Life Without an Ephod

For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod... Hosea 3:4

We could ask, who needs an ephod anyway? Isn't it just a priestly garment that has lost its significance?

Well, Israel needs it, only not now. The need and use will return after "many days". It has no more been abolished than has Israel. For now Israel is in a temprary "holding pattern," but not cast off.

Paul tells about this in Romans 11. I know people who will say, "But Paul is speaking of spiritual Jews." That trick won't work. Paul gives his physical family tree. As in "adobe house," "spiritual Jew" means, Jew who is spiritual. I was taught, as a boy, to watch my modifiers.

So if the Jews are in temporary abayence, who is God working with? Acts 15, the first church council, explains it. God is calling out a people to be called after His name, Christians. When the church is complete then He will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down. Paul asks if God has cast off the Jews? He says, "God forbid." "Many days" is a long time, but not forever.

Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king: and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. Hosea 3:5