Often a misconception perhaps of the Judges is the idea they served sitting in “judgment” as judges do today. Based, however, upon a closer reading of the book of judges, this was not the case. Even the idea that these men served the whole nation of Israel is misguided. Actually the judges’ influence often was more localized by tribe. One must remember it was not a united kingdom until the time of Saul, David and Solomon.
The cycle of Israel’s obedience, to being at ease, to worshiping idols, being conquered and enslaved by a foreign king, a cry of repentance and God’s deliverance for them continued after the death of Othniel. After Othniel’s victory over the Mesopotamian kings Israel had rest for war for forty years. As is stated over and over in the book of Judges, “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Jud 3:12—this time).
After eighteen years of Moabite oppression God raised Ehud as a deliverer of his people (Jud 3:15). Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin. The Bible tells us Ehud was left-handed. Some have interpreted the original language here as either “left-handed,” “ambidextrous,” or even the “right hand bound up as in useless.” If in fact it is interpreted as the right side being useless, the idea that God does not need the physically strong to accomplish his purpose is a lesson to be drawn from this account.
Through deception and trickery Ehud gained access to the Moab King’s innermost chambers. Eglon, the Moabite King was a very fat man. Ehud made his way into the very private chambers of the king; thrust him through with the dagger he had offered as a present. Eglon, being so fat, his body sucked the knife in and enclosed even the handle. Ehud locked the door and left Eglon to die.
What a gruesome way to die. However, just as Ehud was prepared to stab Eglon the King, he reported he had this message from God, whereupon he stabbed him and left. Ehud then collected an army from the tribes of Israel cutting off the Moabites. In the valleys of the Jordan River Ehud led the army to a defeat of the mighty men of Moab. It is important to note Ehud completely gave God the credit for the victory which was to be Israel’s.
The providence of God in this account is certainly throughout. Ehud was called by God to deliver His people. Can you see the providence of God in the deception of Eglon’s guards, in Ehud’s escape and in the defeat of the Moabite Army? We serve a great God.