The Story of Ehud and King Eglon: A Tale of Deception, Deliverance, and Divine Justice

by J. Wallis

The Bible is filled with powerful and compelling narratives, but few are as striking as the story of Ehud and King Eglon. After finishing the Book of Joshua, my next assignment deals with the Book of Samual. However, I didn't want to skip the two books in between, which are Judges and Ruth. So, I started reading in Judges this morning and found a wealth of information about how the Israelites struggled to rid the Promise Land of the remaining threat to God's chosen people.  This dramatic tale of Ehud and King Eglon, found in chapter three of the Book of Judges, is a gripping account of cunning strategy, divine intervention, and the triumph of an oppressed people. In this article, I'll explore the historical, theological, and moral significance of Ehud’s daring mission to liberate Israel from Moabite rule.

The Oppression of Israel Under King Eglon

During the time of the Judges of Israel, the people repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of the righteous leader Othniel, Israel once again turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and disobedience. As a result, the Lord allowed King Eglon of Moab to rise in power and conquer Israel.

Eglon, a ruthless and imposing ruler, formed an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, successfully defeating Israel and seizing control of key territories, including the City of Palms (Jericho). For eighteen long years, the Israelites suffered under the heavy hand of Eglon, forced to pay tributes and endure harsh oppression. Their cries for help reached the heavens, and God raised up an unlikely deliverer—Ehud, the left-handed warrior.

Ehud: The Unlikely Hero Chosen by God

Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin, and his left-handedness was a crucial detail that played a role in his success. In ancient times, being left-handed was often seen as a disadvantage, as most warriors were trained to wield weapons with their right hand. However, Ehud’s unique trait became a strategic advantage, allowing him to carry out his mission undetected.

The Israelites, desperate for relief, sent Ehud to deliver a tribute to King Eglon. Unbeknownst to the Moabite king, Ehud had a secret plan and carried a concealed double-edged sword, which he had carefully strapped to his right thigh—an area guards would be unlikely to check, assuming he was right-handed.

The Assassination of King Eglon

Upon arriving at King Eglon’s palace, Ehud and his men presented the customary tribute, likely a form of payment in gold, livestock, or grain. Afterward, he dismissed his attendants, but instead of leaving, he returned to the king’s private chamber under the pretense of delivering a secret message from God.

Eglon, described in the Bible as a very fat man, dismissed his servants and granted Ehud a private audience. As the unsuspecting king leaned in to hear the so-called divine message, Ehud swiftly drew his concealed sword and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. The force of the attack was so great that the entire blade disappeared into the king’s body, and his bowels were discharged—a grotesque yet symbolic representation of divine justice.

Ehud’s Clever Escape and the Uprising Against Moab

After the assassination, Ehud carefully locked the doors of the chamber and escaped unnoticed. When the king’s servants finally discovered their ruler’s lifeless body, Ehud had already fled to Seirah, a region in the hill country of Ephraim.

Upon reaching safety, Ehud blew the trumpet, signaling the Israelite forces to rise up against their oppressors. Inspired by Ehud’s boldness and empowered by divine favor, the Israelites launched a surprise attack against the Moabites, slaughtering about 10,000 elite warriors. With their enemies defeated, Israel was finally free from Moabite rule, ushering in a period of peace that lasted for eighty years.

Symbolism and Lessons from Ehud’s Story

The story of Ehud and King Eglon is rich in symbolism and theological themes that continue to inspire readers today:

1. God Uses the Unexpected

Ehud’s left-handedness, initially perceived as a weakness, became the very tool of deliverance. This reminds us that God often uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His plans, choosing the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).

2. Deliverance Comes Through Obedience

Ehud did not hesitate when God called him to act. His unwavering obedience led to Israel’s liberation, emphasizing that God often works through those who are willing to take bold steps in faith.

3. Evil is Temporary, But God’s Justice Prevails

King Eglon’s oppressive rule seemed unshakable, yet God’s justice swiftly removed him from power. This serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the situation, God’s justice will always prevail in the end.

The Legacy of Ehud’s Heroism

Ehud’s story remains one of the most gripping and action-packed narratives in the Book of Judges. His bravery, strategic brilliance, and faith paved the way for Israel’s freedom, proving that even in the most oppressive times, God provides a way of deliverance.

The impact of Ehud’s actions lasted for generations, reinforcing the idea that one person’s courage and obedience to God can change the course of history. His story is a testament to the power of faith, wisdom, and divine intervention.