Ehud, a notable figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as a descendant of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is also referred to as Ehi, a name that appears in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. Ehud's account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, where he emerges as a deliverer of Israel during a time of oppression.

Genealogical Background

Ehud's lineage is traced back to Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. In Genesis 46:21, the sons of Benjamin are listed, and among them is Ehi. This connection places Ehud within the broader narrative of the Israelite tribes and their ancestral heritage. The tribe of Benjamin held a unique position among the tribes of Israel, known for its fierce warriors and strategic location.

Role as a Judge

Ehud's most significant contribution to Israel's history is his role as a judge, a leader raised by God to deliver the Israelites from foreign oppression. During the period of the judges, Israel experienced cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Ehud's account is a testament to God's faithfulness in raising leaders to rescue His people.

In Judges 3:12-30, the narrative of Ehud unfolds. The Israelites had fallen into sin, and as a result, God allowed Eglon, the king of Moab, to oppress them for eighteen years. In response to their cries for help, God raised Ehud, a left-handed man, to deliver them. Ehud's left-handedness is a notable detail, as it played a crucial role in his mission.

The Assassination of Eglon

Ehud's plan to free Israel involved a daring and strategic assassination of King Eglon. He crafted a double-edged sword, about a cubit in length, and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh. Ehud approached Eglon under the guise of delivering a tribute from the Israelites. After presenting the tribute, Ehud requested a private audience with the king, claiming to have a secret message from God.

Judges 3:20-21 recounts the pivotal moment: "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 assassination of Eglon led to confusion and chaos among the Moabites, allowing Ehud to rally the Israelites. He sounded the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites followed him into battle. They seized the fords of the Jordan River, preventing the Moabites from escaping. The Israelites struck down about ten thousand Moabite warriors, securing a decisive victory.

Legacy and Impact

Ehud's successful deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression brought peace to the land 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 theme of God's deliverance through unexpected means and unlikely individuals.

Ehud's legacy is one of courage, faith, and divine intervention. His actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's calling and the impact of strategic leadership in times of crisis. As a judge, Ehud stands as a testament to God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.Genesis 46:21
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
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