And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon's belly. And EhudEhud is a central figure in this narrative, a judge raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. His name in Hebrew, אֵהוּד (Ehud), can mean "united" or "strong." Ehud's account is a testament to how God can use unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. Ehud's left-handedness, considered unusual and even disadvantageous in ancient times, becomes a strategic advantage, illustrating how God often uses what the world sees as weaknesses to accomplish His will. reached with his left hand
The mention of Ehud's left hand is significant. In the ancient Near East, the right hand was typically associated with power and skill. The Hebrew word for left-handed, אִטֵּר (itter), suggests a restriction or limitation, yet here it becomes a tool for divine deliverance. This detail highlights God's sovereignty in using unconventional means to achieve His purposes, reminding believers that God can use anyone, regardless of perceived limitations. took the sword from his right thigh
The placement of the sword on Ehud's right thigh is strategic. In a culture where right-handedness was the norm, a weapon on the right thigh would be unexpected, allowing Ehud to conceal his intentions. This act of taking the sword signifies preparation and readiness to act on God's command. It underscores the importance of being spiritually prepared and equipped to carry out God's will, even when it requires courage and boldness. and plunged it into Eglon’s belly
The act of plunging the sword into Eglon's belly is both literal and symbolic. Eglon, the Moabite king, represents the oppressive forces against Israel. The Hebrew verb used here, תָּקַע (taqa), conveys a forceful action, indicating decisiveness and determination. This moment of deliverance is a vivid reminder of God's power to overthrow evil and bring liberation to His people. It serves as an encouragement to believers that God is actively involved in the battles they face, providing victory through His chosen instruments. Persons / Places / Events 1. EhudA left-handed judge of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by God to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. 2. EglonThe king of Moab who oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years. He is described as a very fat man, which plays a role in the account. 3. MoabA nation east of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. Moab's oppression of Israel sets the stage for Ehud's deliverance. 4. The SwordA double-edged weapon used by Ehud to assassinate King Eglon, symbolizing God's deliverance through unexpected means. 5. The Right ThighThe location where Ehud concealed his sword, indicating his strategic planning and the element of surprise in his mission. Teaching Points God Uses the UnlikelyEhud's left-handedness, considered a disadvantage, becomes a tool for God's deliverance. God often uses what the world sees as weak or insignificant to accomplish His purposes. Strategic Planning and CourageEhud's careful planning and bold execution of his mission demonstrate the importance of wisdom and courage in fulfilling God's call. Divine DeliveranceThe account of Ehud reminds us that God is the ultimate deliverer, using various means and people to bring about His plans for His people. Faith in ActionEhud's actions show that faith often requires us to step out in boldness and trust in God's guidance and provision. Judgment and MercyThe account illustrates God's judgment on oppressors and His mercy towards His people, encouraging us to trust in His justice and compassion. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ehud's left-handedness play a crucial role in the account, and what does this teach us about God's use of our unique traits? 2. In what ways does Ehud's strategic approach to delivering Israel inspire us to be wise and courageous in our own challenges? 3. How can we see God's hand in the deliverance of Israel through Ehud, and how does this encourage us to trust in God's deliverance in our lives? 4. What parallels can we draw between Ehud's account and other biblical accounts of God using unlikely heroes, and how does this shape our understanding of God's ways? 5. How does the account of Ehud challenge us to act in faith and obedience, even when the task seems daunting or unconventional? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 3:15Provides context for Ehud's mission, highlighting his role as a deliverer sent by God, similar to other judges like Othniel and Deborah. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, where God uses an unlikely hero to deliver Israel, paralleling Ehud's unexpected victory. Psalm 18:34Speaks of God training hands for battle, reflecting the divine empowerment Ehud received for his task. 2 Corinthians 12:9Paul's teaching on God's power being made perfect in weakness, which can be related to Ehud's left-handedness being used for God's purpose. Hebrews 4:12Describes the Word of God as a double-edged sword, drawing a parallel to the sword Ehud used, symbolizing divine judgment and deliverance. | A Distinct Message | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | W. Rudder, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. Cumming, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. B. C. Murphy, B. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Sermon Upon Keys | John Mitchell. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Application of the Truth | | Judges 3:12-30 | | Effective Preachers Compared to Ehud | John McNeill. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Ehud: Left-Handedness | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | God's Messages | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | I have a Message from God unto Thee | T. Raffles, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Lessons from the Death of Eglon | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Sin -- Suffering; Penitence and Deliverance Repeated | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Christian Minister Bearing a Message from God to Man | H. S. Plumptre, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | D. Johnston, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | E. Cooper, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Summer Parlour | W.F. Bishop. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Unexpected Perils | S. Baring-Gould, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Ehud | A.F. Muir | Judges 3:15-26 |
People Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Anath, Aram, Canaanites, Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim, Eglon, Ehud, Gera, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Kenaz, Moabites, Othniel, Perizzites, Shamgar, Sidonians, ZidoniansPlaces Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, SeirahTopics Belly, Body, Dagger, Drew, Ehud, Forth, King's, Plunged, Putteth, Reached, Stomach, Stretched, Striketh, Sword, Taketh, Thigh, ThrustDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 3:21 5040 murder
5156 hand
5185 stomach
5190 thigh Judges 3:15-26 5941 secrecy Judges 3:17-22 5858 fat Judges 3:20-21 5437 palaces Library Use what You Have
Few people really are and do their best. Nature has blessed a few with great talents and abilities. These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior, and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their abilities. How often are they used in a bad or foolish way, so that what might be a blessing to the world fails to be such! There are many others who realize they do not possess these natural gifts. They look upon those who have them, and envy …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart TalksGifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Whether Baptism Should Take Away the Penalties of Sin that Belong to this Life?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should take away the penalties of sin that belong to this life. For as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:15), the gift of Christ is farther-reaching than the sin of Adam. But through Adam's sin, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:12), "death entered into this world," and, consequently, all the other penalties of the present life. Much more, therefore, should man be freed from the penalties of the present life, by the gift of Christ which is received in Baptism. Objection 2: Further, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. The great design of the gospel is to make up the breach of man's joy, and open up the way to the fulness of it, and therefore it is the good news and glad tidings of great joy, the only best message that ever came to the world. Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into, it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law made unfitting precepts concerning rulers. Because, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 4), "the ordering of the people depends mostly on the chief ruler." But the Law contains no precept relating to the institution of the chief ruler; and yet we find therein prescriptions concerning the inferior rulers: firstly (Ex. 18:21): "Provide out of all the people wise [Vulg.: 'able'] men," etc.; again (Num. 11:16): "Gather unto Me seventy men of the ancients of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 3:21 NIVJudges 3:21 NLTJudges 3:21 ESVJudges 3:21 NASBJudges 3:21 KJV
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