Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. New Living Translation But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, the LORD again raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver their tribute money to King Eglon of Moab. English Standard Version Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD, and the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Israel cried out to YHWH, and YHWH raised up a deliverer for them, Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite, a man impeded in his right hand. And the sons of Israel sent by his hand tribute to Eglon king of Moab. King James Bible But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. New King James Version But when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. By him the children of Israel sent tribute to Eglon king of Moab. New American Standard Bible But when the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for them, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. And the sons of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. NASB 1995 But when the sons of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for them, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. And the sons of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. NASB 1977 But when the sons of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for them, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. And the sons of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. Legacy Standard Bible Then the sons of Israel cried to Yahweh, and Yahweh raised up a savior for them, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. And the sons of Israel sent tribute by his hand to Eglon the king of Moab. Amplified Bible But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD [for help], the LORD raised up a man to rescue them, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man. And the Israelites sent a gift of tribute by him to Eglon king of Moab. Berean Annotated Bible And again they (he wrestles with God) cried out to the LORD {YHWH}, and He raised up Ehud (I will give thanks) son of Gera (a grain) (son of the right hand), a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon (calf-like) king of Moab (of his father). Christian Standard Bible Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjaminite, as a deliverer for them. The Israelites sent him with the tribute for King Eglon of Moab. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjaminite, as a deliverer for them. The Israelites sent him to Eglon king of Moab with tribute money. American Standard Version But when the children of Israel cried unto Jehovah, Jehovah raised them up a saviour, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. And the children of Israel sent tribute by him unto Eglon the king of Moab. English Revised Version But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a saviour, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and the children of Israel sent a present by him unto Eglon the king of Moab. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. The LORD sent a savior to rescue them. It was Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. (Ehud was the son of Gera.) The people sent him with their tax payment to King Eglon of Moab. Good News Translation Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and he sent someone to free them. This was Ehud, a left-handed man, who was the son of Gera, from the tribe of Benjamin. The people of Israel sent Ehud to King Eglon of Moab with gifts for him. International Standard Version But when the Israelis cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up Gera's son Ehud, a left-handed descendant of Benjamin, as a deliverer for them. The Israelis paid tribute through him to king Eglon of Moab. NET Bible When the Israelites cried out for help to the LORD, he raised up a deliverer for them. His name was Ehud son of Gera the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent him to King Eglon of Moab with their tribute payment. New Heart English Bible But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. Webster's Bible Translation But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjaminite, a man left-handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon king of Moab. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd 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. World English Bible But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the sons of Israel cry to YHWH, and YHWH raises a savior to them, Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite (a man [with] his right hand bound), and the sons of Israel send a present by his hand to Eglon king of Moab; Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Israel cried out to YHWH, and YHWH raised up a deliverer for them, Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite, a man impeded in his right hand. And the sons of Israel sent by his hand tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Young's Literal Translation And the sons of Israel cry unto Jehovah, and Jehovah raiseth to them a saviour, Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite (a man -- shut of his right hand), and the sons of Israel send by his hand a present to Eglon king of Moab; Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Israel will cry to Jehovah, and Jehovah will raise up to them a saviour, Ehud, son of Gera, son of a Benjamite, a man shut up of his right hand: and the sons of Israel will send a gift by his hand to Eglon, king of Moab. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd afterwards they cried to the Lord, who raised them up a saviour called Aod, the son of Gera, the son of Jemini, who used the left hand as well as the right. And the children of Israel sent presents to Eglon king of Moab by him. Catholic Public Domain Version And afterward, they cried out to the Lord, who raised up for them a savior, called Ehud, the son of Gera, the son of Benjamin, who used either hand as well as the right hand. And the sons of Israel sent gifts to Eglon, the king of Moab, by him. New American Bible But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, he raised up for them a savior, Ehud, son of Gera, a Benjaminite who was left-handed. The Israelites would send their tribute to Eglon, king of Moab, by him. New Revised Standard Version But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent tribute by him to King Eglon of Moab. