“ephod.” Exactly what this “ephod” is, is unknown. Exodus 28:4-8 describe it as part of the garments the High Priest wore, and it was part of the garments that allowed the High Priest to get God’s decision on a matter (1 Sam. 23:9). Although an “ephod” might also be some kind of idol that was used for divining or finding the will of God, it is also possible that here in Judges, Gideon fashioned some kind of image or statue shaped like an ephod or even a gold garment that would go over a wood or stone statue of some kind, and then that “ephod” would be used to divine the will of God. That would well explain how the ephod would be a snare to Gideon and Israel because they would seek answers from it and not only offend God but often be led astray.

“prostituted themselves by going after it​.” Israel was married by covenant to God, but now they were committing adultery with an ephod idol.