Topical Bible: Gilgal: Eglon, King of Moab, Resides and is Slain At

◄ Gilgal: Eglon, King of Moab, Resides and is Slain At ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gilgal is a significant location in biblical history, often associated with pivotal events in the narrative of Israel. It is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, serving as a site of memorial, worship, and military activity. One of the notable events associated with Gilgal is the residence and subsequent assassination of Eglon, the King of Moab.

Eglon, King of Moab: Eglon was a Moabite king who oppressed the Israelites during the period of the Judges. The Israelites, having done evil in the sight of the LORD, were delivered into the hands of Eglon for eighteen years as a form of divine judgment (Judges 3:12-14). Eglon established his residence at Gilgal, a location that held historical and spiritual significance for the Israelites, as it was the first campsite of the Israelites after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Joshua 4:19-20).

The Assassination of Eglon: The narrative of Eglon's assassination is a dramatic account of deliverance found in Judges 3:15-30. Ehud, a left-handed Benjaminite, was raised by God as a deliverer for Israel. Ehud crafted a double-edged sword and concealed it under his clothing. He approached Eglon under the pretense of delivering a tribute from the Israelites. 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 coolness of his 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 a significant victory for the Israelites. Ehud escaped, rallied the Israelites, and led them in battle against the Moabites. The Israelites seized the fords of the Jordan River, preventing the Moabites from escaping, and struck down about ten thousand Moabite men, securing eighty years of peace for Israel (Judges 3:28-30).

Significance of Gilgal: The event at Gilgal underscores the recurring theme of divine deliverance in the Book of Judges. Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God raised leaders to deliver His people from oppression. Gilgal, as the site of Eglon's residence and assassination, serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to protect and deliver His chosen people.

Gilgal's role in this narrative also highlights the cyclical nature of Israel's history during the time of the Judges, characterized by sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The account of Eglon and Ehud at Gilgal is a testament to God's faithfulness and the unexpected ways in which He accomplishes His purposes through unlikely individuals and circumstances.