Judges 3:18

KJV

And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he had made an end {H3615} to offer {H7126} the present {H4503}, he sent away {H7971} the people {H5971} that bare {H5375} the present {H4503}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he had finished presenting the tribute, he dismissed the people who had brought it.

Berean Standard Bible

After Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he ushered out those who had carried it.

American Standard Version

And when he had made an end of offering the tribute, he sent away the people that bare the tribute.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:18 captures a pivotal, strategically calculated moment in the narrative of Ehud, the second judge of Israel. Having successfully delivered the required tribute from Israel to King Eglon of Moab, Ehud deliberately sends away his accompanying retinue. This seemingly minor act of dismissal is, in fact, a crucial step in his covert plan, clearing the stage of witnesses and potential obstacles, thereby setting the immediate scene for his audacious and divinely appointed mission to assassinate the oppressive Moabite king and deliver Israel from eighteen years of subjugation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite chosen by God to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. It immediately follows Ehud's initial presentation of the tribute to King Eglon, a public act of vassalage that masks Ehud's true, subversive intent. The act of sending away his companions creates a narrative tension, isolating Ehud and heightening the suspense for the dramatic events that are about to unfold in the very next verses, where Ehud returns to Eglon with a "secret message" that turns out to be a fatal dagger. This precise moment marks the transition from Ehud's public duty to his private, clandestine mission, underscoring his cunning and strategic foresight.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For eighteen years, Israel had been under the oppressive rule of King Eglon of Moab, a period characterized by forced tribute, as described in [Judges 3:14](/judges/3-14 "Judges 3:14 - Israel's Oppression by Moab"). The payment of "the present" (tribute) was a common practice in the ancient Near East, signifying the subjugation of a vassal state to its overlord. Such payments were often delivered by a delegation, making Ehud's initial approach to Eglon appear entirely conventional. However, Ehud's unique left-handedness, mentioned in [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud's Left-Handedness"), would prove to be a crucial, unconventional asset in a culture where right-handedness was dominant, allowing him to conceal his weapon effectively. His dismissal of the people highlights the need for secrecy and the elimination of witnesses, essential for a high-stakes assassination attempt within a heavily guarded royal court.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 3:18 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Strategic Preparation and Timing**, as Ehud meticulously completes his public duty before executing his true, hidden agenda. This calculated move demonstrates the importance of discerning the opportune moment for action, a concept echoed in wisdom literature (cf. [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1 - A Time for Everything")). Furthermore, it reinforces the overarching theme of **Divine Deliverance through Unconventional Means**. God consistently uses unlikely individuals and methods in Judges to rescue His people, and Ehud's cunning, resourcefulness, and unique physical attribute (left-handedness) are central to this divine strategy, showcasing God's ability to work through any circumstance or individual to achieve His purposes, as seen throughout the period of the judges (cf. [Judges 2:16](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16 - God Raises Up Judges")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Present (Hebrew, _minchah'_):** The Hebrew word מִנְחָה (_minchah_) typically refers to a "gift" or "offering." While it often denotes a grain offering to God in a cultic context (e.g., [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - The Grain Offering")), in a political or social context, as here, it specifically means a "tribute," "tax," or "gift" given by an inferior to a superior. Its completion signifies the fulfillment of Israel's vassal obligation to Moab, thus establishing Ehud's legitimate presence at Eglon's court and providing a cover for his true intentions.
* **Made an end (Hebrew, _kalah'_):** The verb כָּלָה (_kalah_) means "to complete," "to finish," or "to bring to an end." Its use here emphasizes the finality of the tribute presentation. Ehud has meticulously fulfilled his public, diplomatic duty. This completion marks a definitive transition point, signaling that the preliminary, overt phase of his mission is over, and the covert, decisive phase is about to begin.
* **Sent away (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** The verb שָׁלַח (_shalach_) means "to send," "to dispatch," or "to send away." In this context, it implies a deliberate dismissal of the people who accompanied him. This act is not casual but strategic. By sending them away, Ehud ensures his solitude and freedom of action, removing any potential witnesses or hindrances to his secret plan. It is an act of calculated isolation, preparing the ground for the dramatic confrontation that follows.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had made an end to offer the present":** This clause establishes that Ehud has successfully completed the primary, overt purpose of his visit to King Eglon – the delivery of the tribute from Israel. The use of "made an end" signifies a definitive conclusion to this public duty, indicating that all necessary diplomatic protocols have been observed. This completion is crucial, as it allows Ehud to pivot from his role as a tribute-bearer to his true identity as an assassin without raising immediate suspicion.
* **"he sent away the people that bare the present":** This second clause describes Ehud's deliberate action of dismissing his accompanying retinue. These were the individuals who carried the heavy tribute and provided a public presence. By sending them away, Ehud intentionally isolates himself. This act is a strategic maneuver to ensure privacy, eliminate witnesses, and gain the freedom of movement required for the dangerous, covert mission he is about to undertake. It underscores his meticulous planning and his need for absolute secrecy to execute the assassination of King Eglon.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 3:18, though brief, is rich in **Narrative Economy**, packing significant strategic information into a concise statement. The verse functions as a crucial **Transition** point, moving the narrative from the public act of tribute to the private, covert operation. It employs **Foreshadowing**, as Ehud's deliberate act of sending away his companions strongly hints at a secret, dangerous purpose that requires solitude and secrecy. The text also utilizes **Strategic Silence** or **Omission**, as it does not explicitly state Ehud's motive for sending the people away at this point, thereby building suspense and inviting the reader to anticipate his next move. This understated approach effectively magnifies the dramatic impact of the events that immediately follow, revealing Ehud's cunning and the high stakes of his mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse offers profound theological insights into God's methods of deliverance and the nature of human agency within divine plans. Ehud's meticulous completion of his public duty and subsequent strategic isolation demonstrate that God often works through careful planning, patience, and the diligent execution of preliminary steps, even when the ultimate goal is extraordinary. It highlights that divine intervention does not negate human responsibility or strategic thought, but rather often employs them. Ehud's actions reflect a divinely inspired prudence, reminding believers that wisdom and careful timing are virtues in God's service, preparing the way for His greater purposes.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Make the Best Use of Time")
* [Luke 14:28-30](/luke/14-28-30 "Luke 14:28-30 - Cost of Discipleship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ehud's strategic actions in Judges 3:18 provide a powerful lesson for believers today: the importance of diligent preparation and discerning timing in our own lives and ministries. Just as Ehud completed his immediate duty before moving to his critical mission, we are called to be faithful in the "small" things and to fulfill our responsibilities with excellence, knowing that these may be crucial preparatory steps for larger, God-ordained purposes. This verse encourages us to cultivate patience, to think strategically about our actions, and to trust that God can use our careful planning, even our unconventional skills, to achieve His will. It reminds us that our "public" duties often serve as a necessary prelude for the "private" and more significant spiritual battles or callings God has for us, requiring us to clear away distractions and focus intently on His leading.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might God be calling me to exercise strategic patience or careful preparation in my life or ministry?**
* **How does Ehud's willingness to fulfill a mundane duty (presenting tribute) before a major one challenge my perception of "important" tasks?**
* **In what ways might God be using seemingly ordinary or even unconventional aspects of my life to accomplish His extraordinary purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Ehud to send the people away before meeting with Eglon again?**

