Ehud is one of the lesser-known but most fascinating judges in the Bible. His story is found in Judges 3, where God uses him to deliver Israel in a surprising and bold way. Let’s look at ten interesting facts about Ehud and how God used him to bring peace to His people.
1. Ehud Was a Judge of Israel
Ehud was the second judge of Israel after Othniel. He was chosen by God to deliver Israel from oppression under the Moabites.
Judges 3:15 — “Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man.”
2. He Was Left-Handed
Being left-handed gave Ehud an advantage. Most soldiers were trained to fight right-handed, so his enemies didn’t expect his attack.
Judges 3:16 — “And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit in length, and he bound it on his right thigh under his clothes.”
Judges 20:16 — “Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.”
3. Ehud Came from the Tribe of Benjamin
Though Benjamin was the smallest tribe, it had a reputation for bold warriors. Ehud’s background highlights how God often uses the unlikely.
1 Samuel 9:21 — “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?”
4. He Killed King Eglon in Private
Ehud used a clever plan to kill Eglon, king of Moab. He told the king he had a secret message from God, which allowed him to get close without suspicion.
Judges 3:20 — “Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, ‘I have a message from God for you.’ And he arose from his seat.”
5. Eglon Was an Obese King
The Bible includes a graphic detail about King Eglon’s size, which made Ehud’s assassination even more shocking.
Judges 3:22 — “And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out.”
6. Ehud Escaped Before Anyone Knew
After locking the doors behind him, Ehud left unnoticed while the king’s servants thought Eglon was using the restroom.
Judges 3:23–24 — “Then Ehud went out into the porch and closed the doors of the roof chamber behind him and locked them. When he had gone, the servants came, and when they saw that the doors... were locked, they thought, ‘Surely he is relieving himself.’”
7. He Led Israel to Victory
Ehud blew a trumpet to gather the Israelites. Then he led them in defeating the Moabites at the fords of the Jordan.
Judges 3:27–28 — “When he arrived, he sounded the trumpet... and the people of Israel went down with him... And he said to them, ‘Follow after me, for the Lord has given your enemies the Moabites into your hand.’”
Judges 3:29 — “And they killed at that time about 10,000 of the Moabites, all strong, able-bodied men; not a man escaped.”
8. The Land Had Peace for 80 Years
Ehud’s act of courage brought long-lasting peace—one of the longest times of rest during the period of the judges.
Judges 3:30 — “So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years.”
9. His Story Is One of Strategy and Courage
Ehud didn’t have an army when he began his mission. He used his wits, his courage, and his faith in God.
Proverbs 21:31 — “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
10. Ehud Shows God’s Pattern of Deliverance
The book of Judges shows a repeating pattern: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Ehud was God’s chosen vessel when Israel cried out.
Judges 3:12 — “And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel...”
Judges 3:15 — “Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud...”
Psalm 34:17 — “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
Summary Table
Fact | Description | Scripture |
---|---|---|
1 | Ehud was a judge | Judges 3:15 |
2 | He was left-handed | Judges 3:16, Judges 20:16 |
3 | Tribe of Benjamin | Judges 3:15, 1 Samuel 9:21 |
4 | Killed King Eglon | Judges 3:20 |
5 | Eglon was obese | Judges 3:22 |
6 | Escaped unnoticed | Judges 3:23–24 |
7 | Led a military victory | Judges 3:27–29 |
8 | Brought 80 years of peace | Judges 3:30 |
9 | Strategy and courage | Proverbs 21:31, Joshua 1:9 |
10 | Part of God’s deliverance cycle | Judges 3:12–15, Psalm 34:17 |