Topical Bible: Deception: Ehud Deceives Eglon, and Kills Him

◄ Deception: Ehud Deceives Eglon, and Kills Him ►

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Biblical Context:
The account of Ehud's deception of Eglon is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30. This narrative occurs during a period of Israel's history characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of Othniel, the first judge, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their subjugation by Eglon, the king of Moab. This oppression lasted for eighteen years until God raised Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, to deliver Israel.

Narrative Summary:
Ehud's account is a vivid example of divine deliverance through unexpected means. The Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He provided Ehud as a deliverer. Ehud crafted a double-edged sword about a cubit long and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh. He then presented tribute to Eglon, who was described as a very fat man.

After delivering the tribute, Ehud dismissed the people who had carried it and returned to Eglon under the pretense of having a secret message for him. Eglon, intrigued by the prospect of a secret, dismissed his attendants, leaving himself alone with Ehud. Judges 3:20-21 recounts the pivotal moment: "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly."

The sword went in so deep that the handle sank in after the blade, and the fat closed over it. Ehud left the sword in Eglon and locked the doors of the upper room behind him as he made his escape. Eglon's servants, assuming he was relieving himself, delayed in checking on him, allowing Ehud to escape to Seirah. Upon his return to Israel, Ehud rallied the Israelites, leading them to victory over the Moabites, securing peace for eighty years.

Theological Implications:
Ehud's deception raises complex questions about morality and divine providence. From a conservative Christian perspective, this account demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to use unconventional means to achieve His purposes. Ehud's left-handedness, considered a disadvantage in his culture, became a strategic advantage in God's plan. The narrative underscores the theme that God often chooses the unlikely and the weak to accomplish His will, confounding human expectations.

The account also highlights the seriousness of Israel's sin and the severity of God's judgment, as well as His mercy in providing deliverance. Ehud's actions, while deceptive, are seen within the context of divine justice against a tyrannical oppressor. The account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of turning away from Him.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The use of deception in warfare was not uncommon in the ancient Near East, and Ehud's actions can be understood within this cultural context. The narrative reflects the harsh realities of a time when Israel was surrounded by hostile nations and often found itself in a struggle for survival. The account of Ehud and Eglon is a testament to the cunning and bravery required to deliver Israel from its enemies.

Key Verses:
· Judges 3:15 : "And the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab."
· Judges 3:20-21 : "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly."

Conclusion:
The account of Ehud's deception of Eglon is a powerful narrative of deliverance, showcasing God's ability to use unexpected means and individuals to fulfill His purposes. It serves as a reminder of the importance of reliance on God and the assurance of His deliverance for those who call upon Him.

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Judges 3:15-30
But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab.
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