Playing the Harlot? Gideon and the Ephod

Judges 8:24-27 (nkjv)

²⁴ Then Gideon said to them, “I would like to make a request of you, that each of you would give me the earrings from his plunder.” For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.
²⁵ So they answered, “We will gladly give  them.” And they spread out a garment, and each man threw into it the earrings from his plunder. ²⁶ Now the weight of the gold earrings that he requested was one thousand seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments, pendants, and purple robes which were on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were around their camels’ necks. ²⁷ Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house.


What does it mean when the bible talks about playing the harlot? Many times in the Old Testament accounts, men that were used of God at one point were shown to have done something outside of God's will and set up an idol of some form or another to worship and lead other Israelites into the same errant path. Is it possible in a day such as this, that is, under a New Covenant, to have  similar occurrences? 

Unfortunately, it is not only possible, but does happen. As the title implies, it is a good example to use the ephod of Gideon for us to examine several points so as to understand how this relates to our situation today. Firstly, the victory over the Midianites was accomplished by whom? Yahweh, of course. The victory wasn't accomplished through the strength of numbers or might, but by the authority of God Almighty, Himself.  Secondly, the mechanism that allowed the victory to come about was a few men willing to stand up against overwhelming odds and see the victory of God. Courage, where there is no courage. Strength, where there is only weakness. Gideon, Chief among the army, was standing upon the word of God, only after having been shown several times a seeming impossibility from the Lord. Once He was convinced of the Lord's directives, He began to act.

So the victory was won by the Spirit of the Lord, and through His servants. It is here that the next challenge presents itself to us: Maintaining humility after a great victory or accomplishment. It is at this point, the great work of faith can be turned into a mockery of God. We may foster the idea that either we had something to do with the victory or it is up to us to maintain the state of victory. Either thought is incorrect. It is neither by our strength the victory was won, nor is it up to our strength to hold the ground. We are to only be the Watchmen. We watch and pray. We live humbly and in fear serve the Lord and others. Each day we proactively study the word of God, pray and listen to our Lord for His guidance and direction. It is through this availability, we may maintain a consistent Christian walk. It is this method that allows the Spirit of God to flow through His beloved believers into the society around us. Strength and Power are His. Weakness and Brokenness are mine.  It is through my weakness and brokenness that I walk by His power and might.

I must not build any work of my own imagination or good intention, unless it is directed by our Lord. Programs and Projects must be breathed into by the Father of all life or it is most certainly a dead work. I cannot keep a move of God or blessing going by my own strength.