What does the Bible say about Ehud the judge?

Ehud was a judge of Israel raised up by God to deliver the nation from Moabite oppression. His story is found in Judges 3 and is marked by boldness, ingenuity, and faith in God’s calling.

During this time, Israel had done evil, and the Lord delivered them into the hand of Eglon, king of Moab, for eighteen years. Judges 3:15 sets the stage:

“But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man…”

Ehud’s left-handedness played a key role in his mission. He crafted a double-edged dagger, hid it under his clothes on his right thigh, and went to deliver tribute to Eglon. After presenting the tribute, Ehud asked for a private audience, claiming to have a secret message. Judges 3:21–22 tells what happened next:

“Then Ehud reached with his left hand, took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly… and the fat closed over the blade…”

Ehud escaped undetected and returned to Israel, where he rallied the people to pursue and defeat the Moabites. Judges 3:30 concludes:

“So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years.”

Ehud’s story shows how God can use unexpected means and unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. His left-handedness, considered unusual, became the very thing God used to gain the victory.

Ehud demonstrated courage, strategy, and faith. His deliverance brought peace to Israel and established him as one of the first of the major judges used by God to rescue His people during times of apostasy and oppression.

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