Topical Bible: Eglon: King of Moab: Assassinated by Ehud

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Eglon was a king of Moab mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30. His reign is noted for the subjugation of the Israelites, which lasted for eighteen years. Eglon's account is a significant episode in the cyclical narrative of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation that characterizes the period of the Judges.

Historical Context

The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and were often in conflict with the Israelites. During the time of the Judges, Israel was a loose confederation of tribes without a centralized government, making them vulnerable to external threats. Eglon capitalized on this disunity and, with the assistance of the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeated Israel and established his rule over them.

Eglon's Oppression of Israel

Judges 3:12-14 states, "Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, and He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. After Eglon had gathered to himself the Ammonites and Amalekites, he marched out and struck down Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years."

Eglon's oppression was a direct consequence of Israel's disobedience to God. The "City of Palms" refers to Jericho, a strategic location that Eglon used as a base to exert control over the Israelites.

Ehud's Deliverance

The narrative of Eglon's assassination is a dramatic account of deliverance through Ehud, a left-handed Benjaminite whom God raised as a judge to deliver Israel. Judges 3:15-16 records, "Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjaminite, as their deliverer. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Ehud had made for himself a double-edged sword a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his cloak."

Ehud's left-handedness is a crucial detail, as it allowed him to conceal his weapon and catch Eglon off guard. The account continues with Ehud presenting the tribute to Eglon and then requesting a private audience under the pretense of delivering a secret message from God.

Assassination of Eglon

Judges 3:20-22 describes the assassination: "Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room. 'I have a message from God for you,' Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat. Then 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 dung came out."

The graphic nature of Eglon's assassination underscores the severity of God's judgment against those who oppress His people. Ehud's successful escape and subsequent rallying of the Israelites led to a decisive victory over the Moabites, securing peace for Israel for eighty years.

Theological Significance

Eglon's account serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the faithfulness of God in raising deliverers to rescue His people. It highlights the theme of divine justice and the unexpected means by which God can achieve His purposes. The account of Eglon and Ehud is a testament to God's sovereignty and His willingness to use unlikely individuals to fulfill His plans.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 3:12-30
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... against the Hebrews"The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or ... of the Israelites, Ammon
and Moab, as it ... into their hands, and their King Eglon had successfully ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm