Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 17:10. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unusual situation! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Story: Micah is Asking for Help: Micah, a shepherd, is facing a serious crisis – he’s been tricked by a man named “the Lord” who is trying to steal his property. He’s asking the judge to help him. A Deal is Proposed: The Lord tells Micah that he'll give him ten silver coins and a suit of clothing in exchange for his protection and assistance. Basically, he’s offering him a job as a priest and a protector. The Levite Goes In: The judge then instructs the Levite (a religious official) to come and stay with Micah. What it's saying – A Bit of a Twist: This verse is a bit strange because it’s describing a situation where a Levite, a priest, is being paid to help someone. It suggests that the Lord is intentionally setting this up for a specific purpose. Possible Interpretations (There are several ways to look at this): A Test of Faith: Some believe it's a test of Micah’s faith and loyalty to God. He’s being asked to show his commitment through service. Divine Favor: It could be seen as a way for the Lord to favor someone, perhaps showing His concern for Micah or providing him with support. A Shift in Leadership: The verse might signify a shift in leadership within the community, with the Levite taking on a more active role. Important Note: The exact meaning of this passage is debated among biblical scholars. It's a complex verse that requires careful interpretation. --- Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in Judges 17? Discuss different interpretations of the verse?