“And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out”
Context:The book of Judges is a historical account of Israel after the death of Joshua. It describes a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, highlighting the faithfulness of God despite Israel’s repeated failures. Judges 3:22 occurs within the context of the judge Ehud delivering Israel from the Moabite oppression.
Ehud’s assassination of Eglon:Prior to verse 22, Ehud, a left-handed judge from the tribe of Benjamin, had crafted a double-edged dagger and concealed it on his right thigh. He was selected by God to deliver a tribute to Eglon, the Moabite king. However, Ehud had a divine plan to deliver Israel from their oppressors. Once alone with Eglon, he drew his dagger and stabbed the king in the belly. The verse in question describes the aftermath of the assassination.
Symbolism and significance:
- The haft and the blade:The verse mentions that the haft (handle) of Ehud’s dagger went in after the blade. This detail highlights the stealth and effectiveness of Ehud’s attack. It also emphasizes how deeply the blade penetrated Eglon’s body, ensuring his demise.
- The fat closing upon the blade:The fat closed upon the blade, preventing Ehud from immediately withdrawing the dagger. This vivid description highlights the force of the attack and the fatal injury inflicted on Eglon.
- He could not draw the dagger out of his belly:Ehud’s inability to retrieve the dagger signifies the completeness of the attack and the certainty of Eglon’s death. It also adds to the shock and surprise of the event.
- The dirt came out:The verse concludes by stating that the dirt came out of Eglon. This detail serves to emphasize the gruesome nature of the scene, underscoring the finality of Eglon’s death and the ignominy of his demise.
Lessons and principles:
- God’s faithfulness:Ehud’s actions were part of God’s plan to deliver Israel from their oppressors. This event demonstrates that God can use unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes.
- Courage and obedience:Ehud’s courage and obedience to God’s call are commendable. His willingness to confront the enemy, even at the risk of his own life, serves as an example for believers today.
- God’s justice:The account of Eglon’s assassination reflects God’s justice in dealing with the oppressors of His people. It reveals that God sees the suffering of His people and intervenes to bring about deliverance.
- The consequences of sin:Eglon was an oppressive ruler, and his death symbolizes the judgment that comes upon those who perpetrate evil. It reminds us that sin has serious consequences both in this life and in eternity.
Remember, when studying specific verses, it is important to consider the broader context of the passage, as well as the entire Bible, to gain a comprehensive understanding.
