What is the meaning of Judges 3:15? And again they cried out to the LORD Israel finds itself under Moabite domination because of repeated sin (Judges 3:12). The phrase “again” reminds us of the familiar cycle in Judges—rebellion, oppression, repentance, deliverance (Judges 2:18-19). Crying out is not a mere scream of pain; it is a confession of need that acknowledges God as the only rescuer, just as Israel did in earlier bondage (Exodus 2:23-25) and would later do in Samson’s day (Judges 15:18). Psalm 107:13 captures the pattern: “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble; He saved them from their distress.” and He raised up Ehud son of Gera God personally “raised up” the next judge, emphasizing His active sovereignty. The deliverer is not self-appointed; he is chosen, equipped, and sent by the LORD (Judges 2:16). Ehud hails from Benjamin, a tribe small in number but often highlighted when God wants to show that salvation comes “not by might nor by power” (Zechariah 4:6; see also 1 Samuel 9:21). The mention of Gera roots Ehud in a real family line, underscoring the historical reliability of the narrative. a left-handed Benjamite Left-handedness was uncommon and tactically advantageous. Judges 20:16 notes 700 left-handed slingers from Benjamin—apparently, the tribe trained ambidextrous warriors. Ironically, “Benjamin” means “son of the right hand,” yet God chooses a man noted for using his left. It is a subtle reminder that the LORD delights to work through unexpected means (1 Corinthians 1:27), turning what some might view as a limitation into a strategic edge. as their deliverer The term “deliverer” (judged) implies more than military heroism; it carries the idea of salvation. Ehud prefigures the ultimate Deliverer, Christ, whom God “raised up… a horn of salvation” (Luke 1:69). In every judge we see a shadow of the greater redemption story: God hears, God sends, God saves (Isaiah 19:20). Ehud’s specific commission is to liberate Israel from Moab’s heavy oppression (Judges 3:14). So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab Tribute signifies subjugation—regular payments of goods or silver to a foreign ruler (2 Samuel 8:2). By sending Ehud, Israel outwardly complies with Moab’s demands while, inwardly, God is setting Eglon up for downfall. Ehud’s left-handedness allows him to conceal a sword on his right thigh, an unexpected location for guards to check, paving the way for the daring assassination in verses 16-26. The scene illustrates Psalm 18:27—“You save an afflicted people, but haughty eyes You abase.” summary Judges 3:15 shows the faithful pattern of a holy God responding to repentant cries. He selects an unlikely hero—Ehud, the left-handed Benjamite—to demonstrate that deliverance is His work alone. The tribute mission becomes a divine setup for liberation. The verse invites us to trust that when God’s people genuinely call on Him, He will raise up exactly the right means, however unconventional, to bring salvation and break every yoke. |
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