8:27 ephod. The ephod made by Gideon was apparently something different from the priestly garment usually called an ephod (e.g., Exodus 28:4-14). Whatever it was, it represented an intrusion into the divinely prescribed ministry of the high priest, probably relating to the proper use of the Urim and Thummin (Exodus 28:30) which were worn with the ephod. In any case, its use by Gideon and his people was contrary to God’s Word, and it soon became an idol to them.