Answer: Ehud's decision to send his retinue away was a critical strategic maneuver essential for the success of his covert mission. By dismissing the people who accompanied him with the tribute, Ehud ensured his solitude and freedom of action. This eliminated potential witnesses to his assassination attempt on King Eglon, reduced the risk of his plan being discovered prematurely, and allowed him to approach the king alone with his "secret message" (which was, in fact, his dagger). This act of calculated isolation was vital for maintaining secrecy and executing his daring plan without immediate interference, as is evident in the immediate follow-up in [Judges 3:19-21](/judges/3-19 "Judges 3:19 - Ehud's Secret Message").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ehud's deliverance of Israel involved a physical sword and a cunning assassination, his strategic preparation and ultimate act of liberation foreshadow, in a limited sense, the infinitely greater and fundamentally different deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Ehud's "present" was a deceptive tribute leading to death, but Christ's ultimate "present" was His own life, offered as a perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the ultimate Deliverer, also undertook a deliberate and strategic path, not to assassinate an earthly king, but to conquer the spiritual powers of darkness and the dominion of sin and death. His journey to the cross was a meticulously planned divine mission, where He "made an end" of sin's power through His atoning work (cf. [Colossians 2:14-15](/colossians/2-14-15 "Colossians 2:14-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Unlike Ehud, who used a hidden weapon, Christ's victory was achieved through open humiliation and self-sacrifice, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His strategic obedience, culminating in His cry "It is finished" on the cross (cf. [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), marked the completion of His ultimate "present" to humanity – eternal redemption (cf. [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Sacrifice for Eternal Redemption")), freeing us from a far greater oppression than any earthly king could impose.

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.