dependent upon his fellow-creatures. The meaning of "Abodah
Zarah" here naturally is "strange," in the sense of "unusual" work,
but he took the term in its ordinary acceptation of "service of
strange gods." (132) So far from being a whole-souled idolater, he
adopted methods calculated to harm the cause of idol worship.
Whenever any one came leading an animal with the intention of
sacrificing it, he would say: "What good can the idol do thee? It
can neither see nor hear nor speak." But as he was concerned about
his won livelihood, and did not want to offend the idolaters too
grossly, he would continue: "If thou bringest a dish of flour and a
few eggs, it will suffice." This offering he would himself eat.

Under David he filled the position of treasurer. David appointed
him because he thought that a man who was willing to become
priest to an idol only in order to earn his bread, must be worthy of
confidence. However sincere his repentance may have been, he
relapsed into his former life when he was removed from his office
by Solomon, who filled all position with new incumbents at his
accession to the throne. Finally he abandoned his idolatrous ways
wholly, and became so pure a man that the was favored by God
with the gift of prophecy. This happened on the day on which the
man of God out of Judah came to Jeroboam, for the grandson of
Moses is none other than the old prophet at Beth-el who invited
the man of God out of Judah to come to his house. (133)

The mischief done by Micah spread further and further. Especially
the Benjamites distinguished themselves for their zeal in paying
homage to his idols. God therefore resolved to visit the sins of
Israel and Benjamin upon them. The opportunity did not delay to
come. It was not long before the Benjamites committed the