# Eglon ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Eglon - **Meaning:** The name "Eglon" is thought to mean "calf-like" or "round," which may symbolize wealth or prosperity, possibly reflecting his status as a king who amassed power and subjected Israel. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Exact dates of Eglon's life are not provided in the Bible. - **Historical Context:** Eglon ruled during the period of the Judges, which is approximately between 1375 and 1050 BC. This was a time characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israel falling into sin, being oppressed by enemies, crying out to God, and being delivered by judges whom God raised up. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** King of Moab - **Significance:** Eglon is known for oppressing the Israelites for eighteen years. His rule is a significant part of the narrative in Judges where God raised up Ehud, a left-handed judge, to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. ## Tags - #biblical-figures - #roles-king - #timelines-judges - #oppressors-of-israel ## Cross-References - Eglon is introduced in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]. - His oppression of Israel and subsequent assassination by Ehud is detailed in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]. ## Key References: Eglon ### Primary Passages - **Oppression of Israel by Eglon:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]—Eglon, king of Moab, oppresses the Israelites for eighteen years as a result of their disobedience to God. This passage details Eglon's power and the subsequent subjugation of Israel under Moabite control. - **Assassination by Ehud:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]—Ehud, the left-handed judge of Israel, delivers the Israelites by assassinating Eglon. This narrative highlights Ehud's cunning plan to kill Eglon and the subsequent defeat of Moab, leading to eighty years of peace for Israel. ### Mentions in Genealogies - Eglon does not appear in genealogies, as his role is primarily as an oppressor of Israel rather than a member of their lineage. ### New Testament References - There are no direct New Testament references to Eglon, as his story primarily serves as a historical account of Israel's judges period. ### Prophetic/Typological References - Eglon's oppression and subsequent defeat at the hands of Ehud can be seen as a broader typology of deliverance, illustrating the recurring theme of God raising deliverers for His people. The narrative underscores the cyclical nature of Israel's disobedience and redemption, aligning with the larger biblical message of God's faithfulness despite human failure. ### Tags - #key-references - #judges - #eglons-oppression - #deliverance - #ehud ## Relationships: Eglon ### Family Relationships - **Parents and Siblings:** The Bible does not provide information on Eglon's parents or siblings. ### Allies/Friends - **Moabite Confederation:** Eglon allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites to strengthen his rule over Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Israelites:** Eglon became an adversary when he oppressed Israel for eighteen years. The Israelites, led by Ehud, ultimately rose against him ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Ehud:** Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, delivered Israel from Eglon's oppression by assassinating him during a private meeting ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Spiritual Relationships - **God's Judgment:** Eglon’s subjugation of Israel was a result of God allowing the Israelites to be punished for their disobedience ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Tags - #relationships - #family - #allies - #conflicts - #relationship-with-God - #moabite-king - #israelite-oppression ## Significance: Eglon ### Theological Importance - **Instrument of Judgment:** Eglon, the king of Moab, is used by God to oppress Israel as a form of divine judgment for their disobedience and idolatry ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). His rule over Israel serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. - **Divine Deliverance:** Eglon’s story highlights the theme of deliverance, as God raises up Ehud, a judge, to liberate Israel from Moabite oppression, demonstrating God's grace and mercy towards His people, even when they have sinned ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Eglon’s reign over Israel occurs during the time of the judges, a period characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. His oppression of Israel lasts for eighteen years, marking a significant period of suffering for the Israelites ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Moabite Influence:** Eglon’s control over Israel emphasizes the recurring theme of foreign domination due to Israel's unfaithfulness, which is a significant aspect of Israel's history in the Old Testament narrative. ### Symbolism and Typology - **Ehud’s Deliverance:** The assassination of Eglon by Ehud can be seen as a typology of God’s deliverance through unexpected means, foreshadowing how God often uses unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Judgment and Redemption Cycle:** Eglon’s story symbolizes the cycle of judgment and redemption, pointing to the need for a more permanent deliverance, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. ### Tags - #significance - #theological-themes - #judgment - #deliverance - #biblical-history - #typology ## Character Study: Eglon ### Strengths and Virtues - **Leadership:** Eglon was the king of Moab and successfully formed an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, indicating his ability to lead and unify different groups for a common cause ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 12|Judges 3:12]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - **Oppression:** Eglon oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years, demonstrating a tyrannical and oppressive leadership style ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 14|Judges 3:14]]). - **Pride and Overconfidence:** His confidence in his power and guards made him vulnerable to Ehud's assassination plan, as he was caught unguarded and alone ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verses 20-23|Judges 3:20-23]]). ### Lessons Learned - The downfall of a tyrant often comes through unexpected means, showing that God can deliver His people through seemingly weak instruments ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 15|Judges 3:15]]). - Oppression against God's people will eventually lead to divine retribution and liberation for those who call upon the Lord ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verses 15-30|Judges 3:15-30]]). ### Tags - #leadership - #weaknesses-oppression - #weaknesses-pride - #lessons-divineretribution - #lessons-liberation ## Themes and Symbolism: Eglon ### Key Themes - **Judgment and Oppression:** Eglon’s rule over Israel represents a period of divine judgment due to Israel’s disobedience and apostasy. His oppressive reign highlights the consequences of turning away from God ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Deliverance and Salvation:** The story of Eglon’s defeat through Ehud’s intervention underscores a recurring theme of God raising deliverers to save Israel from oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Eglon’s