Definition: And these went into Micah’s house, and fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the priest unto them, What do ye?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 18:18. It’s a really important part of understanding how God dealt with evil in the ancient world. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: A Wicked People Are Threatening God: The verse describes a group of people – likely Israelites – who were acting very badly and causing trouble. They were essentially defying God’s will and disrupting his peace. They Gathered Evil Things: They went into Micah's house, which was a place of worship, and brought three incredibly important and dangerous things: The Carved Image (Ephod): This was a holy symbol – a large, often covered piece of meat – that was used in temple rituals. It represented God’s presence and was considered sacred. The Teraphim: These were small, carved figures made of wood or stone. They were believed to be representations of gods or spirits and were often used in worship. The Molten Image: This is the most shocking part. It refers to a molten (molten) image – likely a statue or depiction of a deity – that was being created and brought into Micah's house. What Happened Next? The Priest Questions Them: A priest, who was in charge of the temple, asks the people what they were doing. So, What Does It Mean? This verse is a dramatic illustration of God’s judgment and punishment for evil. Here's what it suggests: God's Wrath: The act of bringing these three things into Micah's house shows that the people were deliberately trying to provoke God’s anger. A Powerful Punishment: God didn't just punish them with a simple death sentence. He actively created and brought these three things into their home, demonstrating his absolute power over evil. It’s a Warning: It's a warning to everyone – to be careful not to tempt God or act in ways that disrupt his peace. In short, the verse is a story about a defiant people bringing terrible symbols of worship into a place of holiness and receiving a very severe consequence. Important Note: This passage comes from a time when the Old Testament was heavily influenced by Jewish mythology and beliefs. It's important to remember that our understanding of this event has evolved over time, and it’s not always easy to interpret literally. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a specific story or theme in the Bible?