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehur the son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin, a man whose right hand was crippled, and the children of Israel sent a present by him to Eglon the king of Moab. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the children of Israel called LORD JEHOVAH, and LORD JEHOVAH raised up for them a Savior, Ahor, son of Gara, from the tribe of Benyamin, a man whose right hand was crippled, and the children of Israel sent a gift by his hand to Eglun, King of Moab OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a saviour, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed; and the children of Israel sent a present by him unto Eglon the king of Moab. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the children of Israel cried to the Lord; and he raised up to them a saviour, Aod the son of Gera a son of Jemeni, a man who used both hands alike: and the children of Israel sent gifts by his hand to Eglom king of Moab. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ehud…14The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. 15And 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. 16Now Ehud had made for himself a double-edged sword a cubit long. He strapped it to his right thigh under his cloak… Cross References And again they cried out to the LORD, Judges 10:10 Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, saying, “We have sinned against You, for we have indeed forsaken our God and served the Baals.” Exodus 2:23-25 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. / So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / God saw the Israelites and took notice. Psalm 107:13-14 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. / He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains. and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, Judges 2:16 Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them. 1 Samuel 12:11 So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely. Nehemiah 9:27 So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies. a left-handed Benjamite, Judges 20:16 Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing. 1 Chronicles 12:2 they were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows; and they were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin): as their deliverer. Acts 7:35 This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. Isaiah 19:20 It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. Psalm 106:44-45 Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. / And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. 2 Kings 3:4-5 Now Mesha king of Moab was a sheep breeder, and he would render to the king of Israel a hundred thousand lambs and the wool of a hundred thousand rams. / But after the death of Ahab, the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 2 Kings 16:7-8 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” / Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. 2 Kings 18:14-15 So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. / Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. Judges 4:1-3 After Ehud died, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD. / So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his forces was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. / Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and he had harshly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Judges 6:11-14 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. / And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.” / “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” … Treasury of Scripture But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab. Judges 3:9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Psalm 78:34 When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and inquired early after God. a Benjamite, or the son of Jemini. Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss. 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul's brethren of Benjamin. sent a present 1 Samuel 10:27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. Proverbs 18:16 A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Proverbs 19:6 Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. Jump to Previous Benjamite Children Cried Deliverer Eglon Ehud Israel Left-Handed Moab Present Raised Savior Saviour TributeJump to Next Benjamite Children Cried Deliverer Eglon Ehud Israel Left-Handed Moab Present Raised Savior Saviour TributeJudges 3 1. The nations which were left to prove Israel5. By communion with them they commit idolatry 8. Othniel delivered them from Chushan-Rishathaim 12. Ehud from Eglon 31. and Shamgar from the Philistines And again they cried out to the LORD This phrase indicates a recurring cycle in the Book of Judges where the Israelites fall into sin, face oppression, cry out to God, and are delivered by a judge. This cycle reflects the Israelites' dependence on God and their tendency to turn away from Him, only to return in times of distress. The act of crying out signifies repentance and acknowledgment of their need for divine intervention. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. EhudA 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 RepentanceWhen 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 and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 3:15?2. How does Judges 3:15 illustrate God's response to Israel's cries for help? 3. What qualities made Ehud a suitable deliverer for Israel in Judges 3:15? 4. How can we seek God's deliverance in our personal struggles today? 5. Compare Ehud's calling with other biblical leaders chosen by God. 6. How does Judges 3:15 encourage reliance on God during times of oppression? 7. Why did God choose Ehud, a left-handed man, to deliver Israel in Judges 3:15? 8. How does Ehud's story in Judges 3:15 challenge traditional views of leadership and power? 9. What is the significance of God raising a deliverer in Judges 3:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 3? 11. What is the Bible's view on left-handedness? 12. How could Shamgar realistically kill 600 Philistines with a single oxgoad (Judges 3:31)? 