men came to Micah's house, recognizing the voice of the young Levite. They inquired about his presence there, and he explained his arrangement with Micah (Judges 18:2-4).

The spies asked the Levite to inquire of God whether their journey would be successful, and he assured them of success (Judges 18:5-6). Encouraged, the Danites proceeded to Laish, a peaceful and unsuspecting city, and decided to conquer it (Judges 18:7-10).

The Levite's Departure with the Danites

The Danites later returned with six hundred armed men to capture Laish. On their way, they stopped at Micah's house and took the carved image, the ephod, the household gods, and the Levite (Judges 18:11-20). The Levite, seeing an opportunity for greater influence, agreed to go with them, reasoning that serving a tribe was better than serving one man's household (Judges 18:19-20).

Micah pursued the Danites, protesting the theft of his gods and priest, but the Danites threatened him, and he returned home empty-handed (Judges 18:21-26).

The Danites' Conquest and Idolatry

The Danites proceeded to Laish, attacked the city, and rebuilt it, renaming it Dan (Judges 18:27-29). They set up the carved image, and Jonathan, son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his descendants served as priests for the tribe of Dan until the captivity of the land (Judges 18:30-31). This idolatrous practice persisted, highlighting the spiritual decline during the era of the Judges.

Theological Implications

This narrative illustrates the pervasive idolatry and moral confusion in Israel during the time of the Judges. The Levite's willingness to serve as a priest for idols, and the Danites' establishment of an idolatrous shrine, reflect a departure from the covenantal faithfulness required by God. The account underscores the need for centralized worship and leadership, which would later be addressed through the establishment of the monarchy and the prophetic ministry in Israel.