Judges 3:27

On arriving in Seirah, he blew the ram's horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites came down with him from the hills, and he became their leader.

Study Bible

On arriving in Seirah
Seirah is a location mentioned in the context of Ehud's story, though its exact location is not definitively known. It is likely in the hill country of Ephraim, which was a central region in Israel. This area was significant in Israel's history, often serving as a strategic location for military and religious activities. The arrival in Seirah marks a pivotal moment in Ehud's mission, as it is here that he begins to rally the Israelites for battle.

he blew the ram’s horn throughout the hill country of Ephraim
The blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar, was a traditional call to arms or a signal for gathering. It was used in various contexts in the Bible, such as in Joshua 6:4-5 during the fall of Jericho. The hill country of Ephraim was a rugged and elevated region, providing a natural defense and a strategic advantage for military operations. The use of the shofar here signifies a divine call to action, rallying the Israelites to rise against their oppressors.

The Israelites came down with him from the hills
This phrase indicates a mobilization of the Israelite forces. The hills provided a natural stronghold, and descending from them suggests a readiness to engage in battle. The Israelites' response to Ehud's call reflects their trust in his leadership and their desire for deliverance from Moabite oppression. This collective movement underscores the unity and determination of the people in response to God's deliverance.

and he became their leader
Ehud's leadership is affirmed as he takes command of the Israelite forces. His role as a judge is solidified through this act of deliverance. In the broader biblical narrative, judges were raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and lead them back to faithfulness. Ehud's leadership is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer and leader of God's people. This moment marks a turning point where Ehud transitions from a solitary figure to a recognized leader, guiding Israel to victory.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Seirah
A location in the hill country of Ephraim where Ehud rallied the Israelites after his escape from Moabite territory.

3. Ephraim
A significant tribal region in central Israel, known for its strategic hill country, which played a crucial role in Israel's military campaigns.

4. Ram’s Horn (Shofar)
A traditional instrument used in Israel for signaling, calling to assembly, or announcing significant events, such as war or religious festivals.

5. Israelites
The people of Israel, who were under Moabite oppression and responded to Ehud's call to rise against their oppressors.

Teaching Points

God's Use of Unlikely Leaders
Ehud, a left-handed man in a right-handed world, was chosen by God to deliver Israel. God often uses those whom society might overlook to accomplish His purposes.

The Power of Obedience
Ehud's actions demonstrate the importance of obedience to God's call, even when it involves great personal risk.

The Role of Community in God's Plan
The Israelites' response to Ehud's call highlights the importance of unity and collective action in fulfilling God's purposes.

Divine Strategy and Timing
Ehud's strategic use of the ram's horn and the timing of his call to arms show that God's plans are precise and require our attentiveness to His timing.

Faith in Action
Ehud's leadership and the Israelites' response illustrate the necessity of putting faith into action, trusting God for victory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ehud's leadership challenge our understanding of who God can use for His purposes today?

2. In what ways can we be attentive to God's timing and strategy in our own lives, as Ehud was?

3. How does the response of the Israelites to Ehud's call encourage us to participate in God's work as a community?

4. What are some modern "ram's horns" or signals that God might use to call us to action in our spiritual lives?

5. How can we apply the lesson of faith in action from Ehud's account to a current challenge we are facing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joshua 6
The use of the ram's horn in the battle of Jericho, illustrating its role in divine intervention and military victory.

1 Samuel 13-14
Jonathan's call to arms against the Philistines, showing a similar rallying of Israel for battle.

Judges 6
Gideon's call to arms against the Midianites, another example of God raising a leader to deliver Israel.