“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”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the people of Israel were governed by a series of judges who delivered them from their enemies and ruled over them. This verse focuses on one of the judges named Ehud.
Understanding the Characters:
- Ehud: He was a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the Moabite oppression.
- Eglon: He was the king of Moab, a powerful and oppressive ruler over Israel for 18 years.
Ehud’s Cunning Plan:
- Ehud went to meet Eglon, pretending to deliver a message from God.
- The verse mentions that Eglon was sitting in a summer parlour, a private upper room, possibly indicating his sense of security and relaxation.
- Ehud’s approach gave him an opportunity to get close to Eglon without arousing suspicion.
Ehud’s Message from God:
- Ehud claimed to have a message from God for Eglon, which caught the king’s attention.
- 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:
- Eglon rose from his seat, demonstrating respect and curiosity towards Ehud’s supposed divine message.
- Eglon’s action allowed Ehud to execute his plan effectively.
Lessons and Applications:
- Faithful Servants:Ehud was chosen by God for a specific task. Despite his physical limitations (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’s Sovereignty:God orchestrated the events leading up to Eglon’s downfall. Ehud’s mission was part of God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. It demonstrates that God is in control and can use human agents to accomplish His purposes.
- Courage and Resourcefulness: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 Ehud’s example to be courageous and resourceful in fulfilling God’s purposes in our lives.
Remember, 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.
