My prayer was filled with gratitude that we arrived home safely from our trip to Utah and that we had the opportunity to be "companions" to my son before he left. It was an eye opener to live life for three days as a missionary. No television, restricted music, and always having someone with you. I really appreciate the fact that missionaries sacrifice things to do the work of the Lord. They are a great example to me!
Judges 3 Ehud Israel's Deliverer
Ehud's Problem (v 15)
The city of Jericho was the enemy stronghold that God had miraculously conquered for Israel at the time of the conquest. Jericho's strong walls blocked the way into the land of blessing that God had promised to His people. The defeat of Jericho opened up the whole central portion of the Promised Land for Israel.
But in Ehud's day, Jericho (of all places!) had fallen into enemy hands again. The pagan king of Moab had established his throne in the very place where God had brought such a tremendous victory to His people!
Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin’s allotment of land included the area around Jericho. Thus, they would have suffered the most under Eglon’s reign. Ehud, and the men of Benjamin, had plenty of reasons for wanting Eglon and his armies gone.
Do you ever feel surrounded by unrighteousness? It sometimes feels as though we cannot turn a corner without running into something that tempts us and causes the battle to begin within us. There are plenty of reasons for us to fight.
Ehud's Difference (v 15)
We are told that Eglon was “a man lefthanded” (Judges 3:15). Ehud was "different." Ehud was left-handed. Left-handed people are different--they're not the "norm." In any case, God used Ehud's "difference" in a positive way. A right-handed person would have strapped the dagger on his left thigh in order to grab it with his right hand at the opportune moment, and Eglon would have been on guard when seeing a man's right hand go under his cloak. But left-handed Ehud was not suspected when he slipped his left hand beneath his cloak to grab his short sword!
Do you feel that you are "different" from the normal person? We're all different in one way or another, but God can use these differences to further His work. What seems like a disadvantage, from our limited perspective, can become a unique advantage when dedicated to the Lord! Don't ever think that you're too shy or too tongue-tied, too young or too old, too dumb or too slow, too unpopular or too "whatever" to be used by God. What you see as a "difference" can be used to make a difference in the kingdom of God!
Ehud's Plan (vv 16-19)
Every so often, the people of Israel were required to pay tribute to Eglon. So, they sent their gift to Eglon with a delegation led by Ehud. Ehud took the liberty of making himself a double-edged dagger. He strapped this dagger to his right thigh, under his cloak, and went to take the tribute to the king. His plan is to get Eglon alone, and when he does, he is going to assassinate the king. It was a daring plan! If Ehud had been caught with that dagger, he would have been killed on the spot.
After delivering the tribute to Eglon, the delegation departed. After they had gone a short distance, Ehud came back and told Eglon that he had a secret message for him. The king, supposing that he was about to hear some great secret, tells Ehud to keep silent until they are alone. Eglon dismisses all of his servants.
Do you have a plan to fight the battles? What strategies to you use? Ehud knew his enemies weaknesses and used them against him. Christ knew Satan's weaknesses and used them against him when He was being tempted. Know your enemy!
Ehud's Performance (vv 20-26)
When Ehud gets Eglon alone, Ehud tells the king that he has a message for the king from God. Eglon stands up to hear this message, for even a king must honor a word from God! Ehud reaches under his cloak, draws the dagger and thrusts it through Eglon’s body. The blade sinks so deep into the king’s body that the fat closes around the handle and Ehud cannot retrieve the dagger. This is gross, but the phrase “the dirt came out” in v 22, means that Eglon’s bowels emptied themselves when he died. Gross!
Ehud locks the doors to the rooftop room where they are and he makes his escape. Eglon’s servants find the doors locked and think the king is in the restroom, which is what the phrase “covereth his feet” in v 24 means. The servants wait until they are literally embarrassed (v 25). Then they retrieve a key and enter the chamber and find the king dead upon the floor. By this time. Ehud is long gone.
Ehud locks the doors to the rooftop room where they are and he makes his escape. Eglon’s servants find the doors locked and think the king is in the restroom, which is what the phrase “covereth his feet” in v 24 means. The servants wait until they are literally embarrassed (v 25). Then they retrieve a key and enter the chamber and find the king dead upon the floor. By this time. Ehud is long gone.
"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
No step is too great. No price it too high. We must take whatever steps are necessary to see the victory over our weaknesses and sin. If we don’t, we will remain its servant as long as we live!
Good lessons in part two! They leave me feeling like I am a little more prepared for the battles. I am looking forward to seeing what I learn from finishing up this chapter!
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