13. In 1 Chronicles 8:6-7, is the reference to Ehud a contradiction of Judges 3, or is it an entirely different person with the same name? 14. Who is Ehud in historical or biblical context? What Does Judges 3:15 Mean And again they cried out to the LORDIsrael finds itself under Moabite domination because of repeated sin (Judges 3:12). The phrase “again” reminds us of the familiar cycle in Judges—rebellion, oppression, repentance, deliverance (Judges 2:18-19). Crying out is not a mere scream of pain; it is a confession of need that acknowledges God as the only rescuer, just as Israel did in earlier bondage (Exodus 2:23-25) and would later do in Samson’s day (Judges 15:18). Psalm 107:13 captures the pattern: “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them from their distress.” and He raised up Ehud son of Gera God personally “raised up” the next judge, emphasizing His active sovereignty. The deliverer is not self-appointed; he is chosen, equipped, and sent by the LORD (Judges 2:16). Ehud hails from Benjamin, a tribe small in number but often highlighted when God wants to show that salvation comes “not by might nor by power” (Zechariah 4:6; see also 1 Samuel 9:21). The mention of Gera roots Ehud in a real family line, underscoring the historical reliability of the narrative. a left-handed Benjamite Left-handedness was uncommon and tactically advantageous. Judges 20:16 notes 700 left-handed slingers from Benjamin—apparently, the tribe trained ambidextrous warriors. Ironically, “Benjamin” means “son of the right hand,” yet God chooses a man noted for using his left. It is a subtle reminder that the LORD delights to work through unexpected means (1 Corinthians 1:27), turning what some might view as a limitation into a strategic edge. as their deliverer The term “deliverer” (judged) implies more than military heroism; it carries the idea of salvation. Ehud prefigures the ultimate Deliverer, Christ, whom God “raised up… a horn of salvation” (Luke 1:69). In every judge we see a shadow of the greater redemption story: God hears, God sends, God saves (Isaiah 19:20). Ehud’s specific commission is to liberate Israel from Moab’s heavy oppression (Judges 3:14). So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab Tribute signifies subjugation—regular payments of goods or silver to a foreign ruler (2 Samuel 8:2). By sending Ehud, Israel outwardly complies with Moab’s demands while, inwardly, God is setting Eglon up for downfall. Ehud’s left-handedness allows him to conceal a sword on his right thigh, an unexpected location for guards to check, paving the way for the daring assassination in verses 16-26. The scene illustrates Psalm 18:27—“You save an afflicted people, but haughty eyes You abase.” summary Judges 3:15 shows the faithful pattern of a holy God responding to repentant cries. He selects an unlikely hero—Ehud, the left-handed Benjamite—to demonstrate that deliverance is His work alone. The tribute mission becomes a divine setup for liberation. The verse invites us to trust that when God’s people genuinely call on Him, He will raise up exactly the right means, however unconventional, to bring salvation and break every yoke. (15) Ehud the son of Gera.--In Genesis 46:21 Gera is a son of Benjamin; in 1Chronicles 8:3 he is a son of Bela, son of Benjamin. The name Gera was hereditary in the tribe of Benjamin (see 2Samuel 19:18; 1Chronicles 8:1-7), and the Jews so constantly omit steps in their genealogies that we can never be sure that "son" means more than "descendant." Ehud seems to be another form of Abihud (1Chronicles 8:1-8). St. Jerome explains it to mean "one who praises "or "is praised." Josephus calls him a young man, and even "a youth" (neaniskos).A Benjamite.--"Ben-ha-jemini," as in Psalm 7:1. The word is generally written undivided, so that here the LXX., Vulgate, and Luther have "son of Jemini." No doubt the Syriac, Arabic, and Chaldee rightly understood it to mean a Benjamite, but still there seems to be an intentional play on words, for "Ben-ha-jemini" may also mean "a son of the right hand, who," as the writer adds, "was helpless with his right hand" (Ben-ha-jemini eesh itter jad-jemini). . . . Verse 15. - Left-handed. It was a peculiarity of the warriors of the tribe of Benjamin to be left-handed (see Judges 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2). A left-handed man wearing no sword or dagger on his left side, and using his right hand for other purposes, would naturally throw a man off his guard. Thus Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him, and then smote him with the sword in his left hand (2 Samuel 20:10). A deliverer. Hebrew, a saviour (ver. 9). A present, i.e. their tribute.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And again [they]בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son cried out וַיִּזְעֲק֣וּ (way·yiz·‘ă·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 2199: To shriek, to announce, convene publicly to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the LORD, יְהוָה֒ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel and He יְהוָ֨ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel raised up וַיָּקֶם֩ (way·yā·qem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand Ehud אֵה֤וּד (’ê·hūḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 164: Ehud -- the name of several Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Gera, גֵּרָא֙ (gê·rā) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1617: Gera -- the name of several Israelites, also a Benjamite family a left-handed אִטֵּ֖ר (’iṭ·ṭêr) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 334: Shut up, impeded Benjamite, בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son as their deliverer. מוֹשִׁ֗יעַ (mō·wō·šî·a‘) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor So [they] יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc sent וַיִּשְׁלְח֨וּ (way·yiš·lə·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out him בְּיָדוֹ֙ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand with tribute מִנְחָ֔ה (min·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering to Eglon לְעֶגְל֖וֹן (lə·‘eḡ·lō·wn) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5700: Eglon -- a king of Moab, also a city in Israel king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Moab. מוֹאָֽב׃ (mō·w·’āḇ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 4124: Moab -- a son of Lot,also his descendants and the territory where they settled Links Judges 3:15 NIVJudges 3:15 NLT Judges 3:15 ESV Judges 3:15 NASB Judges 3:15 KJV Judges 3:15 BibleApps.com Judges 3:15 Biblia Paralela Judges 3:15 Chinese Bible Judges 3:15 French Bible Judges 3:15 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried (Jd Judg. 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