Ehud and The Fat King

A lot of interesting characters show up in the Bible, and the book of Judges is filled with them. One man kills a bunch of his enemies with an ox-goad (is that like a cattle-prod?) A woman takes out the General with a stake through the eyeball. Yes, Judges is not the book for the faint-hearted. And not the storybook to bring out at bedtime for the little ones.

Ehud is found in Judges 3:12-30 and a lot of truth and application can be found in this guy’s life. First of all, he was born with a couple of problems. Not handicaps, really, but perhaps things that would make one think twice before handing him the keys to the corner office. He was from the least likely clan to produce “The Judge.” The tribe of Benjamin was the youngest and smallest tribe, and didn’t hold a lot of potential typically for headhunters looking for a new leader. (Even though their first king, Saul, came from this clan.)

Even worse, though, Ehud was left-handed. I know that this is really not a handicap. But the stuff of the world is mostly made by “righties” for other “rightees.” So, he faced a few obstacles. But, the people of God said yes to his leadership and he showed his creative style by defeating their arch-enemy, the Moabites.

Basically, he crafted a two-edged sword, rounded up all the Israelite soldiers he could find, and led them to King Eglon’s encampment. Pretending to bear tribute, he and his escort were ushered into Eglon’s inner court. He first gave the gift, then offered a secret (a bit of gossip, perhaps, that Eglon could enhance his power by.)

When the room was cleared of extra pairs of ears, Ehud drew near to the king “and said, “‘I have a word of God for you.'” Eglon stood up from his throne. Ehud reached with his left hand and took his sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s big belly.” (Judges 3, Message)

Ehud brought the army back and gave a real blistering to the enemy. And the people of God had peace for 80 years. That’s beyond his generation. What a legacy for a left-handed guy from a little tribe who got to be the Judge.

Questions for study:
A Look at the Verses:
Why did the Israelites need a Judge?
What did the people do before a Judge rose to lead them?
Why do you think the Bible is so graphic in this passage? What is the importance to this victory?
What is the significance that Ehud was left-handed?
How did “blowing the trumpet” affect Ehud’s situation?
Taking it Deeper:
What obstacles can you see Ehud faced in liberating his people?
If each of us has a unique call, do we each face obstacles to accomplishing this call?
What do you face today, and how can we ask God’s help to get through this obstacle?
Does faith in Christ help you overcome obstacles? How has your faith affected your progress in overcoming obstacles?
Is “blowing a trumpet” more like a cry for help or a declaration of praise?

If you would like to see the Character Survey Study done by theolog Eder Ibarra that I based this devo/study on, go to Eder’s Study on Ehud.

All For Him – Rick