Eglon, the king of Moab, is a biblical figure noted for his corpulence, which plays a significant role in the narrative of his encounter with Ehud, the judge of Israel. The account of Eglon is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30. Eglon's account is often cited in discussions of corpulency within the Bible, as his physical description is integral to the unfolding of events.

Historical Context

Eglon was the king of Moab during a period when the Israelites were doing evil in the sight of the Lord, leading to their subjugation by foreign powers as a form of divine judgment. The Moabites, under Eglon's leadership, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites to defeat Israel and take possession of the "City of Palms," which is commonly identified as Jericho (Judges 3:13). Eglon ruled over the Israelites for eighteen years, during which time the Israelites cried out to the Lord for deliverance.

Eglon's Corpulence

The Bible specifically mentions Eglon's corpulence in the context of his assassination by Ehud, the left-handed judge whom God raised to deliver Israel. Judges 3:17 describes Eglon as "a very fat man" . This detail is not merely incidental but serves to highlight the dramatic nature of Ehud's mission and the subsequent deliverance of Israel.

Ehud's Assassination of Eglon

Ehud, chosen by God to deliver Israel, crafted a double-edged sword about a cubit long and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh. He presented tribute to Eglon and, taking advantage of his left-handedness, was able to approach the king without arousing suspicion. After sending away the attendants, Ehud told Eglon he had a secret message for him. Eglon, intrigued, dismissed his servants to hear the message in private.

In Judges 3:21-22, the narrative describes the assassination: "And Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword. And the dirt came out" . The vivid description underscores the significance of Eglon's corpulence in the account, as it directly impacts the method and outcome of his assassination.

Aftermath and Significance

Following Eglon's death, Ehud locked the doors of the upper room and made his escape. Eglon's servants, assuming he was relieving himself, delayed in checking on him, allowing Ehud to rally the Israelites. Ehud led them in a successful revolt against the Moabites, killing about ten thousand Moabite warriors and securing peace for Israel for eighty years (Judges 3:28-30).

Eglon's corpulence, while a physical characteristic, serves as a narrative device that emphasizes the unexpected and divinely orchestrated deliverance of Israel. It highlights the theme of God using unlikely means and individuals to achieve His purposes, a recurring motif throughout the Scriptures.Judges 3:17
And he brought the present to Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Ehud? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Jericho in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus