In the context of the Bible, the term "lefthanded" is mentioned explicitly in a few instances, primarily in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word often translated as "lefthanded" is "אִטֵּר יַד־יָמִין" (itter yad-yamin), which literally means "restricted in the right hand." This term is used to describe individuals who predominantly use their left hand, a trait that is less common and often viewed with curiosity or significance in biblical narratives.

Biblical References:

1. Ehud, the Benjamite Judge: One of the most notable lefthanded figures in the Bible is Ehud, a judge of Israel. In Judges 3:15, it is written, "Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab." Ehud's lefthandedness played a crucial role in his ability to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. By concealing a sword on his right thigh, he was able to surprise and assassinate King Eglon, an act that led to Israel's liberation.

2. The Benjamite Warriors: The tribe of Benjamin is noted for having a significant number of lefthanded warriors. In Judges 20:16, it is recorded, "Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select troops who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss." This passage highlights the skill and precision of these warriors, suggesting that their lefthandedness was an asset in battle, allowing them to wield weapons in unexpected ways.

3. David's Mighty Men: In 1 Chronicles 12:2, some of David's mighty men are described as being ambidextrous, capable of using both hands effectively: "They were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were relatives of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin." This ability to use both hands in combat further emphasizes the strategic advantage of being lefthanded or ambidextrous.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In ancient cultures, including those of the biblical world, the right hand was often associated with strength, honor, and authority. The right hand was typically used for oaths, blessings, and acts of power. Consequently, being lefthanded could be seen as unusual or even disadvantageous. However, the biblical accounts of lefthanded individuals often highlight their unique abilities and the ways in which God used them for His purposes.

The accounts of lefthanded individuals in the Bible serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and His ability to use what might be perceived as weaknesses or peculiarities for His glory. These narratives underscore the theme that God often chooses the unexpected or the marginalized to accomplish His divine plans, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of lefthanded individuals in the Bible can be seen as an affirmation of the diversity of God's creation. It reflects the idea that God equips each person uniquely, and that every trait, even those that might seem atypical, can be used for His purposes. The accounts of Ehud and the Benjamite warriors illustrate that God values and utilizes the distinct gifts and abilities of His people, regardless of societal norms or expectations.(Judges 3:15; 20:16), one unable to use the right hand skilfully, and who therefore uses the left; and also one who uses the left as well as the right, ambidexter. Such a condition of the hands is due to physical causes. This quality was common apparently in the tribe of Benjamin. LEFTHANDED

left'-hand-ed ('iTTer yadh-yamin; Septuagint amphoterodexios, i.e. "ambidextrous"): The Hebrew presents a combination of words signifying literally, a man whose right hand is impeded or lame, who therefore uses the left hand instead, or one who by habit prefers the use of the left hand, where others use the right. It is interesting to note that in both instances, where the expression occurs in the Scripture, it refers to individuals belonging to the tribe of Benjamin (which name itself signifies "a son of the right hand"!). The first is Ehud, son of Gera, who killed Eglon, king of Moab, and thereby delivered Israel from paying tribute to the Moabites (Judges 3:15). The other instance is that of the 700 selected Benjamites, who, though lefthanded, "could sling stones at a hair-breadth, and not miss" (Judges 20:16; of 1 Chronicles 12:2).

H. L. E. Luering

August 12 Evening
... When the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer,
Ehud, . . . a man lefthanded. After him was Shamgar, . . . ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/august 12 evening.htm

Lefthanded (2 Occurrences)
... This quality was common apparently in the tribe of Benjamin. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. LEFTHANDED. ... Multi-Version Concordance Lefthanded (2 Occurrences). ...
/l/lefthanded.htm - 8k

Left-handed (3 Occurrences)
Left-handed. Lefthanded, Left-handed. Leftover . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(See NIV). Lefthanded, Left-handed. Leftover . Reference Bible.
/l/left-handed.htm - 8k

Left (3923 Occurrences)
... synonymous with north (Genesis 14:15 Joshua 19:27 Ezekiel 16:46 Acts 21:3). While
the left hand is considered as weaker than the right (see LEFTHANDED), it is ...
/l/left.htm - 9k

Leftest (1 Occurrence)

/l/leftest.htm - 6k

Deliverer (29 Occurrences)
... 3:15 But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up
a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him ...
/d/deliverer.htm - 15k

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