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Judges Chapter Eight (ESV)
Gideon’s Ephod
22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, you and your son and your grandson also, for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” 23 Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.” 24 And Gideon said to them, “Let me make a request of you: every one of you give me the earrings from his spoil.” (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 And they answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil. 26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments worn by the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were around the necks of their camels. 27 And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.
REFLECTION
- When Israel broke free of Midian, they requested Gideon and his descendants to rule over them (v22). Gideon refused their request citing God’s exclusive claim on the people (v23). However, after that, Gideon’s ego, rather than God’s law, became his guide. He collected gold jewelries from the Israelites and made an ephod which is the vest worn by the priest. Later on, the Israelites worshiped it. This was the beginning of another of the Israelites’ returns to idolatry.
- An overview of Gideon the judge allows us to see that though we may be limited, God still uses us. However, if I do not continue spend time and effort to know and obey God’s law, I can easily become rebellious of God and mislead others.
- How much do I know God’s law? How willing am I to obey it? How do I discern God’s will and to follow? How does the Bible help me to listen clearly to God’s voice so that I may follow Him wholeheartedly?
PRAYER
Teach me, LORD, the way of Your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep Your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word.（Ps 119:33-37）
