"When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber."
Context:The book of Judges describes a period in Israel’s history when they were ruled by various judges whom God raised up to deliver them from oppression. The verse in question is part of the account of Ehud, one of the judges.
Ehud’s Deception:Ehud was sent by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of Eglon, the king of Moab. Ehud cleverly devised a plan to assassinate Eglon. He presented a tribute to the king, but concealed a double-edged dagger on his right thigh. After delivering the tribute, Ehud asked for a private audience with Eglon.
Locked Doors:In Judges 3:24, the verse states that when Ehud left the presence of Eglon, his servants came, but found the doors of the parlour (or upper room) locked. They assumed that Eglon was relieving himself, as “covereth his feet” is a Hebrew euphemism for using the bathroom. The servants waited patiently, unaware that Eglon had been assassinated.
Delayed Discovery:The fact that the servants assumed Eglon was engaged in a private act demonstrates the effectiveness of Ehud’s plan. Eglon’s servants did not immediately discover his death because they attributed the locked doors to a normal bodily function, thus delaying their intervention.
Symbolic Elements:This verse showcases the poetic nature of the biblical narrative and the inclusion of specific details. The reference to “his summer chamber” suggests that Eglon was in a place where he sought comfort and relaxation. Additionally, the locked doors symbolize the deceptive and concealed nature of Ehud’s mission.
God’s Deliverance:Ultimately, this verse is part of a larger story of God’s faithfulness and deliverance of the Israelites. Ehud’s courageous act of assassinating Eglon paved the way for a temporary period of peace and relief from Moab’s oppression.
Lessons to Consider:
- Divine Deliverance:The story of Ehud reminds us that God can raise up unlikely individuals to deliver His people from oppression. God uses various means to accomplish His purposes.
- Deceptive Strategies:While Ehud’s actions may seem morally questionable, the Bible records them as part of a specific historical context. It is essential to approach biblical narratives with discernment, recognizing the cultural and historical nuances at play.
- God’s Sovereignty:Even in difficult times, God remains in control. The account of Ehud reminds us that God can use human actions, however unconventional, to bring about His plan for deliverance.
It is crucial to study the Bible in its entirety, considering the broader context and seeking guidance from trusted sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of its teachings.
