The Teraphim
The Teraphim
The Teraphim (, Ass. tarpu, a ‘spectre’) have now to be noticed. this word, which is only used in the plural number, is not understood by the lexicographer or the antiquarian. The LXX gives various renderings, namely, , idol; , carved object; , manifestations; , revealers; , empty tombs. The teraphimappear to be material objects regarded as a sort of ‘fetish’ or talisman, and consulted in emergencies. They are first met with in Gen 31:19; Gen 31:34-35. Laban calls them his ‘gods,’ but the inspired writer only calls them ‘teraphim.’ in Jdg 17:5, they are connected with the images, with ‘a house of gods and an ephod,’ but they are evidently distinct objects, see 18:14, 17, 18, 20 in 1Sa 15:23, teraphimare parallel with divination (compare Zec 10:2) in 1Sa 19:13; 1Sa 19:16, they are put in the bed to occupy the place of David in Eze 21:21 they are mentioned as used by the King of Babyl on in divining. this fact, coupled with the use of these objects in the house of Laban, would lead us to look for a Chaldean orig in for them.