Judges 3:27

On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram's horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader.

Study Bible

On arriving in Seirah
The phrase "On arriving in Seirah" indicates a specific location that Ehud reached. Seirah is not extensively detailed in other parts of the Bible, but its mention here suggests a strategic or significant place for Ehud's mission. The Hebrew root for "Seirah" can imply a wooded or forested area, which might have provided a natural cover or strategic advantage for Ehud and his followers. Historically, locations like Seirah were often chosen for their tactical benefits, offering concealment and a vantage point for launching surprise attacks.

he blew the ram’s horn
The act of blowing the "ram’s horn," or shofar, is deeply symbolic in the Hebrew tradition. The shofar was used to signal important events, such as the start of a battle or a call to assembly. The Hebrew word for ram's horn is "shofar," and it carries connotations of divine intervention and the rallying of God's people. In the context of Judges, the blowing of the shofar by Ehud signifies a call to arms and a divine endorsement of the uprising against the oppressors. It is a moment of awakening and mobilization for the Israelites.

throughout the hill country of Ephraim
The "hill country of Ephraim" refers to a central region in the land of Israel, known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. Ephraim was one of the prominent tribes of Israel, and its territory was often a focal point in the nation's history. The mention of this region highlights the geographical and tribal context of Ehud's actions. The hills provided a natural defense and a place from which to launch a rebellion, emphasizing the strategic planning behind Ehud's leadership.

and the Israelites came down with him from the hills
This phrase indicates the response of the Israelites to Ehud's call. The act of "coming down from the hills" suggests a movement from a place of safety to one of engagement and confrontation. It reflects the readiness and willingness of the Israelites to follow Ehud into battle. The Hebrew context often uses such imagery to depict a transition from passivity to action, symbolizing a collective decision to trust in God's deliverance through Ehud's leadership.

with him leading them
The phrase "with him leading them" underscores Ehud's role as a divinely appointed leader. In the Hebrew tradition, leadership is often seen as a calling from God, and Ehud's position here is one of both spiritual and military guidance. His leadership is not just about strategy but also about inspiring faith and courage in the people. The historical context of the Judges period was one of cyclical oppression and deliverance, and leaders like Ehud were seen as instruments of God's salvation for Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ehud
A left-handed judge of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression by assassinating King Eglon.

2. Seirah
A location in the hill country of Ephraim where Ehud rallied the Israelites after his escape from Moabite territory.

3. Ephraim
A significant tribal region in central Israel, known for its strategic hill country, which played a crucial role in Israel's military campaigns.

4. Ram’s Horn (Shofar)
A traditional instrument used in Israel for signaling, calling to assembly, or announcing significant events, such as war or religious festivals.

5. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were under Moabite oppression and responded to Ehud's call to rise against their oppressors.

Teaching Points

God's Use of Unlikely Leaders
Ehud, a left-handed man in a right-handed world, was chosen by God to deliver Israel. God often uses those whom society might overlook to accomplish His purposes.

The Power of Obedience
Ehud's actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's call, even when it involves great personal risk.

The Role of Community in God's Plan
The Israelites' response to Ehud's call highlights the importance of unity and collective action in fulfilling God's purposes.

Divine Strategy and Timing
Ehud's strategic use of the ram's horn and the timing of his call to arms show that God's plans are precise and require our attentiveness to His timing.

Faith in Action
Ehud's leadership and the Israelites' response illustrate the necessity of putting faith into action, trusting God for victory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ehud's leadership challenge our understanding of who God can use for His purposes today?

2. In what ways can we be attentive to God's timing and strategy in our own lives, as Ehud was?

3. How does the response of the Israelites to Ehud's call encourage us to participate in God's work as a community?

4. What are some modern "ram's horns" or signals that God might use to call us to action in our spiritual lives?

5. How can we apply the lesson of faith in action from Ehud's account to a current challenge we are facing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 6
The use of the ram's horn in the battle of Jericho, illustrating its role in divine intervention and military victory.

1 Samuel 13-14
Jonathan's call to arms against the Philistines, showing a similar rallying of Israel for battle.

Judges 6
Gideon's call to arms against the Midianites, another example of God raising a leader to deliver Israel.