Judges 3:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:15 marks a critical turning point in Israel's cycle of disobedience and oppression, illustrating God's immediate and compassionate response to His people's desperate plea. After eighteen years of subjugation under Eglon, king of Moab, the Israelites cried out to the LORD, who sovereignly raised up Ehud, a Benjamite with a unique physical characteristic—he was left-handed—to be their deliverer. This verse sets the stage for Ehud's strategic mission, as he is chosen to present tribute to King Eglon, providing the pretext for his decisive act of liberation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 3:15 is a pivotal verse within the recurring "cycle of Judges," which typically involves Israel's apostasy, God's judgment through foreign oppression, Israel's cry for help, God raising a deliverer (judge), and a period of peace. Preceding this verse, Israel had "done evil in the sight of the LORD" by serving Baal and Ashtaroth, leading to their oppression by Cushan-Rishathaim (Judges 3:7-8), from whom Othniel delivered them. However, after Othniel's death, they again "did evil in the sight of the LORD" (Judges 3:12), resulting in eighteen years of Moabite oppression under King Eglon (Judges 3:13-14). Verse 15 initiates the "cry" and "deliverance" phases of the cycle, introducing Ehud as God's chosen instrument to break Moab's yoke, setting the stage for the dramatic events of [Judges 3:16-26](/judges/3-16 "Judges 3:16-26 - Ehud's Assassination of Eglon").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1375–1050 BC) was characterized by a lack of centralized leadership in Israel, leading to tribal autonomy and frequent spiritual and moral decline. This era saw intermittent foreign invasions and oppressions, often as divine discipline for Israel's idolatry. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a perennial adversary of Israel, tracing its lineage back to Lot (Genesis 19:37). King Eglon's oppression involved demanding tribute, a common form of subjugation in the ancient Near East. The detail of Ehud being "lefthanded" (Hebrew: *'iṭṭēr yad yemīnô*, literally "restricted in his right hand") is culturally significant. In a right-hand dominant society, left-handedness was unusual and sometimes associated with disability or unique skill. Notably, the tribe of Benjamin was known for its left-handed warriors (cf. [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Left-handed Benjamite Slingers")), suggesting a specialized fighting technique or a unique tribal trait that could be leveraged for strategic advantage.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several enduring themes within the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's unwavering responsiveness to His people's genuine cry for help**, even when their distress is a direct consequence of their own sin. Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His covenant promises (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:29-31](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29-31 - God's Faithfulness to Israel")). Secondly, it underscores **divine sovereignty in deliverance**, as "the LORD raised them up a deliverer." God actively intervenes in human history, appointing and empowering individuals like Ehud for His purposes, demonstrating that salvation is ultimately from Him (cf. [Psalm 3:8](/psalm/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord")). Thirdly, the introduction of Ehud as "a man lefthanded" emphasizes **God's use of the unexpected and unconventional**. This seemingly minor detail becomes central to Ehud's success, demonstrating that God's strength is often made perfect in human weakness or unusual traits (cf. [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cried (Hebrew, _za'aq'_):** This verb denotes a desperate, urgent cry or shout for help, often in distress, pain, or oppression. It implies a turning to God in a moment of crisis, a plea for intervention when human resources have failed. In the context of Judges, it signifies Israel's moment of repentance and turning back to the LORD after suffering the consequences of their sin.
* **Deliverer (Hebrew, _moshi'a'_):** Derived from the root _yasha'_, meaning "to save" or "to deliver," this term refers to one who brings salvation, rescue, or liberation. It emphasizes God's active role in providing a rescuer for His people, highlighting that the deliverance is divinely initiated and empowered, not merely a human effort.
* **Lefthanded (Hebrew, _'iṭṭēr yad yemīnô'_):** This unique phrase literally translates to "restricted/bound in his right hand." While it could imply a physical impediment, in this context and given other biblical references to Benjamites (e.g., [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjamite Slingers")), it is widely understood to mean that Ehud was ambidextrous or predominantly left-handed. This detail is crucial for the narrative, as it allows him to conceal his weapon on his right thigh, an unexpected location for a right-handed guard to search, thus providing a strategic advantage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD":** This clause marks the turning point in the cycle of Judges. After eighteen years of oppression, Israel's suffering culminates in a desperate plea to their covenant God. This "cry" signifies a recognition of their predicament and an appeal to divine mercy, serving as the catalyst for God's intervention.
* **"the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite":** This reveals God's immediate and sovereign response to Israel's cry. He does not abandon His people but actively appoints a deliverer. Ehud is identified by name, lineage (son of Gera), and tribe (Benjamite), establishing his identity and setting him apart for his unique mission.
* **"a man lefthanded":** This seemingly minor detail is profoundly significant. It highlights Ehud's unconventional nature and foreshadows the unique method he will employ for deliverance. God often uses what appears to be unusual or weak by human standards to accomplish His mighty purposes, demonstrating His power and wisdom.
* **"and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab":** This describes the immediate pretext for Ehud's mission. The "present" (or tribute) was a customary payment from a subjugated people to their oppressor. This act provides Ehud with direct access to King Eglon, setting the stage for the dramatic and decisive encounter that follows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in Israel's cry to the very God they had abandoned, highlighting God's steadfast grace despite their repeated unfaithfulness. There is also an ironic twist in Ehud's "lefthandedness," which, instead of being a handicap, becomes his most significant strategic advantage, subverting expectations. **Foreshadowing** is powerfully used with the detail of Ehud being "a man lefthanded," subtly hinting at the unique and unexpected method of his impending assassination of Eglon. The "present" itself also serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, as it is not merely a tribute but a cover for a deadly, liberating "gift." The verse also participates in the broader **cyclical narrative structure** of Judges, reiterating the pattern of Israel's sin, oppression, cry, and God's deliverance, reinforcing the book's theological message about divine judgment and mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:15 profoundly illustrates God's enduring faithfulness and His active involvement in the affairs of His people, even when they are undeserving. Despite Israel's repeated spiritual adultery and turning away from Him, their desperate cry in oppression immediately elicits a divine response. This demonstrates God's covenant loyalty and His compassionate nature, always willing to hear and deliver those who turn to Him. Furthermore, God's choice of Ehud, a "lefthanded" Benjamite, underscores His sovereign prerogative to use unconventional means and seemingly ordinary or even disadvantaged individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. This challenges human notions of strength and capability, emphasizing that God's power is not limited by human limitations.

