EHUD A Man of Faith and Courage- Overtaken by Moab

Overtaken by Moab

This time Jehovah let his people fall into the hands of King Eglon of Moab. The Bible describes him as "a very fat man."  With the help of Ammon and Amalek, Eglon attacked  Israel and set up his palace in Jericho, "the city of palm trees."  How ironic that the first Canaanite city to be conquered by Israel now housed the headquarters of one who worshiped the false god Chemosh!"

Eglon oppressed the Israelites for the next 18 years, evidently demanding a burdensome tax from them.  By requiring periodic, Moab strengthened its own economic position while draining Israel's resources.  Understandably, God's people cried out for relief, and once again Jehovah listened.  He raised up for them another savior-this time a Benjamite named Ehud.  To put an end to Eglon's  tyranny over Israel, Ehud planned to take action on the day of the next payment of tribute. -Judges 3:14, 15.

To prepare for his courageous move, Ehud made a two-edged sword,m a cubit in length.  If this was a short cubit, the weapon was about 15 inches long. Some would consider it to be a dagger.  Evidently there was no crosspiece between the blade and the handle.  Therefore, Ehud could conceal his small sword in the folds of his garment.  Furthermore, since Ehud was left-handed, he could gird his sword on his right side-not the usual place for a weapon.  - Judes 3:15, 16.

Ehud's strategy was not without its riskes. For example, what if the king's attendants searched Ehud for weapons?  Even if they did not, surely they would not leave their king alone with an Israelite!  But if they did and Eglon could be killed, how would Ehud escape?  How far could he run before Eglon's attendants discovered what had happened?  No doubth Ehud pondered such details, perhaps imagining a number of disastrous outcomes.  Nevertheless, he proceeded with his plan, displaying courage and exercising faith in Jehovah.

Next time: EHUD A Man of Faith and Courage - Ehud Meets Eglon

The Watchtower, 1997