Judges 3:17

KJV

And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon [was] a very fat man.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he brought {H7126} the present {H4503} unto Eglon {H5700} king {H4428} of Moab {H4124}: and Eglon {H5700} was a very {H3966} fat {H1277} man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he presented the tribute to 'Eglon king of Mo'av. Now 'Eglon was a very fat man.

Berean Standard Bible

and brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was an obese man.

American Standard Version

And he offered the tribute unto Eglon king of Moab: now Eglon was a very fat man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:17 presents a pivotal moment in Israel's history of deliverance, detailing Ehud's presentation of the annual tribute to Eglon, the oppressive king of Moab. This seemingly mundane act is imbued with profound narrative significance, as the verse deliberately highlights Eglon's extreme corpulence—a physical characteristic that proves instrumental in Ehud's divinely orchestrated plan to liberate Israel from eighteen years of Moabite subjugation. This scene masterfully sets the stage for God's dramatic intervention through an unlikely hero, underscoring divine sovereignty and strategic precision even amidst Israel's recurring cycles of apostasy and oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 3:17 is situated within the cyclical narrative framework of the book of Judges, which consistently depicts Israel's descent into sin, subsequent oppression by foreign powers, their cry for divine intervention, and God's raising of a deliverer (a "judge"). Following the death of Othniel, the first judge, the Israelites "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" [Judges 3:12](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12 - Israel's Sin and Oppression"), leading to their eighteen-year subjugation under Eglon, king of Moab. Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, is divinely appointed as the next deliverer [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud, the Left-Handed Deliverer"), and the verses immediately preceding 3:17 describe his meticulous preparation of a concealed, double-edged sword. Verse 17 itself marks the initial, deceptively routine encounter between Ehud and Eglon, setting the critical stage for the dramatic and gruesome assassination that unfolds in the subsequent verses [Judges 3:21-22](/judges/3-21 "Judges 3:21-22 - Ehud's Assassination of Eglon"), ultimately leading to Israel's liberation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th to 11th centuries BC) was characterized by a decentralized Israelite society lacking a unified monarchy, often summarized by the refrain, "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Anarchy in Israel"). Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a persistent adversary and often a dominant regional power, frequently asserting control over Israelite territories, particularly when Israel was spiritually and militarily weak. The payment of "tribute" or "present" (Hebrew: *minḥâ*) was a widespread practice in the ancient Near East, signifying a vassal state's subjugation and loyalty to an overlord. This annual payment of goods or resources underscored Israel's subservient status to Moab. Eglon's acceptance of this tribute not only affirmed Moab's perceived supremacy but also, coupled with the explicit detail of his extreme corpulence, subtly conveyed a sense of Moabite prosperity and indulgence, perhaps at the direct expense of the subjugated Israelites. This physical detail is not merely descriptive but becomes a crucial element in the narrative's physical mechanics and Ehud's ingenious plan.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 3:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are unfaithful. Ehud's mission, though appearing as a routine diplomatic act, is divinely orchestrated to secure Israel's liberation. Secondly, the vivid description of Eglon's physical state contributes to the theme of **The Nature of Oppression** and the **Vulnerability of the Oppressor**. Eglon's indulgence and perceived security, symbolized by his corpulence, ultimately become his fatal weakness, demonstrating how the very excesses of tyrannical power can lead to its downfall. This detail also serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, preparing the reader for the dramatic and pivotal events of Ehud's assassination in [Judges 3:21-22](/judges/3-21 "Judges 3:21-22 - Ehud's Fatal Blow"). Lastly, Ehud's cunning and strategic approach, leveraging the cultural practice of tribute, highlights the theme of **God's Use of Unconventional Means** and **Strategic Deception** in accomplishing His purposes, often through seemingly weak or overlooked individuals, such as a left-handed Benjamite [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud's Unique Skill").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Present (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From H4503, this term refers to a donation, euphemistically tribute, or specifically a sacrificial offering. In the context of Judges 3:17, *minchâh* denotes the annual tribute or payment rendered by Israel, a vassal state, to Eglon, their Moabite overlord. While the word often signifies a bloodless offering to God, here it underscores a political and economic obligation, emphasizing Israel's subjugation and Eglon's dominance. Ehud's role as the bearer of this "present" is strategically crucial, as it grants him privileged access to the king, making it the linchpin of his audacious plan.
* **Very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** From H3966, this word properly means "vehemence" and is used as an intensive or superlative, signifying "exceedingly," "greatly," or "utterly." When applied to Eglon's fatness, *mᵉʼôd* emphasizes the extreme degree of his corpulence, reinforcing that he was not merely plump but exceptionally large. This adverbial intensification is critical for the narrative's plot, as it directly explains why Ehud's dagger would be completely engulfed by Eglon's flesh, rendering it undetectable and facilitating Ehud's escape after the assassination.
* **Fat (Hebrew, _bârîyʼ'_):** From H1277, this adjective means "fatted," "plump," or "corpulent." The description of Eglon as "a very fat man" (combining *mᵉʼôd* and *bârîyʼ*) is far from a casual observation. It serves as a vivid characterization, highlighting Eglon's indulgence and perhaps the oppressive prosperity of Moab at Israel's expense. More importantly, it is a vital narrative detail that directly explains the mechanics of Ehud's assassination: Eglon's extreme girth allows Ehud's short, double-edged sword to be entirely swallowed by his flesh, preventing its discovery and enabling Ehud's escape, as explicitly detailed in [Judges 3:22](/judges/3-22 "Judges 3:22 - The Dagger's Concealment").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab":** This opening clause establishes Ehud's immediate action and ostensible purpose: to deliver the required tribute from Israel to the Moabite monarch. This act outwardly signifies Israel's continued submission to Moabite rule, yet it is simultaneously the ingenious means by which Ehud gains critical, unhindered access to the oppressor. It highlights the deceptive nature of Ehud's visit, appearing as a routine diplomatic exchange while concealing a revolutionary and divinely appointed mission of liberation, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation.
* **"and Eglon [was] a very fat man":** This seemingly parenthetical observation is charged with significant narrative and symbolic weight. It provides a vivid physical description of King Eglon, emphasizing his considerable and indeed extreme corpulence. This detail serves multiple crucial functions: it underscores Eglon's indulgence and, by extension, perhaps the oppressive prosperity and self-satisfaction of Moab; it creates a stark physical contrast with Ehud, who is likely depicted as leaner and more agile; and most importantly, it functions as a critical piece of **foreshadowing**. This physical characteristic directly explains why Ehud's short sword would be completely absorbed by Eglon's body, preventing its discovery and facilitating Ehud's escape after the assassination, as explicitly detailed in [Judges 3:22](/judges/3-22 "Judges 3:22 - The Dagger's Concealment").