Corpulence:** Eglon is described as a very fat man, which may symbolize the excess and indulgence of the Moabite oppressors, contrasting with the eventual lean and stealthy deliverance by Ehud ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **The Double-Edged Sword:** Ehud’s weapon, a double-edged sword, can symbolize the Word of God, which is living and active, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]], [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews Chapter 4]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Divine Deliverance:** Eglon’s story, particularly his defeat, foreshadows the ultimate deliverance from sin and evil through Christ. Just as God raised Ehud to deliver Israel, He sent Jesus to deliver humanity ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]], [[John/John Chapter 3|John Chapter 3]]). ### Tags - #themes - #symbolism - #typology - #judgment - #oppression - #deliverance - #salvation ## Connections: Eglon ### Parallel Figures - **King Jabin of Canaan:** Like Eglon, King Jabin oppressed the Israelites, leading to their deliverance through a chosen leader, Deborah, and Barak ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 4|Judges Chapter 4]]). - **Pharaoh of Egypt:** Both Eglon and Pharaoh held the Israelites in bondage, and their downfall was brought about by God's deliverance ([[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 1|Exodus Chapter 1]], [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 14|Exodus Chapter 14]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ’s Deliverance:** Eglon’s oppression and subsequent defeat by Ehud can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and evil, delivering His people ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]], [[Colossians/Colossians Chapter 2|Colossians Chapter 2]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Moabite Oppression:** Eglon’s dominion over Israel represents the cyclical pattern of sin and deliverance in the Judges era, highlighting Israel’s need for a savior ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Era of Judges:** This period is characterized by a lack of centralized leadership, where God raised judges like Ehud to deliver Israel from their adversaries ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). ### Tags - #parallel-figures - #foreshadowing-Christ - #historical-context - #moabite-oppression - #judges-era ## Legacy: Eglon ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Oppression of Israel:** Eglon, the king of Moab, played a significant role in the history of Israel by subjugating them for eighteen years. His reign over Israel highlighted the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Catalyst for Deliverance:** His oppression led to the rise of Ehud, the left-handed judge, who delivered Israel from Moabite control. This event underscores God's faithfulness to deliver His people when they cry out to Him, despite their previous unfaithfulness ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Absence in Later Texts:** Eglon is not directly mentioned in later books of the Bible. His legacy, however, is intertwined with the broader narrative of Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, deliverance, and peace as seen in the book of Judges. ### Spiritual Lessons - **Divine Justice:** Eglon's story demonstrates the principle that God allows consequences for disobedience but also provides a means for redemption through repentance and deliverance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **God's Use of Unlikely Instruments:** The account of Ehud's assassination of Eglon shows how God can use unexpected and unconventional means to achieve His purposes, teaching believers about God's sovereignty and creativity in delivering His people. ### Modern Applications - The story of Eglon serves as a reminder to contemporary believers of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the assurance of God's deliverance when they turn back to Him in repentance. - Eglon's legacy is often discussed in sermons and Bible studies as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God and the hope found in His mercy. ### Tags - #legacy - #impact-on-israel - #spiritual-lessons - #divine-justice - #deliverance - #obedience ## Geography: Eglon ### Significant Locations - **City of Palms (Jericho):** Eglon, the king of Moab, gathered the Ammonites and Amalekites to defeat Israel and took possession of the City of Palms. This location is significant as it was a strategic and fertile area which Eglon used as a base for subduing Israel for eighteen years ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Moab:** The land ruled by Eglon. Moab is east of the Dead Sea and was often in conflict with Israel. Eglon’s rule over Israel from Moab demonstrates the cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience and subsequent oppression by neighboring nations ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Travel and Movement - **Invasion of Israel:** Eglon allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites and crossed the Jordan River to conquer the City of Palms (Jericho). This movement marks the beginning of his oppressive rule over Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Jericho (City of Palms):** The site of a miraculous victory for Israel in Joshua’s time, now turned into a place of oppression. This reversal signifies Israel's failure to maintain faithfulness to God and the consequences of their disobedience ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 6|Joshua Chapter 6]]). - **Moab’s Role:** Moab's oppression of Israel under Eglon exemplifies the cycle of sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation that characterizes the Book of Judges. Eglon's rule is part of the divine discipline meant to lead Israel back to God ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Tags - #geography - #locations-city-of-palms - #locations-moab - #travel - #judges - #oppression - #israel - #cycle-of-judges ## Additional Resources: Eglon ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Eglon's Oppression of Israel:** The account of Eglon's oppression and the deliverance through Ehud is found in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]. This chapter provides detailed context of Eglon's rule and his interaction with the Israelites. ### Genealogical References - **Moabite Descent:** While Eglon’s direct genealogy is not explicitly mentioned, he is identified as the king of Moab. The Moabites are descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, through Lot’s elder daughter ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19|Genesis Chapter 19]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **City of Palms:** Eglon made the Israelites serve him in the "City of Palms," which is often considered to be Jericho, a location relevant for mapping and understanding the geographical context of his reign ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Eglon and Ehud:** A key passage for understanding the dynamics of Israel's oppression under Eglon and the subsequent deliverance is [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]. This passage is significant for studying themes of deliverance and divine intervention. ### Tags - #additional-resources - #cross-references - #genealogy - #maps - #deliverance - #oppression