Judges 3:20

And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

Judges 3:20 (KJV)

Context

The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when God raised up judges to deliver the people from their enemies. This verse focuses on Ehud, one of those judges, and the moment he confronted Eglon, the king of Moab, who had oppressed Israel for eighteen years.

Ehud was a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by God to deliver Israel from Moabite rule. He had concealed a dagger on his right thigh, a detail that made his approach effective because a left-handed man would not be searched in the usual way. Eglon, the powerful and oppressive king, was sitting in a summer parlour, a private upper room that he had for himself alone. This setting suggests a sense of security and relaxation, yet it also provided the privacy Ehud needed.

Meaning

Ehud came to Eglon claiming to deliver a message from God, and the king, curious and perhaps reverent, rose from his seat. The Bible does not specify the exact content of the message, but it served as a diversion for Ehud’s true intentions. Eglon’s response—arising from his seat—demonstrates that he took the claim seriously, likely as a word from the God of Israel. This moment highlights the gravity of claiming to speak for God, and the vulnerability of even a powerful king when confronted with a divine message.

Biblical connections

The privacy of the meeting was arranged when Ehud said he had a secret errand for the king, and Eglon dismissed his attendants (Judges 3:19). The immediate following verses record the fatal act that followed this moment (Judges 3:21-23). This passage demonstrates that God can use unexpected means and people to accomplish His purposes of deliverance for His people.

Application

Ehud was chosen by God for a specific task. Despite his physical limitation of being left-handed, he faithfully obeyed God’s call. This reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their apparent limitations, when they are willing to serve Him. God orchestrated the events leading up to Eglon’s downfall, showing that He is in control and can use human agents to accomplish His purposes. Ehud’s plan required courage, creativity, and quick thinking; he took advantage of the situation and used his skills to carry out the task God had given him. We can learn from his example to be courageous and resourceful in fulfilling God’s purposes in our lives.

Reflection

This passage should be understood in its historical and cultural context. While it describes a specific event, it is important to consider the overall message of the book of Judges and the themes of God’s faithfulness, human frailty, and the consequences of disobedience. The account of Ehud reminds us that God’s deliverance often comes through unexpected means, and that He remains sovereign over the affairs of nations and individuals.