Ehud (Hebrew: ’Ēḥûḏ), the son of Gera, was the second Judge of Israel. He was a Benjamite raised up by God to deliver the nation from eighteen years of Moabite oppression. His story is one of the most vivid accounts in the Book of Judges, characterizing him as a man of strategic brilliance, physical distinctness, and unwavering courage.
1. The Left-Handed Deliverer
The Scripture notes a specific physical detail about Ehud that proved central to his mission: he was “lefthanded.” In the original Hebrew, this often implies more than a preference, suggesting he may have been “bound in the right hand” or specifically trained to use his left.
- The Divine Appointment: After the death of Othniel, Israel fell back into idolatry and was subjugated by Eglon, King of Moab. When they cried out for mercy, God provided Ehud.”But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded…” (Judges 3:15, KJV)
2. The Strategic Assassination
Ehud was entrusted with bringing the “present” (tribute money) to King Eglon. He used this diplomatic mission as a cover for a daring assassination.
- The Secret Weapon: Ehud fashioned a bespoke, two-edged dagger about a cubit (roughly 18 inches) long. Because he was left-handed, he strapped the weapon to his right thigh—a location where the king’s guards would not expect to find a weapon, as most soldiers were right-handed and wore swords on the left.
- The Message from God: After dismissing his companions, Ehud returned to the king’s private “summer parlour” and claimed to have a secret errand. When the king stood up to receive the word, Ehud acted swiftly.”And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:” (Judges 3:21, KJV)
- The Escape: The thrust was so powerful that the hilt went in after the blade, and the king’s fat closed over it. Ehud locked the doors and escaped through the porch before the king’s servants realized their master was dead.
3. The Military Victory
Ehud’s work was not finished with the death of the tyrant. He fled to Mount Ephraim and blew a trumpet to rally the Israelites for war.
- The Capture of the Fords: Under Ehud’s leadership, the Israelites took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, preventing any Moabites from escaping or receiving reinforcements.”And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” (Judges 3:28, KJV)
- The Result: Israel slew about ten thousand Moabites—all “lusty men, and all men of valour.” The land subsequently had rest for eighty years, the longest period of peace recorded in the Book of Judges.
Historical & Theological Significance
Ehud serves as a type of the Surprise of Divine Deliverance. He used what some might have considered a physical quirk or limitation (his left-handedness) as a specialized tool for God’s glory. His story demonstrates that God’s “message” to the enemies of His people is often a sharp sword of judgment.
Furthermore, Ehud’s lineage as a Benjamite (the “son of the right hand”) being a “left-handed” savior provides a striking biblical irony that underscores God’s tendency to use the unexpected to confound the mighty.