Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 8:27. It's a really interesting and complex passage about a serious mistake that led to disaster. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where Gideon, a brave young man, made a terrible error – he started worshipping a golden idol. This idol was called “Ephod,” which is a fancy word for a statue or figure. He placed it in his city, Ophrah (which means "peace" in Hebrew), and then began to worship it after its appearance. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 8:27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof…” - This is a figurative way of saying “Gideon did something very bad.” It's not literally about a physical animal, but it represents a serious transgression. “…and put it in his city, [even] in Ophrah:” – Gideon placed the idol in his city, specifically in a place called Ophrah. This is where the problem started to escalate. “And all Israel went thither a whoring after it:” - This is the crucial part. The people of Israel started worshipping this idol, and they became obsessed with it. They were "whoring" – meaning they were being devoted to something that wasn't God. “Which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.” - This is the consequence of their idolatry. It’s like a trap. The idol’s presence caused problems for Gideon. It was a distraction from God and ultimately, it threatened his home and family. What does this mean practically? This story is a warning about the dangers of turning away from God and focusing on things that aren't truly sacred or holy. It emphasizes: The Importance of Worshiping God Alone: The verse highlights that true worship should be directed solely to God, not to idols or anything else. Beware of Temptation: Gideon’s mistake was a result of temptation and idolatry – being drawn away from the true path. God's Protection: The story also shows that God is watching over his people and protecting them from harm when they stray from the right path. In short, it’s a cautionary tale about a mistake that brought trouble, and a reminder to stay focused on the true God. --- Do you want me to explain any of these concepts in more detail? For example: Can we delve deeper into the symbolism of "Ephod"? Would you like to know how this story relates to other stories in the Bible?