Topical Bible: Regicide of Ehud

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Topical Encyclopedia

The regicide of Ehud is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30. This narrative highlights the deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression through the divinely appointed judge, Ehud. The account is notable for its vivid depiction of Ehud's assassination of Eglon, the king of Moab, and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites.

Historical Context

The period of the Judges was marked by a cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and the rise of judges who acted as deliverers. After the death of Othniel, the first judge, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their subjugation by Eglon, king of Moab. Eglon, with the assistance of the Ammonites and Amalekites, captured the City of Palms (Jericho) and ruled over Israel for eighteen years (Judges 3:12-14).

Ehud's Mission

Ehud, the son of Gera, a Benjamite, is introduced as the deliverer raised by God to free Israel from Moabite domination. Notably, Ehud is described as left-handed, a detail that plays a crucial role in the narrative. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver tribute to Eglon, providing him with the opportunity to execute his plan (Judges 3:15).

Ehud crafted a double-edged sword about a cubit in length and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh. After presenting the tribute to Eglon, who is described as a very fat man, Ehud requested a private audience with the king, claiming to have a secret message for him (Judges 3:16-19).

The Assassination of Eglon

Once alone with Eglon in the cool upper room, Ehud declared, "I have a message from God for you." As Eglon rose from his seat, Ehud drew the sword with his left hand and thrust it into the king's belly. The blade sank in, and the fat closed over it, for Ehud did not pull the sword out, and the handle went in after the blade. The text notes that the contents of Eglon's bowels discharged (Judges 3:20-22).

Ehud then locked the doors of the upper room and made his escape. Eglon's servants, assuming he was relieving himself, delayed in checking on him, allowing Ehud to flee to Seirah (Judges 3:23-26).

Israel's Deliverance

Upon reaching the hill country of Ephraim, Ehud sounded the trumpet and rallied the Israelites, leading them against the Moabites. The Israelites seized the fords of the Jordan River, preventing the Moabites from escaping. They struck down about ten thousand Moabite men, all strong and able-bodied, ensuring that not a man escaped. This victory brought peace to the land for eighty years (Judges 3:27-30).

Theological Significance

The regicide of Ehud underscores the theme of divine deliverance through unexpected means. Ehud's left-handedness, often considered a disadvantage, becomes a strategic advantage in God's plan. The narrative illustrates God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the mercy of God in providing deliverance despite their repeated failures.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the regicide of Ehud raises questions about the use of deception and violence in achieving divine purposes. Within the context of the narrative, Ehud's actions are portrayed as divinely sanctioned, emphasizing the complexity of moral decisions in a fallen world. The account challenges readers to consider the nature of justice and the means by which God accomplishes His will in history.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 3:16-23
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