Judges 3:24

After Ehud was gone, Eglon's servants came in and found the doors of the upper room locked. "He must be relieving himself in the cool room," they said.

Study Bible

After he had gone out
This phrase marks the beginning of a transition in the narrative, indicating a change in scene or action. The Hebrew root for "gone out" is יָצָא (yatsa), which often signifies a departure or exit. In the context of Judges 3, this departure is significant as it follows Ehud's assassination of Eglon, the Moabite king. Historically, this moment is pivotal as it sets the stage for Israel's deliverance from Moabite oppression. Theologically, it underscores the theme of divine deliverance through unexpected means, as God uses Ehud, a left-handed man, to bring about victory.

his servants came in
The entrance of Eglon's servants introduces a new development in the story. The Hebrew word for "servants" is עֲבָדִים (avadim), which can also mean slaves or attendants. This reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient Near Eastern courts, where servants played crucial roles in the daily operations of the palace. Their entrance is a narrative device that heightens the tension, as they are unaware of their king's fate. This moment serves as a reminder of the often-unseen hand of God at work, orchestrating events for His purposes.

and when they saw that the doors of the upper room were locked
The locked doors are a critical detail in the story. The Hebrew word for "locked" is נָעַל (na'al), which implies security and privacy. The upper room, or "aliyyah" in Hebrew, was typically a private chamber used for rest or important meetings. The locked doors suggest a false sense of security for Eglon and his servants, highlighting the irony of human plans versus divine intervention. This detail also foreshadows the servants' misunderstanding and delay, which allows Ehud to escape.

they said, 'He must be relieving himself in the cool room.'
This statement reflects the servants' assumption based on cultural practices of the time. The "cool room" likely refers to a private chamber designed for comfort, possibly with ventilation to provide relief from the heat. The Hebrew phrase for "relieving himself" is מְסִיךְ רַגְלָיו (mesikh raglav), a euphemism for attending to personal needs. This assumption by the servants demonstrates their respect for privacy and their reluctance to disturb the king, which ultimately contributes to Ehud's successful escape. Theologically, this moment illustrates how God can use ordinary human actions and assumptions to fulfill His divine purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Eglon
The king of Moab who oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years before being killed by Ehud.

3. Moab
A nation east of Israel that subjugated the Israelites during this period.

4. The Servants of Eglon
They were responsible for attending to King Eglon and were present during the events of Judges 3:24.

5. The Upper Room
The private chamber where King Eglon was killed by Ehud.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
God raises unlikely heroes to deliver His people, demonstrating His control over history and His ability to use anyone for His purposes.

The Importance of Obedience
Ehud's willingness to act on God's command shows the importance of obedience in fulfilling God's plans.

Perception vs. Reality
The servants' misunderstanding of the situation in the upper room reminds us that human perception can be flawed, and we must seek God's wisdom.

God's Timing
The delay of Eglon's servants in discovering the truth allowed Ehud to escape, illustrating that God's timing is perfect in executing His plans.

Courage in Faith
Ehud's boldness in confronting Eglon challenges us to act courageously in faith when God calls us to action.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways does the account of Ehud and Eglon illustrate the theme of God's deliverance found throughout the Bible?

3. How can we discern God's timing in our lives, and what steps can we take to ensure we are acting in obedience to His will?

4. What are some modern-day situations where we might need to act with the same courage and faith as Ehud?

5. How can we guard against relying solely on our perceptions and instead seek God's wisdom in understanding situations around us?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 3:15-30
Provides the broader context of Ehud's mission and the deliverance of Israel from Moabite rule.

Exodus 3:7-10
Similar to how God raised Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt, He raised Ehud to deliver them from Moab.

1 Samuel 16:7
Highlights God's ability to use unexpected individuals, like Ehud, for His purposes, emphasizing that God looks at the heart.

2 Corinthians 12:9
Reflects the theme of God using human weakness (Ehud's left-handedness) to demonstrate His strength.