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!" -Judges 3:12, 13, 17. 

Eglon oppressed the Israelites for the next 18 years, evidently demanding a burdensome tax from them.  By requiring periodic tribute, 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 name 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 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 handled. 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. -Judges 3:15, 16.

Ehud's strategy was not without its risks.  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 doubt 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 Meets Eglon

From the Watchtower magazine, 1997