Keraia
Judges 3

Judges 3:13

Ehud · Judges 3:12–30
Read Judges 3

Translations

Modern
After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.
Traditional
And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
Literal
And he gathered to himself the sons of Ammon and Amalek, and they went and defeated Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms.
Latin
Et copulavit ei filios Ammon, et Amalec: abiitque et percussit Israël, atque possedit urbem palmarum.

Original

Hebrew
English
After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.

Notes

Judges 3:12–13

  • The people of Moab and the Ammonites descended from Lot’s relationship with his daughters (Genesis 19:30–38). Although related to Israel, both nations were Israel’s enemies.

  • The Amalekites were nomads who attacked Israel in the desert, and Israel was commanded to remain hostile toward them (Numbers 24:20; Deuteronomy 25:17–19). These three nations likely joined forces because they feared Israel's expansion.

Judges 3:12–30

In this epic story of intrigue and cleverness, Ehud showed bravery when a group of nations from east of the Jordan invaded the hill country of Ephraim and Benjamin. The story uses a familiar pattern and emphasizes the people's repeated turning away from their faith.

Theme notes and profiles

Moab and Ammon The Amalekites

Events

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Places

Amalek: A nomadic people, descendants of Esau, enemies of Israel Ammon: An ancient nation and its capital city, enemies of Israel Jericho: An ancient city in Canaan, famously conquered by Israel

Glossary

Amalek, Amalekites Ammon, Ammonites Dibon Eglon (Person) Ehud Judah, Tribe of Judges, Book of Moab, Moabites

Topics

Alliances: Moabites, Amalekites, and Ammonites Amalekites: Defeat the Israelites Ammonites: Confederate with Moabites and Amalekites Against Israel Armies of Different Nations often Confederated Eglon: King of Moab: Assassinated by Ehud Israel: Renew Their Idolatry Jericho: King of Moab Makes Conquest of, and Establishes his Capital At The Amalekites: United with Eglon Against Israel The Ammonites: Assisted Eglon Against Israel