How does Ehud's story connect with God's deliverance in Exodus? Setting the Storyline • Israel’s pattern: “Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD” (Judges 3:12). • Oppression follows—this time under Eglon of Moab. • The people “cried out to the LORD” (Judges 3:15). • God raises Ehud, just as He once raised Moses when Israel cried out in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-10). Judges 3:16—A Sword and Its Symbolism “Now Ehud made himself a double-edged sword a cubit long. He strapped it under his clothing on his right thigh.” • A hidden weapon, seemingly insignificant—like Moses’ staff (Exodus 4:2-4). • Double-edged: judgment and salvation wrapped together, pointing ahead to God’s word (Hebrews 4:12). • Strapped to the thigh—readiness; echo of Passover Israelites eating “with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand” (Exodus 12:11). Parallel Movements: Exodus and Judges 1. Sin ➔ Servitude ➔ Supplication ➔ Salvation. 2. Oppressor named (Pharaoh / Eglon). 3. Unlikely deliverer (shepherd slow of speech / left-handed Benjamite). 4. Simple tool (staff / short sword). 5. Direct confrontation in the oppressor’s own halls (Exodus 10:1-3; Judges 3:19-22). 6. Escape route blocked then secured (Red Sea / Jordan fords, Judges 3:28). 7. National rest (Exodus 15:1-18; Judges 3:30). Deliverer Profiles: Moses and Ehud • Both enter alone, leave leading a nation. • Left-handed Ehud from Benjamin (“son of the right hand”)—weakness turned strength, like Moses’ reluctance turned boldness. • Both act at personal risk, trusting God’s sovereignty over kings. Miracles by Water • Moses parts the sea (Exodus 14:21-22). • Ehud seizes the fords of the Jordan (Judges 3:28) so Moab cannot regroup—another “watery wall” of deliverance. Blowing the Ram’s Horn • Ehud sounds the shofar in Ephraim (Judges 3:27), rallying Israel—the same instrument later tied to Sinai’s trumpet blast announcing God’s presence (Exodus 19:16). • The horn marks the moment God’s covenant people move from fear to faith. Eighty Years of Rest “Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel, and the land had peace for eighty years.” (Judges 3:30) • Moses lived 80 years before the Exodus began (Exodus 7:7). • Both numbers bracket eras of bondage ending in extended peace—God’s consistent pattern of long-range mercy. Key Connections to Hold Onto • God hears and responds to cries for help—always has, always will. • Deliverance often comes through unexpected people and methods. • Small acts of faith (a hidden sword, a raised staff) unleash God’s mighty power. • Physical rescue prefigures a greater spiritual exodus accomplished in Christ, the true and better Deliverer (Luke 9:31). |
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