The answer is: Made it into an idol

Judges 17:4

In the Book of Judges, we meet Micah—a regular guy living in the hills of Ephraim with a strong desire for a personal god. What stands out, however, is how, in a rather ironic twist, he uses his ill-gotten silver to create a graven image, revealing the troubling heart of human idolatry. This wasn’t just a fad; making idols was common in the ancient world, a tangible way to connect with the divine—though these materials seldom led to true worship.

In Micah’s case, he commissions a silversmith with his silver, which leads him down a path toward “faith” that's more about the idol than the one true purpose of those aspirations. It's intriguing that this story illustrates the tensions in grassroots religion—Micah becomes his own priest, orchestrating worship that fits his legends, showcasing just how muddled personal spirituality can get without sound guidance.

Additionally, take a look at this cool detail: Micah even anoints one of his sons to be a priest! This familial, make-your-own-worship approach mirrors what is found in many cultures where the idea of the divine is personalized to serve the interests of individuals or families above traditional lineage or community practice.

Thus, Micah’s creation of an idol not only symbolizes a leap into idolatrous practices but also echoes across Scripture, demonstrating how humanity often seeks solace in created things rather than in the less visible, more profound realities of faith.