A. THE OPPRESSOR OF ISRAEL – EGLON: JUDGES 3:12-14
1. Repeated sin. “The Israelites again did evil in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel” (3:12).
a. Why would God use an evil person? As an instrument of punishment for His sinning people.
b. God considers the lesser evil of His children to be greater, than those who are worst sinners. God has more hatred for sin in His people because they know better.
2. Jericho was his (summer) capital. “Possessed the city of palm trees” (3:13).
3. The punishment heavy taxation, (farm produce). It took a caravan to bring the tribute. “He sent away the people that bare the present” (3:18).
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4. The cycle:
1. Israel sinned
5. Israel had peace
2. Defeated by enemies
4. Delivered by Judge
3. Israel cried to the Lord
B. EHUD THE JUDGE – DELIVERER: JUDGES 3:15-30
1. Ehud was a Benjamite, i.e., a weaker tribe.
2. Already a leader, “He brought the tribute to Eglon” (3:17).
3. Probably deformed. “A left-handed Benjamite” (3:15).
a. Many Benjamites were left handed (20:16; I Chron. 12:2) by example or genetics.
b. Lter yad yeming, i.e., “bound to the left hand.” Right hand deformed.
Those Who Overcame Physical Handicaps
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4. Planned assassination. “Made him a dagger” (3:16).
a. 18 inches long, i.e., short sword, without cross piece.
b. Cross draw action; guards searched left hip.
5. What “flipped Ehud’s switch?” “He turned around at the sculptured stones at Gilgal” (pesilum).
a. Idols at the boundary line between nations produced anger.
b. The stones set up by Joshua to commemorate crossing the Jordan River on dry land provoked patriotism.
6. Sought private audience with Eglon. “I have a secret errand unto thee” (3:19).
a. Eglon didn’t want anyone to know. “Keep silence” (3:19).
b. The guards and court left. “All who stood by went out” (3:19).
c. The greedy are destroyed by greed.
d. The “summer parlor” his private cooling room.
7. Ehud’s announcement. “I have a message from God for you” (3:20).
a. Eglon’s was a polytheist and believed in many gods.
b. Selfish, didn’t want any to know the amount of a bribe.
8. The assassination.
a. Quick.
b. Unexpected.
c. Instant death (did not yell).
d. Powerful (blade went through the body).
e. Couldn’t retrieve weapon.
f. Totally (blade came out the back).
9. A sovereign escape was necessary.
a. Climbed down a column. “Through the porch” (3:23).
b. No detection. “Locked the double doors” (3:22).
c. Servants did not disturb. “They tarried till they were ashamed” (3:25). Ashamed means confusion.
d. Ehud escaped past carved statues, boundary line.
10. A call to action.
a. Ehud “blew the trumpet” (3:27).
b. Wasted no time. Moabites were confused and leaderless.
c. An effective strategy. There were 10,000 soldiers stationed throughout Benjamin, Ephraim, to collect “taxes.” A large army of 10,000 began exterminatory smaller outpost of Moabite soldiers.
d. Cut off escape. “Took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over” (3:28).
e. The escaping enemy described as “lusty, and all men of valor” (3:29). Trained soldiers carried home their plunder.
f. Longest peace. “The land was peaceful eighty years” (3:30).
C. SHAMGAR – JUDGES 3:31
“And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel” (3:31).
1. Philistines disarmed their enemy. “With an ox goad” (3:31). Ten foot long sharp sticks.
2. Probably killed 600 in a lifetime.
a. Each battle a single incident.
b. He didn’t lead the army, nor did he blow the trumpet for national might.
c. Wasn’t a leader.
3. No cycle: no great sin, no repentance, no permanent peace.
4. Principle: There is strength when a great church (a body of believers) are led by a great leader who will confront evil and give people peace.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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