Then Ehud went out through the porch, closing and locking the doors of the upper room behind him. Then EhudThe name "Ehud" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "united" or "strong." Ehud is a judge raised by God to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. His left-handedness, mentioned earlier in the chapter, is significant as it symbolizes God's use of unexpected means to achieve His purposes. Ehud's actions demonstrate the courage and cunning that God can instill in His chosen leaders. went out through the porch
The "porch" refers to an entryway or vestibule, a common architectural feature in ancient Near Eastern palaces. This detail highlights the setting's authenticity and provides insight into the historical context of the narrative. The porch serves as a transitional space, symbolizing Ehud's movement from danger to safety, and from oppression to liberation for Israel. closing the doors of the upper room behind him
The "upper room" was often a private chamber used for important meetings or as a place of rest. In this context, it is where Ehud executed his plan against Eglon, the Moabite king. The act of "closing the doors" signifies finality and secrecy, ensuring that his deed remains undiscovered for a crucial period. This action reflects the wisdom and foresight God granted Ehud to accomplish His divine plan. and locking them
The act of "locking" the doors emphasizes security and the completion of Ehud's mission. In ancient times, locks were rudimentary but effective, symbolizing control and authority over a space. By locking the doors, Ehud ensures that Eglon's servants are delayed in discovering their king's fate, allowing Ehud time to escape. This detail underscores the theme of divine providence, as God orchestrates events to deliver His people through Ehud's obedience and strategic actions. Persons / Places / Events 1. EhudA left-handed judge of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by God to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. His unique characteristic of being left-handed played a crucial role in his mission. 2. EglonThe king of Moab who oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years. Ehud assassinated him as part of God's deliverance plan for Israel. 3. Upper RoomThe private chamber where King Eglon was killed by Ehud. This setting highlights the secrecy and strategic planning involved in Ehud's mission. 4. MoabA nation that oppressed Israel during this period. The Moabites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. 5. PorchThe passageway through which Ehud exited after assassinating Eglon, symbolizing his escape and the completion of his mission. Teaching Points God Uses Unlikely HeroesEhud's left-handedness, considered a disadvantage, was used by God for a strategic victory. God often uses our perceived weaknesses for His purposes. Strategic Planning in God's WorkEhud's careful planning and execution of his mission demonstrate the importance of wisdom and strategy in fulfilling God's call. Deliverance Through ObedienceEhud's obedience to God's call led to Israel's deliverance. Our obedience can lead to breakthroughs and victories in our lives. God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceThe account of Ehud reminds us that God is sovereign and can deliver His people in unexpected ways. Courage in the Face of DangerEhud's courage to confront Eglon teaches us to trust God and be bold in the face of challenges. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ehud's left-handedness play a role in God's plan for deliverance, and what does this teach us about our own perceived weaknesses? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and strategic planning in the account of Ehud, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 3. Compare Ehud's deliverance of Israel with other biblical deliverance accounts. What common themes do you notice, and how do they apply to your life? 4. How does Ehud's courage inspire you to face your own challenges, and what steps can you take to cultivate such courage? 5. Reflect on a time when God used an unlikely person or situation to bring about deliverance or change in your life. How can this reflection encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 15:1-21The song of Moses and Miriam celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, similar to how God used Ehud to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. 1 Samuel 17David's victory over Goliath parallels Ehud's victory over Eglon, showcasing God's power to deliver through unlikely means. Psalm 18:2This verse speaks of God as a deliverer, a theme evident in Ehud's account as God raises him to deliver Israel. | A Distinct Message | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | W. Rudder, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. Cumming, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Message from God | J. B. C. Murphy, B. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | A Sermon Upon Keys | John Mitchell. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Application of the Truth | | Judges 3:12-30 | | Effective Preachers Compared to Ehud | John McNeill. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Ehud: Left-Handedness | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | God's Messages | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | I have a Message from God unto Thee | T. Raffles, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Lessons from the Death of Eglon | T. De Witt Talmage. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Sin -- Suffering; Penitence and Deliverance Repeated | J. P. Millar. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Christian Minister Bearing a Message from God to Man | H. S. Plumptre, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | D. Johnston, D. D. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Gospel Message | E. Cooper, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | The Summer Parlour | W.F. Bishop. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Unexpected Perils | S. Baring-Gould, M. A. | Judges 3:12-30 | | Ehud | A.F. Muir | Judges 3:15-26 |
People Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Amorites, Anath, Aram, Canaanites, Chushanrishathaim, Chushan-rishathaim, Eglon, Ehud, Gera, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Israelites, Jebusites, Kenaz, Moabites, Othniel, Perizzites, Shamgar, Sidonians, ZidoniansPlaces Canaan, Gilgal, Jordan River, Lebanon, Lebo-hamath, Mesopotamia, Moab, Mount Baal-hermon, SeirahTopics Behind, Bolted, Chamber, Closed, Covered, Doors, Ehud, Forth, Locked, Locking, Parlor, Porch, Roof, Room, Shut, Shutteth, Shutting, Summer-house, Upper, VestibuleDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 3:15-26 5941 secrecy Judges 3:23-25 5340 house
5364 key Judges 3:23-26 5843 embarrassment Library Use what You Have
Few people really are and do their best. Nature has blessed a few with great talents and abilities. These persons often become proud, self-centered, and feel themselves to be superior, and for that reason many times they fail to make the proper use of their abilities. How often are they used in a bad or foolish way, so that what might be a blessing to the world fails to be such! There are many others who realize they do not possess these natural gifts. They look upon those who have them, and envy …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart TalksGifts and Talents.
"And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him."--Judges iii. 10. We now consider the Holy Spirit's work in bestowing gifts, talents, and abilities upon artisans and professional men. Scripture declares that the special animation and qualification of persons for work assigned to them by God proceed from the Holy Spirit. The construction of the tabernacle required capable workmen, skilful carpenters, goldsmiths, and silversmiths, and masters in the arts of weaving and embroidering. Who will furnish Moses …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Whether Baptism Should Take Away the Penalties of Sin that Belong to this Life?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism should take away the penalties of sin that belong to this life. For as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:15), the gift of Christ is farther-reaching than the sin of Adam. But through Adam's sin, as the Apostle says (Rom. 5:12), "death entered into this world," and, consequently, all the other penalties of the present life. Much more, therefore, should man be freed from the penalties of the present life, by the gift of Christ which is received in Baptism. Objection 2: Further, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare unto You, that God is Light,"
1 John i. 5.--"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light," &c. The great design of the gospel is to make up the breach of man's joy, and open up the way to the fulness of it, and therefore it is the good news and glad tidings of great joy, the only best message that ever came to the world. Now it shows unto us the channel that this river of gladness and joy runs into, it discovers what is the way of the conveyance of it to the soul, and what are …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Whether the Old Law Enjoined Fitting Precepts Concerning Rulers?
Objection 1: It would seem that the Old Law made unfitting precepts concerning rulers. Because, as the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 4), "the ordering of the people depends mostly on the chief ruler." But the Law contains no precept relating to the institution of the chief ruler; and yet we find therein prescriptions concerning the inferior rulers: firstly (Ex. 18:21): "Provide out of all the people wise [Vulg.: 'able'] men," etc.; again (Num. 11:16): "Gather unto Me seventy men of the ancients of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Doctrine of Angels.
I. THEIR EXISTENCE. 1. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. 2. THE TEACHING OF THE APOSTLES. II. THEIR NATURE. 1. CREATED BEINGS. 2. SPIRITUAL BEINGS. 3. GREAT POWER AND MIGHT. 4. VARIOUS GRADES. 5. THE NUMBER OF ANGELS. III. THE FALL OF ANGELS. 1. TIME AND CAUSE. 2. THE WORK OF FALLEN ANGELS. 3. THE JUDGMENT OF FALLEN ANGELS. IV. THE WORK OF ANGELS. 1. THEIR HEAVENLY MINISTRY. 2. THEIR EARTHLY MINISTRY. a) In Relation to the Believer. b) In Relation to Christ's Second Coming. THE DOCTRINE OF ANGELS. We are not …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 3:23 NIVJudges 3:23 NLTJudges 3:23 ESVJudges 3:23 NASBJudges 3:23 KJV
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