THE LEFTHANDED DELIVERER RAISED BY GOD – THE JUDGE EHUD

Dear Members in Christ,

The lefthanded deliverer raised by God – the judge Ehud

It is a characteristic behavior of the flesh to rebel and turn away from God. Only those who are saved and indwelt by the Holy Spirit can experience the grace of God that leads to salvation. Without the saving grace of God, the heart of man can only drift further from God and deeper into sin and filth. So we find the nation of Israel after Joshua was chastised by God. Under the punitive oppression by the King of Mesopotamia, God had delivered the nation by the hand of Othniel. But once again, the lesson was not impressionable enough.  

“And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.” Judges 3:12,13

It was as if the eight years of oppression by the Mesopotamian despotic king had no effect on the national memory. It is said that in the absence of challenges, complacency takes root. It seems that this is what happened to the Israelites. “And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.” (Judges 3:11). Forty years of rest under the watchful eye and leadership of Othniel had caused them to depart from God.

Dearly beloved, this is one lesson we can learn about our spiritual lives. When things seem smooth sailing and life is plentifully supplied, beware! This is when the adversary can lull us into a sense of complacency. Whether in times of plenty, or in scarcity, pray that we walk close to the Lord, and serve Him faithfully.

A. The people cry unto the Lord once again

The people of Israel had to undergo this trial by the enemy. The Bible tells us that “the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.” (Judges 3:12). Eglon campaigned a swift war of occupation, supported by Israel’s ancient enemies, the Amalekites and the Ammonites. He won a significant victory, conquering the city of palms, the geographic region around the ancient city of Jericho. Guess what happened? 

“So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.” Judges 3:14

Once again, the people of Israel cried to the Lord, and, “when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer,” (Judges 3:15). How gracious and merciful is the LORD God! Time and again, the people fail in their faith, shamelessly they cry to the Lord, yet God delivers them. 

Dear brothers and sisters, the flesh is indeed weak, and Christians can fall into the same trap and sin against God - sometimes repeating historical failures. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Submit to God’s chastisement, repent immediately and cry for deliverance! Our God is ever faithful, but do not take God’s grace for granted! Do not repeat the sins of the past!

B. The wonderful work of deliverance by God 

Often, we see characters in the book of Judges as “heroes”, truly their exploits are miraculous. But more importantly, we must see the LORD God as the true hero in the deliverance.   

“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: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh. And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.” Judges 3:15-17

The people cried to God, and He raised Ehud, the Benjamite, a lefthanded man to fight and deliver His people from oppression. The language of the Bible shows a bias for the right hand¹. E.g. “Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand…” (Psalm 17:7), or “Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand...” (Psalm 21:8) etc. With most military groups, a left handed warrior seems unusual or awkward, as the norm would be to train the right handed warrior. Ehud was a brave fighter and knows his weapons. He was the perfect choice as a deliverer for Israel. By strapping his dagger on his right thigh, he was able to get past the sentries and slay the evil king Eglon. 

Dearly beloved, God delivers His people in mysterious ways. Glory be to God! By His grace and mercy, God raised a man for the moment to deliver His people. The account of Ehud the judge shows God’s grace in delivering His people. Beloved, always look to God in time of need. May God be glorified.  Amen.

Footnote 1: Bible passages associating the right hand with power and might Psalm 16:11; 20:6; 18:35; 44:3, etc    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor