Ehud, a prominent figure from the tribe of Benjamin, is celebrated as a judge and deliverer of Israel during a time of oppression. His account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30. Ehud's narrative is marked by his cunning and bravery, which led to the liberation of the Israelites from Moabite domination.

Background and Context

The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was known for its warriors and strategic location between the northern and southern tribes. During the period of the judges, Israel frequently fell into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Ehud arose as a deliverer during one such cycle when the Israelites were subjugated by Eglon, the king of Moab.

Ehud's Mission

Ehud, described as a left-handed man, was chosen to deliver Israel from Moabite control. His left-handedness is a significant detail, as it played a crucial role in his mission. Judges 3:15 states, "Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, as their deliverer. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab."

Ehud crafted a double-edged sword, about a cubit in length, and concealed it under his clothing on his right thigh. This strategic placement allowed him to bypass suspicion, as most warriors were right-handed and would carry weapons on their left side.

Assassination of Eglon

Ehud's plan unfolded when he presented the tribute to Eglon. After delivering the tribute, Ehud requested a private audience with the king, claiming to have a secret message. Judges 3:20-21 recounts the event: "Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room. 'I have a message from God for you,' Ehud said, and the king rose from his seat. Then Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly."

The assassination of Eglon was a pivotal moment, as it led to confusion and disarray among the Moabites. Ehud's escape was facilitated by the locked doors of the upper room, which delayed the discovery of Eglon's death.

Victory and Peace

Following the assassination, Ehud rallied the Israelites to seize the opportunity for liberation. Judges 3:28-29 describes his call to arms: "Follow me, for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand." The Israelites, under Ehud's leadership, captured the fords of the Jordan River, preventing the Moabites from escaping. They struck down about ten thousand Moabite warriors, securing a decisive victory.

The result of Ehud's leadership and courage was a period of peace for Israel. Judges 3:30 concludes, "So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had rest for eighty years."

Legacy

Ehud's account is a testament to the deliverance that God provided through unlikely means and individuals. His left-handedness, often seen as a disadvantage, became a tool for divine intervention. Ehud's actions exemplify the courage and faithfulness required to lead God's people out of oppression. His legacy is celebrated as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unexpected ways He can bring about deliverance for His people.Judges 3:15
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Was A Sedition Arisen, The Tribe Of Benjamin Was Destroyed ... The Son Of Uzziah Reigned
Over The Tribe Of Judah ... CHAPTER 5. How Herod Celebrated The Games That Were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... 5:14) contains an allusion to Benjamin, which is ... the families which constituted the
half-tribe of Manasseh ... of the people of Shechem, who celebrated under his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the narratives, such as the story of Abimelech, and possibly that of Ehud, may
have ... BC, perhaps in the time of Jehoshaphat, a member of the tribe of Judah ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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Benjamin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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