“And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Judges:which recounts the period of time after the Israelites entered the Promised Land and before the establishment of a monarchy in Israel. During this time, Israel was governed by a series of judges whom God raised up to deliver the people from their oppressors.
In Judges 3:12-30:the story focuses on the judge Ehud. The Israelites had fallen into idolatry and had been oppressed by Eglon, the king of Moab, for eighteen years. In their distress, they cried out to God for deliverance, and God raised up Ehud as their deliverer.
Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a left-handed man. The Bible highlights this detail because it played a significant role in the story that unfolded. Ehud crafted a double-edged sword and hid it on his right thigh under his garment, since left-handedness was uncommon and weapons would typically be checked on the left side.
In verse 18, Ehud had prepared a present for King Eglon, who was known to be a very fat man. Ehud went to deliver this present as a cover for his true intention: to assassinate Eglon and free Israel from Moabite oppression. After presenting the gift, Ehud dismissed the people who had accompanied him, leaving him alone with King Eglon.
The following verses describe how Ehud took advantage of the king’s trust and used the opportunity to carry out his plan. Ehud said he had a secret message for the king, and as the king rose from his seat to receive it, Ehud quickly drew the sword from his right thigh and thrust it into Eglon’s belly. The blade went in so deep that the hilt also disappeared, and Eglon’s fat enclosed the sword.
This act led to the death of King Eglon, freeing Israel from Moabite oppression for a time. Ehud’s courageous act demonstrated God’s faithfulness in answering the prayers of the Israelites and bringing about their deliverance.
From this passage, we can learn a few lessons:
- God uses unlikely individuals:Ehud was a left-handed man, and his unusual skill became an advantage in this particular situation. This reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their limitations or what others may see as weaknesses.
- God’s deliverance comes through human agents:God chose Ehud to be the instrument of deliverance for Israel. In a similar way, God often works through ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. We should be open to being used by God and willing to act courageously when called upon.
- God’s deliverance may require boldness:Ehud’s act of assassination was a bold and risky move. Sometimes, God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and take courageous actions for the sake of righteousness and justice. We should trust in God’s leading and be willing to take bold steps when necessary.
Overall, this passage emphasizes the theme of God’s faithfulness:in delivering His people and the courage displayed by Ehud in executing God’s plan. It encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty, be open to His guidance, and act boldly when called upon to serve Him and bring about His purposes.
