Judg 8:27 | NETfull | STEP | Gideon used all this to make an ephod, which he put in his hometown of Ophrah. All the Israelites prostituted themselves to it by worshiping it there. It became a snare to Gideon and his family.

Judges 8:27

27 Gideon used all this to make ^{▼▼Heb “made it into.”} an ephod, ^{▼▼ In Exod 28:4–6 and several other texts an ephod is described as a priestly or cultic garment. In some cases an ephod is used to obtain a divine oracle (1 Sam 23:9; 30:7). Here the ephod is made of gold and is described as being quite heavy (70–75 lbs?). Some identify it as an idol, but it was more likely a cultic object fashioned in the form of a garment which was used for oracular purposes. For discussion of the ephod in the OT, see C. F. Burney, Judges, 236–43, and R. de Vaux, Ancient Israel, 349–52.} which he put in his hometown of Ophrah. All the Israelites ^{▼▼Heb “Israel” (a collective singular).} prostituted themselves to it by worshiping it ^{▼▼The words “by worshiping it” are supplied in the translation for clarity.} there. It became a snare to Gideon and his family.