Ehud was a judge and deliverer of Israel who saved the Israelites from oppression by the Moabites. Here is what the Bible tells us about Ehud:
Ehud was a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 3:15). During Israel’s subjection to Eglon the king of Moab, Ehud was chosen to deliver a tribute to Eglon. Ehud made a double-edged sword about a cubit (18 inches) long and strapped it to his right thigh under his clothes. After delivering the tribute, Ehud told Eglon he had a secret message for him. Eglon dismissed his attendants and Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” As Eglon rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand and took the sword from his right thigh and stabbed Eglon in the belly. The sword went so deep that even the handle sank in and the fat closed over the blade. Ehud left the sword in Eglon’s belly and locked the doors of the roof chamber as he left.
Ehud escaped to Seirah while Eglon’s servants waited outside the locked doors, assuming Eglon was relieving himself. Finally the servants took the key and opened the doors to find their king dead. During that time, Ehud passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah in the hill country of Ephraim.
When Ehud returned, he led the Israelites to capture the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab and prevented anyone from crossing. They struck down about ten thousand Moabites, securing peace for Israel for eighty years (Judges 3:12-30).
From this account, we learn a few things about Ehud:
1. He was from the tribe of Benjamin, known for being fierce warriors (Genesis 49:27).
2. He was left-handed, which made it easier for him to conceal a sword on his right thigh without the guards noticing. This also surprised Eglon when Ehud stabbed him.
3. Ehud was clever in how he gained a private audience with Eglon and assassinated him before making his escape.
4. God used Ehud’s slyness and willingness to deliver Israel from oppression by their enemies. Ehud responded in faith to God’s calling to save his people.
5. Ehud inspired and led the Israelites to decisively defeat the Moabites who had been oppressing them for 18 years. This gave Israel peace for 80 years.
6. Ehud’s legacy was that of a deliverer raised up by God to save Israel in a time of distress and lead them to victory over their enemies when they cried out for help.
In summary, Ehud was an unlikely hero whom God empowered and used in a mighty way to rescue His people from bondage. Though left-handed and seemingly at a physical disadvantage, Ehud stepped out in faith and allowed God to work through him. The Bible upholds Ehud as a prime example of how God can use anyone with a willing heart to accomplish His purposes and be an instrument of deliverance. Ehud answered the call and made his life count for God’s glory.
Ehud’s story is a testament to how God equips the humble and uses the unlikely. It is both an inspiration and a challenge to be ready to step out in faith when God calls us to courageously advance His kingdom. Like Ehud, we may feel ill-prepared or incapable, but God sees beyond outward appearances. If we wholly trust and obey Him, He will use us in ways we cannot imagine. Ehud’s exemplary faith, valor, and willingness to follow God’s direction provide an outstanding model to emulate.
The account of Ehud reminds us that anyone can be a hero in God’s story. His calling goes far beyond human qualifications. When we make ourselves available to the Lord, He can embolden and strengthen us to rise above our fears and perceived limitations. Ehud’s life inspires everyone with a heart for God to believe that He can work powerfully through them. We may feel common or inadequate, but the Almighty delights in using the weak to accomplish the extraordinary and receive all the glory.
Like Ehud, even the most unlikely person faithfully answering God’s call can courageously execute His purposes and be used mightily to advance His kingdom. As vessels yielded to divine hands, the story of Ehud compels us to trust that God can make the weak strong, turning unassuming heroes into deliverers for His people and champions of the faith. May Ehud’s story stir our hearts to bravely follow God’s direction and believe that He desires to work mightily through anyone who wholly trusts in Him.
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Additional Details on Ehud’s Story
Here are some additional details that the Bible provides about Ehud’s story:
– Ehud was the son of Gera from the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 3:15). Benjamin was known for producing fierce warriors (Genesis 49:27) which helps explain Ehud’s fighting skills.
– Eglon the king of Moab had allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites to capture the City of Palms and conquer Israel (Judges 3:12-13). Their domination lasted 18 years indicating Israel’s oppression under Moabite rule.
– Ehud crafted a 18-inch double-edged sword specially designed for the assassination. Being left-handed gave him the advantage of stealth and surprise in wielding the sword strapped to his right thigh (Judges 3:16).
– After delivering Israel’s tribute payment, Ehud invented a pretense to return and gain a private audience with Eglon claiming he had a “secret message” for him (Judges 3:19). This was part of his clever plan.
– Ehud told Eglon, “I have a message from God for you.” This statement likely referenced a divine revelation or prophecy Ehud received about assassinating Eglon.
– As Eglon rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand to draw the sword from his right thigh stabbing Eglon in his ample belly (Judges 3:21-22).
– Ehud plunged the sword so deep that the handle sank into Eglon’s belly and the fat closed over the blade so he couldn’t remove it (Judges 3:22). This ensured Eglon’s death.
– After locking the doors to Eglon’s roof chamber, Ehud quietly passed by the Moabite idols escaping safely to Seirah in the hill country of Ephraim (Judges 3:26-27).