#### Literary Devices
Judges 3:17 is rich in literary devices that enhance its narrative impact and thematic depth. **Characterization** is immediately evident through the vivid physical description of Eglon as "a very fat man." This is not merely an aesthetic detail but a deeply functional one, imbuing the king with a sense of indulgence, excess, and perhaps even sloth, which contrasts sharply with the agile and cunning Ehud. This corpulence also serves as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the perceived invulnerability and oppressive prosperity of the Moabite regime, often at the expense of the subjugated Israelites. Crucially, this physical detail acts as potent **Foreshadowing**, subtly preparing the reader for the gruesome and pivotal event of Ehud's assassination of Eglon, where the king's extreme fatness becomes instrumental in the success of Ehud's plan by concealing the dagger. Furthermore, there is a subtle layer of **Irony** present, as Ehud, the seemingly subservient tribute-bearer, is in reality the divinely appointed agent of the king's downfall, using the very act of submission as a means of liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:17, though a concise detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous involvement in the deliverance of His people, even through seemingly mundane or unconventional means. It underscores the biblical principle that God often uses the weak, the overlooked, or even the physical characteristics of oppressors to confound the strong and proud, demonstrating His sovereign control over all circumstances. Eglon's physical description, while literal, can be seen as a symbolic representation of the spiritual "fatness" of those who oppress God's people—their self-indulgence, perceived security, and ultimate vulnerability before divine judgment. God's patience with Israel's recurring sin is matched by His unwavering commitment to their liberation, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness. The verse also subtly highlights the theme of divine strategy, where seemingly small details (like Eglon's physique or Ehud's left-handedness) are integral to God's larger plan of salvation, revealing that no detail is insignificant in His redemptive purposes.

* [Psalm 73:6-7](/psalms/73-6 "Psalm 73:6-7 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "1 Samuel 2:7-8 - The Lord Makes Poor and Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 3:17 invites us to deeply consider the intricate ways God works through unexpected channels and pays meticulous attention to even the smallest details in His grand redemptive plan. Eglon's physical state, which might initially appear as an incidental observation, is revealed as a critical element in Israel's deliverance, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all circumstances, utilizing every characteristic, strength, or weakness for His purposes. For believers today, this narrative offers profound encouragement: our unique gifts, our perceived limitations, and even the seemingly insignificant details of our lives can be precisely what God chooses to use for His glory. It also challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and worldly power, recognizing that what seems strong and secure in the eyes of the world may, in fact, contain the very seeds of its own downfall. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in God's timing and methods, even when they appear unconventional or beyond our comprehension, and to remain ready to be used by Him in ways we might not anticipate. Just as Ehud was an agent of physical deliverance, we are called to be agents of spiritual truth, justice, and freedom in a world often oppressed by sin, injustice, and spiritual bondage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Eglon's physical description challenge our assumptions about power, security, and vulnerability in the world?**
* **In what ways might God be using "unconventional" or "small" details in your current circumstances to accomplish His greater purposes?**
* **How does this narrative encourage you to trust God's strategic planning and His ability to work through unlikely means, even when His methods are not immediately clear?**

### FAQ
**Why is Eglon's fatness mentioned in such detail?**

Answer: Eglon's extreme corpulence is far more than a mere descriptive detail; it is a crucial narrative element with significant functional and symbolic implications. Firstly, it highlights his indulgence and, by extension, the oppressive prosperity of Moab, which contrasted sharply with the subjugated Israelites. More importantly, it serves as a key piece of **foreshadowing** for the subsequent events. The text explicitly states in [Judges 3:22](/judges/3-22 "Judges 3:22 - The Dagger's Disappearance") that Ehud's dagger was completely swallowed by Eglon's fat, preventing its easy detection by the king's attendants and allowing Ehud to escape unnoticed. This detail is absolutely essential for the success of Ehud's divinely-orchestrated plan of deliverance, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to every detail in His redemptive work.

**What was the "present" that Ehud brought to Eglon?**

Answer: The "present" (Hebrew: *minḥâ*) was an annual tribute or payment that Israel, as a vassal state, was obligated to give to Eglon, the king of Moab, their overlord. This was a common practice in the ancient Near East, symbolizing subjugation and loyalty. While outwardly a sign of Israel's submission, Ehud's delivery of the tribute was a strategic ruse that granted him the necessary access to Eglon, allowing him to execute his mission of liberation. It was a diplomatic formality that became the vehicle for divine intervention, as detailed in [Judges 3:15-18](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15-18 - Ehud's Preparation and Arrival"), demonstrating how God can use conventional means for unconventional, redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 3:17 describes a physical deliverance from an earthly oppressor, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Eglon, the "very fat man," symbolizes the oppressive weight of sin, death, and spiritual bondage—a tyrannical power that held all humanity captive, much like Eglon held Israel in subjugation. Just as Ehud, an unlikely and seemingly insignificant deliverer, penetrated the seemingly impenetrable security of the oppressor, so too did Christ, through His incarnation and humble appearance, enter into the stronghold of sin and death. The "present" Ehud brought can be seen as a deceptive outward show to gain access, while Christ's true "present" to humanity was His very life, offered as a perfect and unblemished sacrifice. Unlike Ehud's violent act, Christ's decisive victory was achieved not through physical force but through His self-sacrificial death on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities of darkness, triumphing over them [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). He is the true Judge and Deliverer, not merely freeing a nation from physical bondage, but liberating all who believe from the spiritual dominion of sin and death [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free"). His triumph over the "fatness" of sin's power ensures that those who are in Christ are no longer slaves but children of God, heirs to an eternal kingdom [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption").

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

Jeremiah 5:28

They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.

Ezekiel 34:20

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD unto them; Behold, I, [even] I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle.

Jeremiah 50:11

Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage, because ye are grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls;

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Job 15:27

Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on [his] flanks.

Judges 3:29

And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.

1 Samuel 2:29

Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded [in my] habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?