The same crowd that once criticized Gideon, now flatters him. Flattery from the world is an enormous temptation. Gideon resists their flattery and requires the gold earrings of the Midianites that were slain. For seven years the flesh (Midanites) robbed Israel. Gideon means to take revenge on the flesh and against the years the flesh wasted. But Gideo falls prey to his pride and turns the gold into an ephod. Aad though he would not be a King he becomes a false priest instead, leading the nation astray.
