7384 household gods
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7300 Institutions and culture of OT  »  7384 household gods

Known in the Hebrew as “teraphim”, miniature idols small enough for their owners to keep in their homes or to carry with them when travelling.

Examples of the use of household gods

Genesis 31:19 See also Genesis 31:34; Judges 17:1-6; Judges 18:18,30-31; 1 Samuel 19:13-16; Ezekiel 21:21 Three methods of divination are described here, shaking the arrows (belomancy), consulting the household gods (necromancy) and the examination of the liver of a sacrificed victim (hepatoscopy).

The use of household gods was contrary to God's law

Deuteronomy 7:25-26 See also Exodus 20:4-6 pp Deuteronomy 5:8-10

The removal and condemnation of household gods

2 Kings 23:24 See also Genesis 35:2-4; Isaiah 44:9-11; Ezekiel 18:5-6; Zechariah 10:2

See also

1080  God, living
4155  divination
4363  silver
5138  bowing
5212  arts and crafts
6243  adultery, spiritual
7324  calf worship
8747  false gods
8752  false worship
8768  idolatry
8807  profanity
8840  unfaithfulness to God



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