Bible Discussion Thread

Ju.18:17-21 "Ephod and Teraphim" (1 of 2)

What was the ephod and teraphim in the house of Micah but made out of 'the other man's riches'? Literally it belonged to his mother which she had consecrated for God's service. By adding one fifth of value of 200 shekels the Spirit is underlining the fact that it was trespass offering but was going instead into the making of idols. This in turn invites us to the idols which Gideon had made and it caused Israel to go astray. "And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house(8::27)". Gideon also was spending as the verses preceding would indicate the other man's riches(8:24-26). In short it belonged to mammon.

When God commanded "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth(Ex.20:4)"

In the light of the above whether the house of Micah was similar to the one Gideon set up in Orphah or not, it was heresy. Teraphim supposedly represent the cherubim above the mercy seat. Ephod refer to sacerdotal garments specified by God which Moses had to make and also was specified where it may be used. Where it was ignored what was beithElohimbut synonym for Beth-aven? Without the God-Man component tabernacle was nothing. It is thus we preach Gospel of God as Gospel of Christ but prove it by doing the will of God. No short cuts, our faith must follow with works so all glory is unto God alone. We must be conformed in the image of Christ. "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me ./If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself ( John 7:16-17)" Gideon erred which would give rise unfortunately to all that division.