1. Gideon's foolish ephod (22-27)

Israel wanted Gideon to rule over them. He said, "Not I nor my son, but the Lord will rule over you." He spoke humbly and what he said was right. But he then did something foolish: he made an idolatrous ephod out of 40 pounds of gold earrings. All Israel worshiped it and it became a snare to Gideon and his family. Our words are important, but our actions are even more important.

2. After Gideon died (28-35)

Gideon brought 40 years of peace to Israel. He had 70 sons through multiple wives. Through a concubine he also had a son Abimelek, who caused much trouble later. As soon as Gideon died, Israel prostituted themselves to the Baals. Notice people's stubborn tendency to abandon God and worship idols! They forgot God's great mercy and the good things Gideon had done for them.