# Ehud ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Ehud. - **Meaning:** "United" or "strong." - **Significance:** Represents his role as a deliverer who united Israel against their enemies. ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Approximate Period:** During the time of the Judges, after the death of Othniel. - **Historical Context:** Ehud lived in a period where Israel was repeatedly oppressed by neighboring nations due to their disobedience to God. He delivered Israel from Moabite oppression. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Judge, deliverer of Israel. - **Significance:** Ehud was raised by God to deliver the Israelites from eighteen years of Moabite domination, leading to eighty years of peace. ## Tags - #biblical-figures - #roles-judge - #timelines-judges ## Cross-References - Ehud is introduced in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]. - His act of deliverance is detailed in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]. ## Key References: Ehud ### Primary Passages - **Ehud's Deliverance of Israel:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]—Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, delivers Israel from Moabite oppression by killing King Eglon and leading Israel to victory. This chapter narrates the circumstances of Ehud's mission and his clever strategy in delivering Israel from its enemies. ### Mentions in Genealogies - **Tribe of Benjamin:** Ehud is noted as a member of the tribe of Benjamin. His actions illustrate the role of the Benjamites in the period of the Judges, reflecting the larger tribal dynamics and the contributions of Benjamin in Israel's history. ### New Testament References - There are no direct references to Ehud in the New Testament. ### Prophetic/Typological References - **Deliverance and Judge:** Ehud serves as a typology of God’s deliverance, showing how God raises unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes. This reflects the theme of God using the weak to triumph over the mighty, a concept echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 1|1 Corinthians Chapter 1]]). ### Tags - #key-references - #genealogy - #prophecy - #judges - #benjamin - #deliverance ## Relationships: Ehud ### Family Relationships - **Tribe:** Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Allies/Friends - **The Israelites:** Ehud was raised as a deliverer for the people of Israel, leading them to victory over the Moabites, which indicates his relationship with the Israelites as their judge and leader ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Eglon, King of Moab:** Ehud's primary adversary, whom he assassinated to liberate Israel from Moabite oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Moabite Oppressors:** Ehud led the Israelites in battle against the Moabites, ultimately defeating them to secure peace for Israel for eighty years ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** Ehud was raised up by God as a deliverer for the Israelites and was empowered by God to carry out the mission of liberating Israel from Moabite control. His victory and subsequent peace are attributed to divine intervention and guidance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Tags - #relationships - #tribeofbenjamin - #allies - #conflicts - #relationship-with-God - #israelitedeliverer ## Significance: Ehud ### Theological Importance - **Deliverer of Israel:** Ehud is raised by God as a judge to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Moabites, demonstrating God’s continual faithfulness and willingness to rescue His people when they cry out to Him ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Instrument of Divine Justice:** Ehud's story emphasizes themes of divine justice and God’s sovereignty in using unexpected means and people to accomplish His will ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Ehud fits into the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges. His leadership marks a significant victory for Israel over the Moabites, leading to 80 years of peace ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Assassination of Eglon:** The assassination of King Eglon of Moab is a turning point, leading to the liberation of the Israelites from Moabite domination ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **Left-Handed Deliverer:** Ehud’s left-handedness is a unique characteristic that symbolizes God’s use of unexpected and non-traditional means to achieve His purposes. It also foreshadows how God often chooses the seemingly weak or foolish to shame the strong and wise ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]], [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 1|1 Corinthians Chapter 1]]). ### Tags - #significance - #theological-themes - #divine-justice - #biblical-history - #unexpected-means - #deliverance ## Character Study: Ehud ### Strengths and Virtues - **Courageous:** Ehud displayed incredible courage and bravery by planning and executing a daring plan to assassinate Eglon, the king of Moab, and free the Israelites from oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 15-21|Judges 3:15-21]]). - **Strategic:** Demonstrated strategic thinking by using his left-handedness to conceal a weapon and approach Eglon without arousing suspicion ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 16|Judges 3:16]]). - **Faithful Deliverer:** He was chosen by God to be a deliverer for Israel, indicating his alignment with God's purposes and plans for His people ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 15|Judges 3:15]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - The biblical text does not explicitly detail any personal weaknesses or failures of Ehud. However, the cycle of sin and deliverance in Judges often implies that the people's return to sin and need for deliverance is indicative of both societal and individual shortcomings. ### Lessons Learned - **God Uses Unlikely Instruments:** Ehud's left-handedness, considered unusual at the time, became an asset in God's plan, showing that God can use unique traits for His purposes ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 15-21|Judges 3:15-21]]). - **Deliverance Requires Action:** God empowered Ehud, but Ehud still had to act boldly to bring about deliverance, teaching that faith often requires action and courage ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 19-26|Judges 3:19-26]]). - **Divine Empowerment:** Ehud's success as a judge emphasizes that it is God's empowerment, not human strength or ability, that achieves victory ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 28-30|Judges 3:28-30]]). ### Tags - #strengths-courageous - #strengths-strategic - #lessons-divineempowerment - #lessons-faithinaction - #lessons-unlikelyinstruments ## Themes and Symbolism: Ehud ### Key Themes - **Deliverance and Salvation:** Ehud’s story is a demonstration of God’s deliverance of Israel from oppression through unexpected means ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Courage and Initiative:** Ehud’s bold plan to free Israel shows individual courage and divine empowerment to achieve God’s purposes ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Divine Judgment:** Ehud’s assassination of King Eglon reflects God’s judgment on the oppressors of Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Left-Handedness:** Ehud’s left-handedness, unusual and unexpected, is significant in the victory against Moab, symbolizing how God can use what is seen as weakness for His strength ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Double-Edged Sword:** The sword Ehud uses can symbolize the Word of God, which is sharp and discerning ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]], [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews Chapter 4]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ’s Deliverance:** Ehud’s deliverance of Israel foreshadows Christ’s ultimate deliverance from sin and death. Just as Ehud was an unexpected savior, Christ came in a humble and unexpected form to save His people ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]], [[Philippians/Philippians Chapter 2|Philippians Chapter 2]]). ### Tags - #themes - #symbolism - #typology - #foreshadowing - #deliverance - #courage - #divinejudgment - #unexpectedmeans ## Connections: Ehud ### Parallel Figures - **Deborah:** Like Ehud, Deborah was a judge of Israel, delivering the Israelites from oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 4|Judges Chapter 4]]). - **Gideon:** Both Ehud and Gideon were chosen by God to deliver Israel through unexpected means ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ:** Ehud’s role as a deliverer of Israel prefigures Christ’s ultimate deliverance of humanity from sin. Ehud's unexpected methods foreshadow the surprising and humble means through which Christ accomplished salvation (e.g., through the cross) ([[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 1|1 Corinthians Chapter 1]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Period of the Judges:** Ehud's story is set during the time of the judges, a period characterized by cycles of Israel's disobedience, oppression, crying out to God, and deliverance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Oppression by the Moabites:** Ehud delivered Israel from the Moabite oppression, which reflects the ongoing struggle for the Israelites to maintain their identity and faith amidst foreign domination ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Tags - #parallel-figures - #foreshadowing-Christ - #historical-context - #judges-of-israel - #deliverance ## Legacy: Ehud ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Deliverer of Israel:** Ehud played a crucial role in delivering Israel from the oppression of the Moabites. His actions resulted in eighty years of peace for Israel, marking a significant period of rest in the cycle of sin and deliverance described in Judges ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Demonstration of God’s Sovereignty:** Ehud’s story illustrates God’s ability to use unexpected individuals and methods to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and leaders ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Model of Deliverance:** Ehud is mentioned in the context of the judges who led Israel, serving as an example of God raising leaders to deliver His people ([[1 Samuel/1 Samuel Chapter 12|1 Samuel Chapter 12]]). ### Spiritual Lessons - **Courage and Innovation:** Ehud’s boldness and strategic planning in the assassination of King Eglon teach believers about the importance of courage and wisdom when confronting evil ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **God’s Use of the Unlikely:** His left-handedness, considered a disadvantage, became a key factor in his success, highlighting how God can use perceived weaknesses for His glory ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Modern Applications - Ehud’s legacy inspires contemporary believers to trust that God can work through them, regardless of their perceived limitations or unconventional methods. - His story is often used to encourage creativity and bravery in the face of opposition, as well as reliance on God’s guidance in challenging circumstances. ### Tags - #legacy - #impact-on-israel - #church-history - #spiritual-lessons - #deliverance - #sovereignty - #courage ## Geography: Ehud ### Significant Locations - **Eglon, King of Moab's Palace:** This is where Ehud assassinated King Eglon of Moab. The palace represents the Moabite oppression over Israel before Ehud’s intervention ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Gilgal:** A location near where the Israelites were oppressed by the Moabites and where Ehud crafted his plan to liberate Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Seirah:** After killing Eglon, Ehud escapes to Seirah, rallying the Israelites to fight against the Moabites ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Travel and Movement - **Journey to Moabite Territory:** Ehud travels to the Moabite palace to deliver a tribute to King Eglon, under the guise of which he executes his plan to assassinate the king and free Israel from oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Escape to Seirah:** After his successful mission, Ehud flees to Seirah, where he gathers Israel to rise against the Moabites ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Moabite Oppression:** The Moabite control over Israel is a result of Israel's disobedience, and Ehud’s victory is a display of God’s deliverance through unexpected means ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Gilgal's Significance:** Historically, Gilgal was a significant site for Israel’s encampment and circumcision upon entering the Promised Land, symbolizing renewal and covenant ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 5|Joshua Chapter 5]]), making it a fitting place for the start of liberation from Moabite oppression. ### Tags - #geography - #locations-moab - #locations-gilgal - #locations-seirah - #travel - #deliverance - #judges ## Additional Resources: Ehud ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Ehud's Deliverance:** Detailed in the broader context of the Judges delivering Israel from oppression ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3|Judges Chapter 3]]). - **Left-Handed Warriors:** Reference to left-handed warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, which provides insight into Ehud’s unique ability ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 20|Judges Chapter 20]]). - **God’s Deliverance:** General pattern of God raising judges to deliver Israel ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). ### Genealogical References - **Tribe of Benjamin:** Ehud is identified as a Benjamite, connecting him to the tribe known for their warriors ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 15|Judges 3:15]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **City of Palms (Jericho):** Ehud’s encounter with Eglon, the Moabite king, took place near the City of Palms, suggesting a geographical study of the region ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 13|Judges 3:13]]). - **Seirath:** Ehud fled to this location after assassinating Eglon, useful for mapping his escape route ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verse 26|Judges 3:26]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Ehud’s Story:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 3 Verses 12-30|Judges 3:12-30]], which covers Ehud’s role as a judge, his act of deliverance, and its impact on Israel. - **Patterns of Deliverance:** Study the cycles of sin and redemption in the Book of Judges, with Ehud’s story as a focal point ([[Judges/Judges Chapters 2-3|Judges 2-3]]). ### Tags - #additional-resources - #cross-references - #genealogy - #maps - #judges - #deliverance - #left-handed - #benjamin