Judges 3:28

"Follow me," he told them, "for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand." So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross over.

Study Bible

Follow me, he ordered
This phrase signifies a call to action and leadership. The Hebrew root for "follow" is "הלך" (halak), which means to walk or go. In the context of Judges, this is a rallying cry for the Israelites to unite under divine guidance. The leader here is Ehud, who has been raised by God to deliver Israel. His command is not just a military directive but a spiritual call to trust in God's deliverance.

for the LORD has delivered
The phrase underscores the central theme of divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "delivered" is "נתן" (natan), meaning to give or hand over. This reflects the belief that victory is not achieved by human strength alone but is a gift from God. The Israelites' success is attributed to the LORD's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people.

your enemies the Moabites into your hand
This part of the verse identifies the Moabites as the adversaries. Historically, the Moabites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. The phrase "into your hand" is a Hebrew idiom indicating complete control or power over someone. It signifies God's promise of victory and the fulfillment of His word to protect and deliver Israel from oppression.

So they followed him down
The Israelites' response to Ehud's call is immediate and obedient. The act of following "down" suggests a descent, possibly from the highlands to the Jordan Valley, indicating a strategic move in the battle. This obedience reflects the trust and confidence the people have in Ehud's leadership and God's promise.

took control of the fords of the Jordan
The "fords of the Jordan" were shallow parts of the river used for crossing. Controlling these fords was crucial for military strategy, as it prevented the Moabites from retreating or receiving reinforcements. This action demonstrates the tactical wisdom given by God to Ehud and the Israelites, ensuring their victory.

leading to Moab
This phrase indicates the geographical and strategic significance of the location. The fords were the gateway to Moab, and controlling them meant cutting off the Moabites' escape route. It highlights the thoroughness of God's deliverance, ensuring that the enemy could not regroup or retaliate.

and did not let anyone cross over
This final phrase emphasizes the completeness of the victory. By not allowing anyone to cross, the Israelites ensured that the Moabites were entirely defeated. It signifies the totality of God's deliverance and the fulfillment of His promise to protect His people. This decisive action reflects the faith and determination of the Israelites under God's guidance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ehud
A left-handed judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from Moabite oppression. He is the central figure in this passage, leading the Israelites to victory.

2. The Moabites
The enemies of Israel at this time, who had oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years. They were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is credited with delivering the Moabites into the hands of the Israelites, emphasizing divine intervention.

4. The Fords of the Jordan
Strategic crossing points of the Jordan River, which the Israelites seized to prevent the Moabites from escaping or receiving reinforcements.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who were oppressed by the Moabites and rallied by Ehud to reclaim their freedom.

Teaching Points

Divine Deliverance
Recognize that God is the ultimate deliverer. Just as He delivered Israel from the Moabites, He delivers us from our spiritual enemies.

Leadership and Obedience
Ehud's leadership and the Israelites' obedience to follow him demonstrate the importance of godly leadership and the willingness to act in faith.

Strategic Action
The seizing of the fords shows the importance of strategic thinking and action in fulfilling God's purposes.

Faith in Action
The Israelites' response to Ehud's call to action is a reminder that faith often requires us to step out and take decisive action.

God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's control over nations and events, encouraging trust in His sovereign plans.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ehud's leadership inspire you to take action in areas where God is calling you to lead or serve?

2. In what ways can you recognize and seize "strategic fords" in your life where God is calling you to take a stand or make a change?

3. How does the account of Ehud and the Moabites encourage you to trust in God's deliverance in your current struggles?

4. What other biblical accounts of deliverance can you relate to Judges 3:28, and how do they reinforce the theme of God's faithfulness?

5. How can you apply the principle of obedience to godly leadership in your community or church setting today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 14
The crossing of the Red Sea, where God delivered Israel from the Egyptians, parallels the strategic control of the Jordan fords, highlighting God's deliverance.

Joshua 3-4
The crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land, which signifies God's faithfulness and power in leading His people to victory.

1 Samuel 17
David's victory over Goliath, another instance where God delivers Israel from their enemies through an unlikely hero.