MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Judges 3
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Judges 3
12-14. The Israelites again did evil in the sight of the Lord. Without Othniel's influence, they quickly returned to idolatry.
The Lord strengthened Eglon, king of Moab, who sought to reclaim the territory that had been taken from his ancestors by the Israelites. He formed an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, long-time enemies of Israel, and conquered the eastern tribes. Then he crossed the Jordan River and invaded western Canaan, building fortifications near Jericho to secure the border and establish his residence there. For eighteen years, Eglon oppressed the Israelites.
15. Ehud, son of Gera, a descendant of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21), was left-handed, a characteristic common among Benjamites (Judges 20:16). Some versions translate this as "ambidextrous," which is supported by 1 Chronicles 12:2.
The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver their annual tribute to Eglon. This ceremonial gift would be presented with great fanfare, accompanied by several messengers.
16. Ehud secretly made a dagger and attached it to his right thigh, where it was less likely to be detected.
19. The Moabite idols that Eglon worshipped were graven images (Deuteronomy 7:25; Jeremiah 8:19; 51:52), which outraged Ehud's sense of patriotism and duty to God.
Ehud said to the king, "I have a private matter to discuss with you. Please keep silent." The signal for all to withdraw was given.
20. Eglon invited Ehud into his summer chamber, a cool retreat in his garden where he would rest during the heat of the day.
21-26. Ehud confidently approached the king and struck him down without making a sound or causing any disturbance. He then locked the doors, took the key, and calmly left the scene, convinced that he was doing God's work.
27. Ehud blew a trumpet on Mount Ephraim to summon the people of that region, which had suffered greatly under Moabite oppression.
28. The people followed Ehud and secured the fords, preventing any escape to the Moabite coast. In this battle, they killed ten thousand men (Judges 3:29), freeing their country from subjugation.
31. After Ehud's victory, Shamgar, a judge of unknown tribe or family, rose up against the Philistines, who had been oppressing some of the western tribes.