Judges 3:15

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

But when the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} cried {H2199} unto the LORD {H3068}, the LORD {H3068} raised them up {H6965} a deliverer {H3467}, Ehud {H164} the son {H1121} of Gera {H1617}, a Benjamite {H1145}, a man {H376} lefthanded {H334}{H3225}: and by him {H3027} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} sent {H7971} a present {H4503} unto Eglon {H5700} the king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}.

But when the people of Isra'el cried out to ADONAI, ADONAI raised up for them a savior, Ehud the son of Gera, from the tribe of Binyamin, a left-handed man. The people of Isra'el appointed him to take their tribute to 'Eglon the king of Mo'av.

And again they cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab.

But when the children of Israel cried unto Jehovah, Jehovah raised them up a saviour, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a man left-handed. And the children of Israel sent tribute by him unto Eglon the king of Moab.

Commentary

Context of Judges 3:15

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the recurring cycle of sin, servitude, and salvation that characterizes the Book of Judges. After Israel had once again "done evil in the sight of the LORD" (Judges 3:12) by serving false gods, they were oppressed by Eglon, the king of Moab, for eighteen years (Judges 3:14). Judges 3:15 illustrates God's immediate and merciful response to their distress.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Responsiveness to Prayer: The phrase "But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD" highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite their repeated unfaithfulness, when they turned to Him in genuine distress, He heard their plea and acted. This act of crying out to the LORD is a recurring pattern in Judges and throughout biblical history, demonstrating God's compassion.
  • Divine Deliverance: "the LORD raised them up a deliverer." This emphasizes God's sovereign hand in appointing leaders and instruments of salvation. He does not abandon His people but actively intervenes on their behalf. Ehud is the second judge mentioned, following Othniel (Judges 3:9).
  • God Uses the Unexpected: Ehud, a Benjamite, is introduced with a crucial detail: "a man lefthanded." This seemingly minor detail proves to be central to his strategy against Eglon. God often chooses and empowers individuals with unique characteristics or from unexpected backgrounds to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Ehud's Introduction and Mission: Ehud's role as the one to deliver a "present" (a tribute or gift) to King Eglon establishes the pretext for his later, decisive encounter, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "lefthanded" is 'itter yad yemini (אִטֵּר יַד יְמִינוֹ), which literally means "restricted in his right hand" or "bound of his right hand." This suggests a disability in the right hand, or more commonly, that he was ambidextrous or primarily used his left hand. This was a notable trait among some Benjamites, as seen in Judges 20:16 where 700 chosen Benjamites were described as left-handed slingers who could hit a hair and not miss. For Ehud, this characteristic was not a handicap but a strategic advantage, allowing him to conceal his weapon on his right thigh, which would be an unusual place for a right-handed person to carry a dagger.

Practical Application

Judges 3:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  1. God Hears Our Cries: When we turn to God in genuine repentance and prayer, He is faithful to hear and respond, even when we have strayed.
  2. God Provides Deliverance: No matter how dire our circumstances or how formidable our oppressors, God has the power and the will to raise up solutions and bring deliverance.
  3. God Uses Diverse Instruments: The Lord can use anyone—regardless of their perceived strengths, weaknesses, or background—to accomplish His will. Our unique traits, even those we might consider unusual, can be part of God's plan for our purpose.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 3:9

    And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother.

  • Psalms 78:34

    When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God.

  • Judges 20:16

    Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.

  • Isaiah 36:16

    Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make [an agreement] with me [by] a present, and come out to me: and eat ye every one of his vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his own cistern;

  • Psalms 50:15

    And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

  • Jeremiah 29:12

    Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

  • Jeremiah 29:13

    And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.