* [Deuteronomy 4:29-31](/deuteronomy/4-29 "Deuteronomy 4:29-31 - God's Promise to Hear Israel")
* [Psalm 107:13-14](/psalm/107-13 "Psalm 107:13-14 - Crying Out in Distress")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Strength in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 3:15 offers profound encouragement and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that no matter how far we may have strayed or how dire our circumstances, God remains attentive to our genuine cries for help. When we turn to Him in repentance and desperation, He is faithful to hear and to act, often in ways we least expect. Ehud's story challenges us to consider that God delights in using the unconventional, the overlooked, or even our perceived weaknesses for His mighty purposes. Our unique traits, backgrounds, or even limitations are not hindrances to God but potential instruments in His hands. This should inspire us to embrace who we are, trusting that God can empower us to accomplish His will, demonstrating His strength through our yieldedness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Israel's repeated cycle of sin and repentance in Judges challenge or affirm your understanding of God's patience and grace?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "cry out" to Him for deliverance or guidance in your current circumstances?**
* **What "unconventional" traits or perceived weaknesses do you possess that God might desire to use for His glory, much like Ehud's left-handedness?**

### FAQ

**Why is Ehud's left-handedness so important to the story?**

Answer: Ehud's left-handedness is crucial because it provides him with a strategic advantage in his mission to assassinate King Eglon. In a society where most people were right-handed, a weapon carried on the right thigh (the typical side for a right-handed person to draw from) would be easily detected. However, for a left-handed person, a dagger on the right thigh would be an unusual and unexpected place to conceal a weapon, making it less likely to be discovered during a search. This detail subverts expectations and allows Ehud to catch Eglon's guards off guard, demonstrating God's ability to use unconventional means and seemingly minor details to achieve His purposes. The Benjamite tribe was known for its left-handed warriors (see [Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Left-handed Benjamite Slingers")), suggesting this was a recognized, albeit unusual, skill that God leveraged for Israel's deliverance.

**What does "cried unto the LORD" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In the context of Judges, "cried unto the LORD" (Hebrew: _za'aq_) signifies a desperate, urgent plea for help from God in a time of severe distress and oppression. It often implies a turning back to God, a moment of repentance or recognition of their dire situation, and an appeal to His covenant faithfulness. This "cry" is a recurring motif in the Book of Judges, serving as the trigger for God's intervention in the "cycle of Judges." Despite Israel's repeated disobedience and idolatry, this act of crying out demonstrates their acknowledgment of God as their only true source of deliverance. It highlights God's compassionate nature and His readiness to respond to His people when they humble themselves and seek His aid, even after they have strayed (cf. [Psalm 107:13-14](/psalm/107-13 "Psalm 107:13-14 - Crying Out to God in Trouble")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ehud, as a "deliverer" raised up by the LORD, serves as a powerful Old Testament type foreshadowing the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. While Ehud brought temporary, physical liberation from a human oppressor, Christ offers eternal, spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death. Just as Israel's desperate cry prompted God to raise up Ehud, humanity's desperate spiritual condition, alienated from God by sin, prompted the Father to send His Son (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Jesus is the true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose "present" to God was not a tribute to an earthly king, but His own life offered as a perfect sacrifice on the cross (cf. [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrifice for Us")). Furthermore, like Ehud's unconventional left-handedness, Jesus's method of deliverance was profoundly counter-intuitive to human wisdom: salvation through suffering, weakness, and death on a cross (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "1 Corinthians 1:25 - God's Foolishness is Wiser than Human Wisdom")). God chose the "foolishness" of the cross to shame the wise, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in what appears to be weakness, ultimately raising Him from the dead to reign as the triumphant King and eternal Deliverer (cf. [Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8-11 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.