Old Testament
Judges 18:20
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That made the priest happy. He grabbed the ephod, the household idols, and the carved image, and joined the people.
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And the priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people.
What Judges 18:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 18:20, we see a priest who is pleased with the decision of the people to take him along. His happiness stems from the fact that he is being given a role in a new community that values his services. The priest takes with him important religious items: the ephod, which is a priestly garment used for seeking God's guidance, along with household idols and a carved image. This indicates a blending of worship practices, as the people are not solely focused on the worship of Yahweh but are also incorporating other idols into their faith. This moment highlights the priest's willingness to abandon his previous commitments for personal gain and the people's desire for spiritual leadership, even if it means compromising their faith. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of mixing true worship with idolatry, which can lead to spiritual confusion and disobedience to God.
How to apply Judges 18:20 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own spiritual commitments. Are we prioritizing our relationship with God, or are we allowing other influences to shape our faith? It encourages us to seek genuine worship and avoid compromising our beliefs for convenience or popularity.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 18:20
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 18:20 mean?
Judges 18:20 describes a priest who is happy to join a new community, taking with him important religious items. This reflects a blending of worship practices, as the people incorporate both Yahweh worship and idols, highlighting the dangers of compromising faith.
What is the significance of the ephod in Judges 18:20?
The ephod is a priestly garment used for seeking God's guidance. Its inclusion in Judges 18:20 indicates the priest's role in spiritual leadership, even as the people mix true worship with idolatry.
What does the term 'teraphim' refer to in Judges 18:20?
The term 'teraphim' refers to household idols or images that were used in worship. Their presence in Judges 18:20 shows the people's inclination to blend their worship of Yahweh with other religious practices.
How does Judges 18:20 relate to idolatry?
Judges 18:20 relates to idolatry by showing how the priest and the people incorporate both Yahweh worship and household idols, emphasizing the risks of mixing true faith with false worship.
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