– Ehud then rallied the Israelites to seize control of the fords of the Jordan which cut off Moabite reinforcements. This let Israel take the upper hand militarily (Judges 3:27-28).
– The Israelites struck down about ten thousand Moabite soldiers securing peace and rest for the land of Israel for eighty years (Judges 3:29-30).
These extra scriptural insights help provide context and details surrounding Ehud’s successful mission to assassinate Eglon and save Israel from oppression under Moabite rule. God equipped and empowered this left-handed judge to bravely deliver His people in their time of need.
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Ehud’s Character and Leadership as a Judge of Israel
Ehud’s selection as a judge of Israel and the manner in which he delivered the Israelites from their enemies reveal key aspects of his character and leadership:
Courage – Ehud demonstrated courage in how he devised the plan to assassinate Eglon and executed it without flinching despite the danger. This courage stemmed from his confidence in God’s calling.
Ingenuity – Ehud revealed cleverness and ingenuity in how he designed the concealed sword, gained access to Eglon, and escaped safely after the assassination.
Boldness – Ehud acted decisively and boldly plunged the sword into Eglon showing no hesitation. His boldness inspired the Israelites in battle.
Faith – Ehud stepped out in faith believing God empowered him as a deliverer. His faith overcame self-doubt and led to God’s promised deliverance.
Humility – Ehud readily accepted this difficult assignment from God despite seeming unqualified as left-handed and from the smallest tribe.
Obedience – Ehud obeyed the Lord’s instructions completely which was key to the mission’s success. His example spurred Israel’s obedience.
Leadership – Ehud rallied and led Israel in securing victory after the assassination. His leadership fostered peace and rest for the land.
Wisdom – Ehud carefully planned and carried out the assassination while managing its aftermath to protect Israel. This revealed his wisdom.
Tenacity – In the face of great odds Ehud tenaciously accomplished his mission while refusing to quit or compromise.
Patriotism – Ehud’s passion to save Israel from Moabite domination drove his zeal to deliver them at all costs.
Ehud’s blend of courage, ingenuity, boldness, faith, humility, obedience, leadership, wisdom, tenacity, and patriotism offer an outstanding example for all who desire to serve God’s purposes. His character strengths overcame his limitations. Ehud inspires us to rise above our inadequacies and answer God’s call.
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Parallels Between Ehud and Christ
While Ehud and Jesus served very different purposes, several aspects of Ehud’s story contain parallels or foreshadowings of Christ:
– Ehud’s left-handedness made him an unlikely hero parallel to perceptions of Jesus as an unlikely Messiah. God uses the unexpected.
– Ehud laid down his life risking death to save Israel just as Christ sacrificed himself to save people from their sins.
– The sword piercing Eglon’s belly foreshadowed the sword that would pierce Christ’s side at His crucifixion.
– Ehud sounded the trumpet rallying Israel after Eglon’s death just as Christ’s resurrection represents a trumpet call rallying believers.
– Ehud leading Israel to victory over Moab parallels Christ leading believers to ultimate victory over Satan, sin and death.
– Peace followed Ehud’s deliverance of Israel just as Christ’s sacrifice brings peace between man and God.
However key differences exist – Ehud delivered through physical death whereas Christ overcomes through spiritual life. Ehud rescued Israel temporarily but Christ eternally. Ehud executed God’s judgment but Christ took that judgment upon Himself on our behalf.
While Ehud reflected traits that would characterize the coming Messiah, ultimately all honor is due to Jesus who offers the perfect sacrifice and eternal deliverance that Ehud merely foreshadowed for a time. Any similarities serve to exalt Christ and reveal how the Old Testament prepared the way for the fulfillment found in Him alone.
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Lessons We Can Learn from Ehud
The account of Ehud provides several important lessons for our lives today:
1. God can use anyone – Ehud’s left-handedness made him an unlikely choice but God empowered him. We should never limit who God can use.
2. Obedience brings deliverance – Ehud’s obedience to assassinate Eglon led to Israel’s deliverance from oppression. Our obedience positions God to work.
3. Faith defeats fear – Ehud courageously confronted his assignment despite the risk. With faith in God, we can act boldly.
4. Deliverance requires action – Ehud devised and executed the plan for Israel’s deliverance. We must combine trust and action.
5. Be ready when God calls – Ehud was ready to deliver Israel when opportunity arose. We must prepare for divine opportunities.
6. Use what God has given – Ehud employed his left-handedness. We should use all God has equipped us with for His glory.
7. God’s power in our weakness – God used Ehud despite his limitations. His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.
8. Small things bring great victories – Ehud’s small concealed sword enabled a great victory. God uses small acts of faithful obedience to accomplish big things.
9. Trust divine strategies – Ehud implemented God’s strategy despite looking foolish. God’s ways often appear foolish from a human perspective.
