Judges 3:25

So they waited until they became worried and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upper room. Then they took the key and opened the doors--and there was their lord lying dead on the floor.

Study Bible

So they waited
The Hebrew root for "waited" is "חָכָה" (chakah), which implies a sense of anticipation or expectation. In the context of this verse, the servants of Eglon, the Moabite king, are waiting outside the door, expecting their lord to emerge. This waiting period is significant as it reflects a moment of divine intervention and human hesitation. The servants' delay allows Ehud, the Israelite judge, to escape, highlighting God's providential timing in delivering Israel from oppression.

until they were embarrassed
The phrase "until they were embarrassed" suggests a growing sense of awkwardness and concern among the servants. The Hebrew word "בּוּשׁ" (bush) conveys a feeling of shame or confusion. This embarrassment underscores the servants' realization that something is amiss, yet they are hesitant to act due to cultural norms of privacy and respect for their king. This moment of human hesitation contrasts with the decisive action of Ehud, emphasizing the theme of God's deliverance through unexpected means.

but when he did not open the doors
The act of not opening the doors signifies a breach in expected protocol. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a king's privacy was paramount, and the closed doors would have been a signal for the servants to wait. The phrase highlights the tension between cultural expectations and the unfolding divine plan. The closed doors serve as a metaphor for the barriers that God can overcome to achieve His purposes.

of the upper room
The "upper room" refers to a private chamber, often used for rest or private meetings. In the context of ancient architecture, upper rooms were typically more secure and secluded. This setting emphasizes the vulnerability of Eglon, who is isolated and unaware of the impending judgment. The upper room becomes a place of divine justice, where God uses Ehud to bring about deliverance for Israel.

they took the key and opened them
The act of taking the key and opening the doors signifies a shift from hesitation to action. The key, a symbol of authority and access, represents the servants' decision to breach protocol due to their growing concern. This moment of action reveals the unfolding of God's plan, as the servants' discovery of Eglon's death marks the beginning of Israel's liberation from Moabite oppression.

and there was their lord lying dead on the floor
The discovery of Eglon "lying dead on the floor" is the climax of the narrative. The phrase underscores the finality of God's judgment against the oppressor. Eglon's death is a turning point in the story, symbolizing the end of Moabite domination and the beginning of a new chapter for Israel. This moment serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely instruments, like Ehud, to accomplish His purposes. The imagery of the fallen king on the floor highlights the theme of divine justice and the reversal of human power structures.

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 Israel for eighteen years. He was killed by Ehud.

3. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. Moabites were descendants of Lot.

4. The Servants
Eglon's attendants who waited outside the locked doors, assuming their king was relieving himself.

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

Teaching Points

Divine Deliverance
God uses unexpected means and people to deliver His people. Ehud's left-handedness, considered a disadvantage, became a strategic advantage.

Patience and Timing
The servants' delay in checking on Eglon illustrates the importance of God's perfect timing in unfolding His plans.

Courage and Faith
Ehud's boldness in carrying out God's mission encourages believers to act courageously in faith, trusting in God's protection and purpose.

The Downfall of the Wicked
Eglon's death serves as a reminder that those who oppose God's people will ultimately face judgment.

God's Sovereignty
The account underscores God's control over nations and leaders, orchestrating events for His purposes and the good of His people.

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 can we see God's timing at work in our own lives, similar to the delay of Eglon's servants?

3. How does Ehud's courage inspire us to take bold steps in our faith journey, even when facing daunting challenges?

4. What lessons can we learn from the downfall of Eglon about the consequences of opposing God's will?

5. How can we apply the understanding of God's sovereignty in this passage to current events or personal circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

1 Samuel 24:3-4
Similar situation where David spares Saul in a cave, highlighting themes of divine deliverance and human agency.

Psalm 37:12-15
Speaks of the wicked plotting against the righteous, but ultimately falling by their own schemes, paralleling Eglon's fate.

Proverbs 21:30-31
Emphasizes that no wisdom or plan can succeed against the Lord, reflecting the divine orchestration in Ehud's victory.