Judges 3:15

And again they cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab.

Study Bible

Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD
This phrase indicates a recurring pattern in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites repeatedly fall into sin, face oppression, and then cry out to God for deliverance. The Hebrew root for "cried out" (זָעַק, za'aq) conveys a deep, desperate plea for help, reflecting the Israelites' recognition of their need for divine intervention. This cycle underscores the theme of human frailty and the necessity of reliance on God, reminding believers of the importance of repentance and seeking God's mercy.

and He raised up Ehud son of Gera
The phrase "raised up" (קוּם, qum) signifies God's sovereign action in appointing a deliverer for His people. Ehud, whose name means "united" or "strong," is chosen by God to lead Israel out of oppression. This highlights the divine initiative in salvation history, where God actively intervenes to rescue His people, often using unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.

a left-handed Benjaminite
The mention of Ehud being "left-handed" (אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ, iter yad-yemino) is significant, as it was considered unusual and even disadvantageous in ancient times. However, God uses Ehud's unique trait to accomplish His plan, demonstrating that He can use what the world sees as weaknesses for His glory. The tribe of Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand," ironically produces a left-handed deliverer, showcasing God's ability to work beyond human expectations.

as their deliverer
The term "deliverer" (מוֹשִׁיעַ, moshi'a) is a key concept in the Book of Judges, referring to one who brings salvation or rescue. Ehud's role as a deliverer prefigures the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who delivers humanity from sin and death. This foreshadows the greater salvation narrative within the Bible, where God continually raises up deliverers to point to the ultimate Deliverer.

The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab
The act of sending tribute (מִנְחָה, minchah) to Eglon signifies Israel's subjugation and humiliation under Moabite rule. Eglon, whose name means "calf" or "round," symbolizes the oppressive foreign powers that dominate Israel due to their disobedience. This historical context emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God and the need for divine deliverance. The tribute mission becomes the setting for Ehud's cunning plan to liberate Israel, illustrating how God can use ordinary circumstances to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ehud
A left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by God to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. His left-handedness is significant in the account, as it plays a crucial role in his ability to carry out God's plan.

2. Gera
Ehud's father, mentioned to establish Ehud's lineage within the tribe of Benjamin.

3. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who repeatedly fall into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance throughout the Book of Judges.

4. Eglon
The king of Moab, who oppresses Israel for eighteen years. His rule represents the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God.

5. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. Moab's oppression of Israel is a result of Israel's idolatry and disobedience.

Teaching Points

God's Response to Repentance
When the Israelites cried out to God, He responded by raising a deliverer. This demonstrates God's faithfulness and readiness to forgive and restore when His people repent.

Unique Abilities for God's Purpose
Ehud's left-handedness, considered unusual, was used by God for a specific purpose. This teaches us that God can use our unique traits and circumstances for His glory.

The Cycle of Sin and Deliverance
The Israelites' repeated cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance serves as a warning and reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God raises leaders according to His will, often from unexpected places or with unexpected traits, to fulfill His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ehud's left-handedness play a role in God's plan for delivering Israel, and what does this teach us about the use of our unique abilities?

2. In what ways do we see the cycle of sin and deliverance in our own lives, and how can we break free from it through Christ?

3. How does the account of Ehud encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when His methods or chosen leaders seem unconventional?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' cry to God about the importance of repentance and seeking God's help in times of trouble?

5. How does the account of Ehud and Eglon connect to the broader account of God's deliverance throughout the Bible, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 2:18
This verse provides context for the cycle of sin and deliverance in Judges, showing that God raises up judges to save Israel when they cry out to Him.

1 Samuel 9:1-2
This passage introduces Saul, another Benjamite, highlighting the tribe's significance and God's continued use of its members for leadership.

Psalm 34:17
This verse emphasizes that God hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them, paralleling the Israelites' cry for help in Judges 3:15.