The assassination of Eglon, king of Moab, by Ehud is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30. This narrative highlights themes of deliverance, divine intervention, and the sovereignty of God in raising leaders to liberate His people.

Historical Context

The period of the Judges was marked by a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and the rise of judges who acted as deliverers. After the death of Othniel, the first judge, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the Lord, leading to their subjugation by Eglon, king of Moab. Eglon, with the help of the Ammonites and Amalekites, captured the city of palms, Jericho, and oppressed Israel for eighteen years (Judges 3:12-14).

Ehud's Mission

Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen by God to deliver Israel. The Israelites sent Ehud to present tribute to Eglon. Ehud crafted a double-edged sword about a cubit long and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh, a strategic placement given his left-handedness (Judges 3:15-16).

The Assassination

Upon delivering the tribute, Ehud requested a private audience with Eglon, claiming to have a secret message for him. Eglon, described as a very fat man, dismissed his attendants, allowing Ehud the opportunity to act. Ehud approached Eglon in his cool upper chamber and declared, "I have a message from God for you." As Eglon rose from his seat, Ehud drew his sword with his left hand and thrust it into Eglon's belly. The blade sank in, and the fat closed over it, for Ehud did not pull the sword out (Judges 3:20-22).

Escape and Aftermath

Ehud locked the doors of the upper chamber and made his escape. Eglon's servants, assuming he was relieving himself, delayed in checking on him. This allowed Ehud to flee to Seirah. Upon reaching the hill country of Ephraim, Ehud sounded the trumpet and rallied the Israelites, leading them to seize the fords of the Jordan and cut off the Moabites' escape. The Israelites struck down about ten thousand Moabite men, securing a significant victory and bringing peace to the land for eighty years (Judges 3:23-30).

Theological Significance

The assassination of Eglon by Ehud underscores the theme of divine deliverance through unexpected means. Ehud's left-handedness, often seen as a disadvantage, became a tool for God's purpose. This narrative illustrates God's sovereignty in using unlikely individuals to achieve His plans and deliver His people from oppression. The account of Ehud serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of obedience and courage in the face of adversity.Judges 3:15-22
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.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... reached the cromlech of Gilgal,* and were safe beyond the reach of the enemy, Ehud
retraced his steps, and presenting himself before the palace of Eglon in the ...
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A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... Thus, Ehud the Benjamite, who treacherously gained admittance to the presence of
Eglon, secretly slew ... When, if ever, is assassination justifiable as ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

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