Judges 3:25

So they waited until they became worried and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upper room. Then they took the key and opened the doors--and there was their lord lying dead on the floor.

Study Bible

So they waited until they became worried
The servants of King Eglon waited outside the locked doors, initially assuming he was attending to personal matters. This delay highlights the cultural norms of privacy and respect for a king's personal space. The growing concern reflects the tension and suspense in the narrative, emphasizing the unexpected nature of divine deliverance through Ehud's actions.

and saw that he had still not opened the doors of the upper room.
The upper room, often used for private meetings or rest, signifies a place of vulnerability for Eglon. The locked doors symbolize a false sense of security, which is a recurring theme in Scripture where human defenses are inadequate against God's plans. The delay in opening the doors underscores the servants' hesitation and the dramatic irony of the situation.

Then they took the key and opened the doors—
Keys in ancient times were large and cumbersome, often a symbol of authority and control. The act of taking the key and opening the doors signifies a shift from passive waiting to active investigation. This moment marks the transition from ignorance to the revelation of Eglon's fate, paralleling moments in Scripture where hidden truths are unveiled.

and there was their lord lying dead on the floor.
The discovery of Eglon's body fulfills Ehud's mission and God's deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression. The phrase "lying dead on the floor" starkly contrasts the king's former power and authority, illustrating the theme of divine justice. This scene foreshadows the ultimate victory over sin and death through Christ, who, unlike Eglon, conquers through His own death and resurrection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ehud
A left-handed judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from Moabite oppression by assassinating King Eglon.

2. Eglon
The king of Moab who oppressed Israel for eighteen years. He was killed by Ehud.

3. Moab
A nation east of Israel, often in conflict with the Israelites. Moabites were descendants of Lot.

4. The Servants
Eglon's attendants who waited outside the locked doors, assuming their king was relieving himself.

5. The Upper Room
A private chamber where King Eglon was killed by Ehud.

Teaching Points

Divine Deliverance
God uses unexpected means and people to deliver His people. Ehud's left-handedness, considered a disadvantage, became a strategic advantage.

Patience and Timing
The servants' delay in checking on Eglon illustrates the importance of God's perfect timing in unfolding His plans.

Courage and Faith
Ehud's boldness in carrying out God's mission encourages believers to act courageously in faith, trusting in God's protection and purpose.

The Downfall of the Wicked
Eglon's death serves as a reminder that those who oppose God's people will ultimately face judgment.

God's Sovereignty
The account underscores God's control over nations and leaders, orchestrating events for His purposes and the good of His people.

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 can we see God's timing at work in our own lives, similar to the delay of Eglon's servants?

3. How does Ehud's courage inspire us to take bold steps in our faith journey, even when facing daunting challenges?

4. What lessons can we learn from the downfall of Eglon about the consequences of opposing God's will?

5. How can we apply the understanding of God's sovereignty in this passage to current events or personal circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 3:15-30
Provides the full context of Ehud's mission and the deliverance of Israel from Moabite rule.

1 Samuel 24:3-4
Similar situation where David spares Saul in a cave, highlighting themes of divine deliverance and human agency.

Psalm 37:12-15
Speaks of the wicked plotting against the righteous, but ultimately falling by their own schemes, paralleling Eglon's fate.

Proverbs 21:30-31
Emphasizes that no wisdom or plan can succeed against the Lord, reflecting the divine orchestration in Ehud's victory.