Judges 3:21

And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon's belly.

Study Bible

And Ehud reached with his left hand
Ehud's use of his left hand is significant. In ancient Israel, being left-handed was less common and often seen as unusual. This detail highlights God's use of unexpected means to achieve His purposes. The tribe of Benjamin, to which Ehud belonged, is noted for having many left-handed warriors (Judges 20:16). This characteristic allowed Ehud to surprise Eglon, as guards would typically expect a weapon to be drawn with the right hand.

pulled the sword from his right thigh
The placement of the sword on Ehud's right thigh was strategic. In ancient times, a right-handed person would typically carry a weapon on the left side for ease of access. Ehud's left-handedness allowed him to conceal the weapon on his right thigh, avoiding detection. This act of concealment and surprise is a recurring theme in biblical narratives, where God often uses the element of surprise to deliver His people (e.g., David and Goliath, Gideon's army).

and plunged it into Eglon’s belly
The act of plunging the sword into Eglon's belly is a vivid depiction of divine judgment against the oppressors of Israel. Eglon, the Moabite king, had subjugated Israel for eighteen years. This act of deliverance is reminiscent of other instances where God raises a deliverer to free His people, such as Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The graphic nature of the act underscores the seriousness of God's judgment and the lengths to which He will go to rescue His people. This event foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who defeats sin and death through His sacrificial act on the cross.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ehud
A left-handed judge of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, chosen by God to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression.

2. Eglon
The king of Moab who oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years. He is described as a very fat man, which plays a role in the account.

3. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. Moab's oppression of Israel sets the stage for Ehud's deliverance.

4. The Sword
A double-edged weapon used by Ehud to assassinate King Eglon, symbolizing God's deliverance through unexpected means.

5. The Right Thigh
The location where Ehud concealed his sword, indicating his strategic planning and the element of surprise in his mission.

Teaching Points

God Uses the Unlikely
Ehud's left-handedness, considered a disadvantage, becomes a tool for God's deliverance. God often uses what the world sees as weak or insignificant to accomplish His purposes.

Strategic Planning and Courage
Ehud's careful planning and bold execution of his mission demonstrate the importance of wisdom and courage in fulfilling God's call.

Divine Deliverance
The account of Ehud reminds us that God is the ultimate deliverer, using various means and people to bring about His plans for His people.

Faith in Action
Ehud's actions show that faith often requires us to step out in boldness and trust in God's guidance and provision.

Judgment and Mercy
The account illustrates God's judgment on oppressors and His mercy towards His people, encouraging us to trust in His justice and compassion.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ehud's left-handedness play a crucial role in the account, and what does this teach us about God's use of our unique traits?

2. In what ways does Ehud's strategic approach to delivering Israel inspire us to be wise and courageous in our own challenges?

3. How can we see God's hand in the deliverance of Israel through Ehud, and how does this encourage us to trust in God's deliverance in our lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between Ehud's account and other biblical accounts of God using unlikely heroes, and how does this shape our understanding of God's ways?

5. How does the account of Ehud challenge us to act in faith and obedience, even when the task seems daunting or unconventional?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 3:15
Provides context for Ehud's mission, highlighting his role as a deliverer sent by God, similar to other judges like Othniel and Deborah.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath, where God uses an unlikely hero to deliver Israel, paralleling Ehud's unexpected victory.

Psalm 18:34
Speaks of God training hands for battle, reflecting the divine empowerment Ehud received for his task.

2 Corinthians 12:9
Paul's teaching on God's power being made perfect in weakness, which can be related to Ehud's left-handedness being used for God's purpose.

Hebrews 4:12
Describes the Word of God as a double-edged sword, drawing a parallel to the sword Ehud used, symbolizing divine judgment and deliverance.