“And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.”
Historical Context:The book of Judges is set during the period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites settled in the Promised Land. It was a time characterized by a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The verse in question comes from a section describing the early judges and their victories over the enemies of Israel.
The Oppression of Moab:During this time, the people of Israel had turned away from God and were serving the false gods of the Canaanites. As a result, God allowed the Moabites to oppress them. The Moabites were a neighboring nation that descended from Lot, the nephew of Abraham.
Ehud, the Judge:Prior to the events mentioned in Judges 3:29, God raised up Ehud as a judge and deliverer for the Israelites. Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin and was known for being left-handed. He was chosen by God to free the Israelites from the Moabite oppression.
The Assassination of Eglon:In Judges 3:12-30, we learn that Ehud devised a plan to assassinate Eglon, the king of Moab. Ehud made a double-edged sword and concealed it on his right thigh, which would have evaded the typical pat-down search since most people were right-handed. Ehud was granted an audience with King Eglon, and after presenting a tribute, he requested a private meeting with the king. During the meeting, Ehud drew the sword from his thigh and stabbed Eglon, killing him.
The Battle and Victory:After killing Eglon, Ehud rallied the Israelites to join him in battle against the Moabites. The Israelites attacked and killed about ten thousand Moabite men who were described as “lusty” and “men of valor.” This victory brought temporary freedom to the Israelites from Moabite oppression.
Lessons and Applications:
- God’s Deliverance:The story of Ehud demonstrates that God is faithful to deliver His people from oppression when they turn back to Him. Even when the Israelites were unfaithful, God raised up a deliverer to rescue them.
- God Uses Unexpected Means:Ehud’s left-handedness and clever plan show that God can use unexpected and seemingly insignificant individuals to accomplish great things. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.
- Courage and Obedience:Ehud’s bravery and obedience to God’s calling serve as a reminder that we, too, should be courageous and obedient when God calls us to act.
- God’s Justice:The defeat of the Moabites demonstrates that God’s justice will prevail. The Moabites had oppressed Israel, but God brought judgment upon them and granted victory to His people.
- Repentance and Deliverance:The cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance seen throughout the book of Judges serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and turning back to God when we stray from His ways.
In conclusion, Judges 3:29 recounts the victory of Ehud and the Israelites over the Moabites, who had oppressed them. This passage highlights God’s faithfulness, unexpected means of deliverance, the importance of courage and obedience, and the cycle of repentance and deliverance seen in the book of Judges.
