Judges 17:5

House of gods] i.e. a private shrine, la Heb. the word for 'god' may be read; either as singular or plural. Ephod] see on Judges 8:27. The ephod is often connected with oracular responses (cp. Isaiah 23:6 also Exodus 28 Leviticus 8); the priest in charge of it can make inquiry of Jehovah. Teraphim] cp. Hosea 3:4 : also Genesis 31:19; 1 Samuel 15:23; 1 Samuel 19:13. The word is plural in form, and seems to denote household idols of some kind; cp Judges 18:24. Consecrated] Took into his employment for the performance of religious duties: cp. Judges 17:10; Judges 18:4; 1 Samuel 7:1.

6. Cp. Judges 18:1; Judges 19:1; Judges 21:25.

7-13. The engagement of the Levite. Levite] The word denotes not his tribe but his calling. Sojourned] The regular term used in connexion with a 'resident alien' who intends at some time to return to his home.