Ehud: The Left-Handed Judge and Deliverer

EHUD: THE LEFT-HANDED JUDGE AND DELIVERER

In the tumultuous period of the Judges, one figure stands out for his cunning and unconventional tactics: Ehud, the left-handed deliverer of Israel. His story, found in the book of Judges, offers a unique glimpse into the political and spiritual landscape of ancient Israel.

Historical Context

The narrative begins with Israel's recurring cycle of sin, punishment, and deliverance:

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. (Judges 3:12)

For eighteen years, the Israelites suffered under Moabite oppression, led by King Eglon.

Ehud's Unique Characteristic

Ehud is introduced with a distinctive trait:

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. (Judges 3:15)

This left-handedness plays a crucial role in Ehud's strategy, as it was unexpected in a world where right-handedness was the norm.

The Assassination Plot

Ehud crafts a plan to assassinate Eglon. He creates a double-edged dagger and conceals it:

But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh. (Judges 3:16)

By wearing the dagger on his right thigh, Ehud ensures it would be overlooked during a weapons check, as most men wore swords on their left side.

The Execution of the Plan

Ehud gains a private audience with Eglon under the pretense of delivering a tribute. The narrative vividly describes the assassination:

And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. (Judges 3:21-22)

The graphic detail serves to emphasize the completeness of Eglon's defeat and the fulfillment of God's judgment.

The Aftermath and Deliverance

After the assassination, Ehud escapes and rallies the Israelites:

And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them. (Judges 3:27)

Under Ehud's leadership, Israel defeats the Moabites, leading to a long period of peace:

So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years. (Judges 3:30)

Theological Implications

The story of Ehud illustrates several important theological points:

1. God's sovereignty in choosing unlikely leaders
2. The use of human ingenuity in divine deliverance
3. The cyclical nature of sin, punishment, and redemption in Israel's history

Conclusion

Ehud's narrative, while violent, demonstrates God's willingness to use unexpected means to deliver His people. It challenges readers to consider how God might use their unique characteristics - even those seen as disadvantages - for His purposes. The story also serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the mercy He shows when His people return to Him.

Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.