SPECIAL TOPIC: TERAPHIM

SPECIAL TOPIC: TERAPHIM (BDB 1076)

From differing parts of the OT a composite description is difficult:

1. small and portable household idols, Gen. 31:19,34,35

2. large idol shaped like a human, 1 Sam. 19:13,16

3. idols used in homes, but also in shrines, Jdgs. 17:5; 18:14,17,18

4. idols used for knowing the future or will of the gods/god

a. condemned and paralleled with divination, 1 Sam. 15:23

b. condemned and paralleled with mediums, spiritists, and idols, 2 Kgs. 23:24

c. condemned and paralleled with divination, shaking arrows, and inspecting a sheep's liver, Ezek. 21:21

d. condemned and paralleled with diviners and false prophets, Zech. 10:2