Ehud, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is best known as a judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from Moabite oppression. He is a descendant of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and his account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30.

Background and Context

The period of the judges was a tumultuous time in Israel's history, characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites frequently turned away from God, leading to their subjugation by surrounding nations. Ehud emerges as a deliverer during one such period of oppression under the Moabites, led by King Eglon.

Ehud's Mission

Ehud, described as a left-handed man, was chosen by God to deliver Israel. His left-handedness is a notable detail, as it plays a crucial role in his mission. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver tribute to King Eglon, a task that provided him the opportunity to execute his plan for deliverance.

Judges 3:15-16 states, "Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, 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 clothing."

The Assassination of Eglon

Ehud's left-handedness allowed him to conceal his weapon on his right thigh, a place guards would less likely check, assuming a right-handed person would draw from the left. After presenting the tribute, Ehud requested a private audience with Eglon, claiming to have a secret message from God. Once alone with the king, Ehud drew his sword and killed Eglon, as recorded in Judges 3:21-22 : "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."

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 recounts, "Follow me, for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. So they followed him down, took control of the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not let anyone 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, a testament to his leadership and God's deliverance. His account highlights themes of divine intervention, the importance of obedience to God, and the unexpected ways God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes. Ehud's legacy as a judge underscores the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and God's enduring mercy.1 Chronicles 8:6
And these are the sons of Ehud: these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba, and they removed them to Manahath:
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... text tells us that, after the time of Ehud, the land ... Judges 5:14) contains an allusion
to Benjamin, which is ... The presence of a descendant of Moses as a priest ...
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What is the significance of Moab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

Questions about Judges | GotQuestions.org

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