Judges 3:21

Ehud · Judges 3:12–30
Read Judges 3

Translations

Modern
And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly.
Traditional
And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
Literal
And Ehud reached with his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.
Latin
Extenditque Aod sinistram manum, et tulit sicam de dextro femore suo, infixitque eam in ventre ejus

Original

Hebrew
English
And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly.

Notes

The message needed to be secret so Ehud could be alone with the king. It had to be from God to make sure the plan worked. Eglon likely stood up because he expected a message from the Lord, which he did receive.

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

Events

People

Ehud: Left-handed Benjamite judge who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression

Glossary

Deliverance, Deliverer Dibon Eglon (Person) Ehud Judah, Tribe of Judges, Book of Moab, Moabites

Topics

Assassination of Eglon, by Ehud Confidence: Betrayed: Eglon, by Ehud Dagger: A Short Sword Deception: Ehud Deceives Eglon, and Kills Him Eglon: King of Moab: Assassinated by Ehud Falsehood: Ehud Gilgal: Eglon, King of Moab, Resides and is Slain At God: Preserver: Under Ehud Homicide: Felonious: Ehud Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Hypocrisy: Ehud Israel: Renew Their Idolatry Judge: Ehud Military Arms: Offensive: Dagger Regicide of Ehud The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left