1 Samuel 23:6
King James Bible
And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah,
that he came down
with an ephod in his hand.
1 Samuel 23:9
9
When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” 10And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account
If it was I want one
Also don't you think the word 'Ephod' is close to the word 'ipod' of today ?
Here is an excerpt from a draft I am helping on. Reference 2 is likely the best source listed. Hope this helps.
"To delve further into how lots gave guidance in the OT it is noted that casting lots is described 70 times in the OT, and seven times in the NT.
1 In I Samuel 14:41, the lots were likely done through the two stones worn or attached to the ephod of the priest Ahiah. While some might wear a linen similar to the priests, the more elaborate ephods contained these two stones that “were mounted in gold and fastened on the ephod’s shoulder pieces.”
2 One was likely oynx and the other a different color, termed Urim and Thummim.
3 (Ex. 28:30). It was from these stones that the priest might throw or draw one to provide the will of God.
4 It is possible lots at times may have included sticks, coins or even a type of dice.
5 Other examples of the use of lots include identifying Jonah on the ship, and the division of the lands of Israel. In the NT, lots were thrown to select the new apostle. In other words, God sometimes speaks through the casting of lots. Merriam Webster suggests that this is called “cleromancy,” a type of divination.
6 Divination however is forbidden in the OT (Duet 18:10). Some Jewish scholars see it as acceptable or outside the realm of divination that is forbidden.
7 Still, it seems unlikely or prudent that God would answer using the practice of casting lots for a NT believer. It is possible that evil forces or chance could draw one away from the right decision that can only be made through the help of the Holy Spirit. Fortune telling, horoscopes and any form of communication that seeks to bypass the Holy Spirit is sinful. Both authors recommend that not even a fortune cookie be read, though there is no regulation against eating it. The reason why we should be so stringent is to make sure that we do not open the door to other voices that can confuse and quench the Holy Spirit. Thus, in general, while casting stones or other types of lots is in the bible, it is not recommended to do this today."
1 Got Questions, “What was the practice of casting lots?”
What was the practice of casting lots? | GotQuestions.org.
2Jessica Brodie “What Was the Spiritual Purpose of the Ephod in the Bible? Christianity.com
What Is an Ephod - Purpose and Meaning in the Bible
3 Tsumara, 378.
4 Ibid.
5 Got Questions, ibid.
6 Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “cleromancy,” accessed April 2, 2024,
Definition of CLEROMANCY.
7 Yehuda Sherpin. Is Cleromancy (and Divination) Kosher? Chabad.org,
https://www.chabad.org/library/arti...ewish/Is-Cleromancy-and-Divination-Kosher.htm
