Topical Bible: Falsehood: Ehud

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Introduction

Ehud, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is known for his role as a deliverer of Israel from Moabite oppression. His account is found in Judges 3:12-30. Ehud's actions, particularly his use of deception, have been the subject of much discussion and analysis within biblical scholarship. This entry explores the theme of falsehood in the narrative of Ehud, examining the moral and theological implications of his actions.

Biblical Account

The Israelites, having once again done evil in the sight of the LORD, were subjected to the rule of Eglon, the king of Moab. For eighteen years, the Israelites served Eglon until they cried out to the LORD for deliverance. In response, God raised up Ehud, the son of Gera, a Benjamite, described as a left-handed man (Judges 3:15).

Ehud's plan to deliver Israel involved a strategic act of deception. He crafted a double-edged sword, about a cubit in length, and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh. Ehud then presented tribute to Eglon, who was described as a very fat man (Judges 3:16-17).

The Deceptive Act

After delivering the tribute, Ehud dismissed the people who had carried it and returned to Eglon under the pretense of having a secret message for the king. Eglon, intrigued by the prospect of a confidential communication, commanded silence and dismissed all his attendants. Ehud approached the king in his private chamber and declared, "I have a message from God for you." As Eglon rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon's belly (Judges 3:19-21).

Ehud's use of falsehood is evident in his claim of a divine message, which served as a ruse to gain the king's trust and ensure a moment of vulnerability. This act of deception was instrumental in Ehud's successful assassination of Eglon, leading to the liberation of Israel from Moabite domination.

Moral and Theological Considerations

The narrative of Ehud raises complex questions about the use of deception in the pursuit of a righteous cause. From a moral standpoint, Ehud's actions can be seen as a violation of the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16). However, within the context of the Judges, Ehud's deception is portrayed as a divinely sanctioned strategy for deliverance.

Theologically, Ehud's account underscores the sovereignty of God in using flawed human instruments to achieve His purposes. Despite the morally ambiguous nature of Ehud's actions, the outcome aligns with God's plan to deliver His people from oppression. This reflects a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, where God raises unlikely and imperfect leaders to fulfill His will.

Conclusion

Ehud's narrative invites reflection on the tension between ethical conduct and divine providence. While his use of falsehood challenges conventional moral expectations, it serves as a reminder of God's ability to work through human imperfection to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 3:16-23
But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment on his right thigh.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... I may say, as Ehud to Eglon, "I have a message to thee from God ... be much cleared by
the ceasing of former temptations, and experiencing the falsehood of former ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the IXth and VIIIth centuries BC of whom we are about to speak; some of the
narratives, such as the story of Abimelech, and possibly that of Ehud, may have ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm