Judges 8:27

And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, [even] in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.

Ver. 27. And Gideon made an ephod thereof.] Of a good intention likely; but without a good warrant from God. A good aim doth not make a good action: but men nmst "come to the light, that their deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God." Joh 3:21

And all Israel went thither a whoring after it,] sc., After Gideon's death. So they did also after the brazen serpent. 2Ki 18:4

Which thing became a snare.] The cause of all those tragic accidents that befell his house after his death. Good, therefore, is the wise man's counsel, Proverbs 3:4,6 .