Micah Hires a Professional

17:7 There was a young man from Bethlehem15 in Judah. He was a Levite who had been temporarily residing among the tribe of Judah.16 17:8 This man left the town of Bethlehem in Judah to find another place to live. He came to the Ephraimite hill country and made his way to Micah’s house.17 17:9 Micah said to him, “Where do you come from?” He replied, “I am a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah. I am looking for a new place to live.”18 17:10 Micah said to him, “Stay with me. Become my adviser19 and priest. I will give you ten pieces of silver per year, plus clothes and food.”20 17:11 So the Levite agreed to stay with the man; the young man was like a son to Micah.21 17:12 Micah paid22 the Levite; the young man became his priest and lived in Micah’s house. 17:13 Micah said, “Now I know God will make me rich,23 because I have this Levite as my priest.”