²⁶ The gold earrings weighed ·about forty-three pounds [^L1,700 shekels of gold]. This did not count the ·decorations [^Lcrescent-shaped ornaments], ·necklaces [pendants], and purple robes worn by the kings of Midian, nor the chains from the camels’ necks. ²⁷ Gideon used the gold to make a ·holy vest [ephod; ^Cperhaps in imitation of the high priest and used to discern God’s will; Ex. 29:2–5], which he put in his hometown of Ophrah. But all the Israelites ·were unfaithful to God [^Lprostituted themselves] and worshiped it, so it became a ·trap [snare; cause of sin] for Gideon and his family.

The Death of Gideon

²⁸ So Midian was ·under the rule of [subdued before] ·Israel [^Lthe sons/^Tchildren of Israel]; they did not ·cause trouble anymore [^Lraise its head again]. And the land had ·peace [rest] for forty years, ·as long as Gideon was alive [^Lin the days of Gideon].