Judges 8:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is the significance of the phrase, "And Gideon made an Ephod of them, and set it up in his city in Ephrathah"? Gideon's actions were in violation of the law; the Ephod was designated solely for the priests, through whom divine direction was to be received. However, Gideon did not intendmalice; instead, as a leader, he sought to discern God’s will through the Ephod. Unfortunately, this led the people into sin, as it is stated, “All Israel shall be seduced after him,” and “Gideon and his house were seduced.” The term Ephod, as explained in the book of Exodus, refers to the high priest's garment (epomis), to which was affixed the means of judgment (Ex. 28:15), and through it, triumph in battle was proclaimed. The account in the Kings offers further clarity.

The favor of God did not rest upon Gideon's household at the time of his passing, possibly due to his own role in fostering the idolatry he was called to eradicate. It is not merely that his offspring are overlooked by the community; tragically, most of them have met their end by fraternal violence.