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