10. God rewards courageous obedience – Ehud was courageous and obedient to God’s directives, resulting in reward and impact for good. When we follow God’s leading, He promises to reward our faith and use us for His purposes.
Ehud’s story offers encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration for our walk with God today. As we reflect on his example, we can learn important spiritual lessons that help us live out our faith with courage, trust, obedience, and readiness to answer God’s call.
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How Ehud Points Us to Christ
While Ehud lived centuries before Christ, there are aspects of his life and legacy that symbolically point us to Jesus:
– Ehud’s willingness to risk his life to liberate Israel from oppression foreshadows Christ’s willingness to die to free humankind from sin’s oppression.
– Eglon’s death at Ehud’s hand pictures the death blow Christ dealt to Satan’s power through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
– Ehud sounded the trumpet of victory after Eglon’s death like Christ’s resurrection sounding the ultimate victory over sin and death.
– The peace Israel enjoyed after their enemy’s defeat reminds us of the peace believers enjoy with God through Christ’s finished work.
– Ehud’s leadership guiding Israel to possess their land points ahead to Christ as the ultimate leader and deliverer guiding believers to their eternal inheritance.
– The Bible highlights Ehud was left-handed, an unexpected trait for a hero, just as people did not expect the Messiah to come from humble means as Jesus did.
– Ehud’s reliance on God despite his limitations foreshadows how Christ’s power is perfected in human weakness.
– Ehud’s obscure origins yet mighty calling mirrors Christ’s origins in Bethlehem yet mighty divine purpose.
– Ehud defeating a threatening enemy king parallels Christ defeating Satan, the enemy of our souls.
– Ehud’s moral courage parallels Christ’s spiritual courage to endure the cross despising its shame for the joy set before Him.
While Ehud himself was not a perfect savior, aspects of his deliverer role pointed Israel to their need for the ultimate Deliverer. In many ways, Ehud’s life foreshadowed the coming Messiah who would offer complete salvation. Ehud’s story reminds us God can use ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Even in Judges’ imperfect heroes we see glimmers pointing to the perfect Hero.
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Ehud and Today’s Culture
Ehud’s actions and example present some challenges and opportunities for relating to today’s culture:
Challenges:
– His assassination of Eglon could seem morally dubious by today’s standards of justice.
– His use of deception conflicts with some modern values of honesty and transparency.
– As a violent military leader, Ehud represents ideals that our culture finds unsettling.
– Ehud’s zealotry in some ways modeled problematic ends justifying means thinking.
– His story includes political assassination, violence, and militarism that contemporary societies frown upon.
Opportunities:
– Ehud’s courage provides a model for standing uncompromisingly for righteousness in a relativistic age.
– His leadership offers an example of rising to meet urgent needs during a national crisis.
– Ehud’s trust in God’s direction challenges current self-reliance and pride.
– His delivering the oppressed can inspire defending the vulnerable and marginalized today.
– Ehud’s perseverance and resourcefulness provide models for overcoming obstacles and setbacks.
– His victory over evil and oppression represents justice and hope still needed in suffering contexts today.
In interpreting and applying Ehud’s story, we must filter his actions through Christ’s perfect example. Ehud acts as a divinely appointed judge under the old covenant, whereas Christians operate under Christ’s new covenant of grace and truth. So we acknowledge God worked through Ehud in his cultural context while not condoning all his actions today. We can affirm Ehud’s courageous faith and leadership for God while recognizing only Christ offers the ultimate model of righteous zeal tempered by love, justice and mercy.
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Significance of Ehud for Israel’s History
Ehud’s leadership and deliverance of Israel held unique significance for their history:
– He represents the second judge God raised up to deliver Israel after they sinned and suffered under foreign domination. This began a pattern seen throughout Judges.
– Ehud demonstrated that Israel could overcome its oppressors through the power of the Lord rather than military might alone. This inspired national hope.
– God used a left-handed man from the smallest tribe of Benjamin to show He can use unexpected people powerfully.
– Ehud’s assassination of Eglon broke the 18-year Moabite hold on Israel, allowing their liberation.
– Under Ehud, Israel experienced 80 years of peace – one of their longest periods without foreign rule in Judges.
– Ehud pioneered key strategies for delivering Israel such as assassination of enemy leaders and controlling the Jordan River.
– His leadership unified the fractious tribes for a decisive victory over Moab, renewing their sense of national identity.
– Ehud represents one of only two Judges specifically designated to save Israel from the Moabites (along with Jephthah).
– His legacy likely inspired later judges and deliverers to step forward when Israel faced oppression.
– Ehud’s faith and obedience set an important example of courageously following the Lord’s direction.
For these reasons, Ehud represents a pivotal early judge and military leader in Israel’s history. His daring, decisive actions broke Moabite domination, delivering Israel and granting them lasting peace. Ehud’s legacy had an indelible influence in shaping Israel’s national life and identity for subsequent generations. He epitomized the Judges role of bold liberator guided by God against all odds.
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