Topical Bible: Gideon: Makes an Ephod Which Becomes a Snare to the Israelites

◄ Gideon: Makes an Ephod Which Becomes a Snare to the Israelites ►

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Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, recognized for his role as a judge and military leader of Israel. After delivering Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, Gideon made a significant decision that had lasting spiritual implications for the nation. This decision involved the creation of an ephod, which ultimately became a snare to the Israelites.

Context and Background

Gideon's account is primarily found in Judges 6-8. He was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites, who had been oppressing the Israelites for seven years. Despite his initial hesitance and need for reassurance through signs, Gideon obeyed God's call. With a divinely reduced army of 300 men, Gideon achieved a miraculous victory over the Midianites, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness.

The Making of the Ephod

Following his victory, the Israelites sought to make Gideon their king, saying, "Rule over us—you, your son, and your grandson—for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian" (Judges 8:22). However, Gideon refused, declaring, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). Despite this noble refusal, Gideon made a request that would lead to unforeseen consequences.

Gideon asked for a portion of the gold earrings taken as plunder from the Midianites. The Israelites willingly complied, and with the collected gold, Gideon crafted an ephod. Judges 8:27 states, "Gideon made the gold into an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household."

The Ephod's Significance and Consequences

An ephod was a priestly garment, often associated with seeking divine guidance. However, Gideon's ephod was not used in the context of legitimate worship as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Instead, it became an object of idolatry, drawing the Israelites away from true worship of Yahweh. The ephod's presence in Ophrah led the people into spiritual adultery, as they began to worship it rather than the God who had delivered them.

This incident highlights the ease with which the Israelites fell into idolatry, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. Despite Gideon's initial intentions, the ephod became a spiritual stumbling block, illustrating the dangers of deviating from God's prescribed forms of worship.

Impact on Gideon and Israel

The ephod's creation and subsequent idolatry had profound effects on both Gideon and the nation of Israel. For Gideon, it marked a departure from his earlier faithfulness and reliance on God. The text notes that it became a snare to him and his household, suggesting that even Gideon's family was not immune to its corrupting influence.

For Israel, the ephod's presence in Ophrah contributed to a cycle of idolatry and apostasy. After Gideon's death, the Israelites quickly turned away from God, as recorded in Judges 8:33-34 : "As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side."

Lessons and Reflections

Gideon's ephod serves as a cautionary tale about the subtlety of idolatry and the importance of adhering to God's commands. It underscores the need for vigilance in worship and the dangers of allowing even well-intentioned actions to lead to spiritual compromise. The account of Gideon's ephod reminds believers of the necessity of maintaining pure devotion to God, avoiding any form of idolatry that can ensnare and lead away from true worship.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 8:24-27
And Gideon said to them, I would desire a request of you, that you would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
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Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... had made it his residence, which makes the story ... The booty which Gideon secured was,
therefore, considerable, and ... and set up at Ophrah an ephod, which became ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... righteousness of Christ, and faith dies, and becomes, as to ... righteousness of Christ
is that that makes sinners, when ... were, 'a breast-plate, and an ephod, and a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm