Household gods

Known in the Hebrew as “teraphim”, miniature idols small enough for their owners to keep in their homes or to carry with them when travelling.

Examples of the use of household gods

Genesis 31:19 See also Genesis 31:34; Judges 17:1–6, Judges 18:18, Judges 18:30–31; 1 Samuel 19:13–16; Ezekiel 21:21 Three methods of divination are described here, shaking the arrows (belomancy), consulting the household gods (necromancy) and the examination of the liver of a sacrificed victim (hepatoscopy).

Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols.

The use of household gods was contrary to God's law

Deuteronomy 7:25–26 See also Exodus 20:4–6 parallel Deuteronomy 5:8–10

You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet the silver and gold that is on them or take it for yourselves, or you will be ensnared by it; for it is detestable to the LORD your God. And you must not bring any detestable thing into your house, or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. You are to utterly detest and abhor it, because it is set apart for destruction.

The removal and condemnation of household gods

2 Kings 23:24 See also Genesis 35:2–4; Isaiah 44:9–11; Ezekiel 18:5–6; Zechariah 10:2

Furthermore, Josiah removed the mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this to carry out the words of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had found in the house of the LORD.