Ehud, a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, is recognized as a deliverer of Israel during a time of oppression under Moabite rule. He is notably remembered for his daring assassination of Eglon, the king of Moab, which led to the liberation of the Israelites from eighteen years of subjugation. Ehud's account is primarily found in Judges 3:12-30.

Tribal Affiliation and Background

Ehud was a member of the tribe of Benjamin, which is significant given the tribe's reputation for left-handed warriors. Judges 3:15 introduces Ehud as "a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite." This detail is crucial, as his left-handedness played a pivotal role in his successful mission against Eglon.

The Oppression of Israel

The narrative begins with the Israelites once again doing evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their subjugation by Eglon, king of Moab. Judges 3:12-14 states, "And the LORD strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. Eglon gathered to himself the Ammonites and Amalekites, and went and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms. The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years."

Ehud's Mission

In response to the Israelites' cries for deliverance, God raised up Ehud as a deliverer. Ehud was tasked with delivering a tribute to Eglon, which provided him the opportunity to execute his plan. Judges 3:16-17 describes how Ehud "made for himself a double-edged sword a cubit long and strapped it to his right thigh under his cloak. And he brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was a very fat man."

The Assassination of Eglon

Ehud's left-handedness allowed him to conceal his weapon on his right thigh, escaping detection by the guards. After presenting the tribute, Ehud requested a private audience with Eglon, claiming to have a secret message from God. Judges 3:20-21 recounts the moment of assassination: "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly."

The graphic detail of Eglon's death, including the sword being swallowed by his flesh, emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of Ehud's act. This bold move was instrumental in the subsequent liberation of Israel.

Escape and Victory

Following the assassination, Ehud locked the doors of the upper room and made his escape. He rallied the Israelites by blowing a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, leading them to seize the fords of the Jordan and cut off the Moabites' retreat. Judges 3:28-29 records Ehud's call to arms and the ensuing victory: "Follow me, for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. So they followed him down and took control of the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, allowing no one to cross over. At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all vigorous and strong; not a single man escaped."

Legacy

Ehud's successful mission resulted in peace for Israel for eighty years, as noted in Judges 3:30: "So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had rest for eighty years." His account exemplifies the recurring cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges. Ehud's cunning and bravery, under divine guidance, underscore the theme of God using unexpected means and individuals to achieve His purposes and deliver His people.Judges 3:16
But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment on his right thigh.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... dagger, and joined himself to the Benjamite deputies who ... beyond the reach of the
enemy, Ehud retraced his ... presenting himself before the palace of Eglon in the ...
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