Judges 3:19

KJV

But he himself turned again from the quarries that [were] by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he himself turned again {H7725} from the quarries {H6456} that were by Gilgal {H1537}, and said {H559}, I have a secret {H5643} errand {H1697} unto thee, O king {H4428}: who said {H559}, Keep silence {H2013}. And all that stood {H5975} by him went out {H3318} from him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he himself, after reaching the quarries at Gilgal, went back and said, "King, I have a secret message for you." The king commanded silence, and all his attendants withdrew.

Berean Standard Bible

But upon reaching the idols near Gilgal, he himself turned back and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Silence,” said the king, and all his attendants left him.

American Standard Version

But he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king. And he said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:19 marks a pivotal moment in Ehud's divinely orchestrated plan to liberate Israel from eighteen years of Moabite oppression. After delivering the tribute, Ehud strategically turns back from the "quarries" or "graven images" near Gilgal, feigning a "secret errand" for King Eglon. This calculated ruse successfully isolates the king, setting the stage for Ehud's audacious and decisive act of judgment and deliverance, highlighting God's use of unconventional means to fulfill His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Ehud's initial presentation of tribute to King Eglon of Moab, as detailed in [Judges 3:15-18](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15-18 - Ehud's Initial Encounter with Eglon"). The narrative has already established Eglon's oppressive rule over Israel for eighteen years, a consequence of Israel's disobedience ([Judges 3:12-14](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-14 - Israel's Oppression by Moab")). Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, has been raised up by God as a deliverer. His departure after the tribute delivery would typically signify the end of his official duty. However, his unexpected return, claiming a secret message, creates the necessary privacy for his true mission. This moment is the turning point, transitioning from the formal exchange to the dramatic climax of the narrative, where Ehud's cunning and God's sovereign plan converge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, divine judgment (through foreign oppression), cries for help, and God raising up a deliverer. Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, was a perennial adversary of Israel, often exerting control over Israelite territories, particularly those east of the Jordan. King Eglon's corpulence, mentioned in [Judges 3:17](/judges/3-17 "Judges 3:17 - Eglon's Corpulence"), might have been a cultural indicator of his wealth and power, but it also becomes a grim detail in his demise. Gilgal, near where Ehud turns back, held profound historical and spiritual significance for Israel, being the site of their first encampment after crossing the Jordan ([Joshua 4:19-20](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19-20 - Israel Crosses the Jordan and Sets Up Stones at Gilgal")) and where the covenant was renewed ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away at Gilgal")). The reference to "quarries" or "graven images" (Hebrew: *pesilim*) near such a sacred Israelite site introduces a layer of spiritual conflict, hinting at the idolatry that was prevalent in the region and often a source of Israel's troubles.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unconventional Deliverance**, demonstrating His willingness to use seemingly ordinary or even unorthodox individuals and methods, like Ehud's left-handedness and strategic deception, to achieve His purposes. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency** is evident, as Ehud's cunning plan is clearly aligned with God's intention to deliver Israel. Thirdly, the **Vulnerability of the Oppressor** is underscored, as Eglon's pride, curiosity, and overconfidence lead him to dismiss his attendants, making him susceptible to Ehud's attack. This act of isolation is a direct consequence of the king's own choices, illustrating that the oppressor's downfall often stems from internal flaws or misjudgments, paving the way for God's judgment, as seen throughout the narrative of [Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Quarries/Graven Images (Hebrew, _pĕsîlîm'_):** The Hebrew word פְּסִילִים (*pĕsîlîm*) is crucial for understanding the nuance of this verse. While the KJV translates it as "quarries," it more commonly and consistently means "graven images," "idols," or "carved images" in the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Deuteronomy 7:5 - Destroying Idols")). This ambiguity suggests two possibilities: Ehud turned back from a stone quarry, or, more significantly, from a place where Moabite idols were erected. Given Gilgal's sacred history for Israel, the presence of Moabite idols would represent a profound spiritual affront and a symbol of Moabite oppression and idolatry. If Ehud turned back from a site of pagan worship, it adds a symbolic layer to his mission, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the conflict and God's judgment against idolatry.
* **Secret Errand (Hebrew, _dāḇār sēṯer'_):** The phrase דָּבָר סֵתֶר (*dāḇār sēṯer*) literally means "a word of secret" or "a hidden thing." Ehud's claim of a "secret errand" is a masterful stroke of psychological manipulation. It plays on Eglon's curiosity, pride, and perhaps a desire for exclusive information or a private deal. This ruse is essential for isolating Eglon, as it necessitates the dismissal of his guards and attendants, thus creating the opportune moment for Ehud to execute his divine commission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he himself turned again from the quarries that [were] by Gilgal":** Ehud's return is unexpected and strategic. Having completed the official tribute delivery, his turning back from the vicinity of Gilgal, a site deeply significant to Israel's covenant history, signals a deliberate deviation from the expected path. The ambiguity of "quarries" or "graven images" adds a layer of symbolic weight, potentially indicating Ehud's turning away from pagan influence or a physical location tied to Moabite idolatry, to confront the source of oppression directly.
* **"and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king":** This is the core of Ehud's deception. The declaration of a "secret errand" is a calculated lie designed to pique Eglon's interest and secure a private audience. It suggests a matter of utmost importance and confidentiality, appealing to Eglon's authority and perhaps his ego, ensuring that he would be eager to hear what Ehud had to say without witnesses.
* **"who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him":** Eglon's immediate command for silence and the subsequent dismissal of his attendants demonstrate the effectiveness of Ehud's ruse. Eglon's eager response to the "secret" reveals his overconfidence and perhaps his hubris, as he unknowingly isolates himself from his protection. This act of dismissal is critical for Ehud's plan, creating the vulnerability necessary for the subsequent assassination and Israel's deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Judges 3:19 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Strategic Deception** is paramount, as Ehud's feigned "secret errand" is a calculated ruse to gain private access to King Eglon. This deception is a key element of Ehud's characterization as a shrewd and resourceful deliverer. **Dramatic Irony** pervades the scene: Eglon believes he is about to receive valuable, confidential information, but the audience knows that Ehud's "secret" is the king's impending death. Eglon's command to "Keep silence" ironically seals his own fate by ensuring his isolation. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** in Ehud's deliberate return and the immediate dismissal of Eglon's guards; these actions clearly signal that a significant and violent event is about to unfold. The potential double meaning of *pesilim* (quarries/graven images) also introduces **Symbolism**, suggesting that Ehud is not merely turning back from a physical location but symbolically confronting the idolatry and spiritual oppression that Moab represents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:19 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in raising up deliverers and His willingness to work through unconventional means to bring about justice and liberation for His people. Ehud's strategic deception, while morally complex, is presented within the narrative as an instrument of divine judgment against an oppressive king. This passage underscores that God's ways are not always predictable or confined to human expectations, and He can empower individuals with unique skills and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. It also highlights the theme of divine patience followed by decisive judgment when oppression persists, reminding us that God hears the cries of His people and acts on their behalf. The vulnerability of the oppressor, Eglon, serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of earthly power when it stands against God's will.

* [Judges 2:16](/judges/2-16 "God Raises Up Judges")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalm/9-16 "The Lord Is Known by the Judgment He Executes")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ehud's story, particularly this pivotal verse, challenges us to consider the diverse ways God works in the world and through His people. While Ehud's methods are specific to his historical context and not a direct blueprint for modern action, the underlying principles are profound. We are called to be astute and discerning in our engagement with the challenges of our time, trusting that God can equip us with the necessary wisdom and courage. This passage reminds us that even when circumstances seem insurmountable, or when we feel ill-equipped, God can use our unique strengths and even our perceived weaknesses (like Ehud's left-handedness) for His glory. It encourages us to pray for divine strategy in confronting injustice and oppression, remembering that God is ultimately the one who delivers and establishes true freedom. Our trust should be in His power and His plan, even when they unfold in unexpected ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ehud's strategic deception in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of God's methods of deliverance?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to be shrewd or courageous in a challenging situation, trusting in His unconventional wisdom?**
* **How does the vulnerability of King Eglon, brought about by his own choices, speak to the nature of pride and the limits of human power?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the quarries that [were] by Gilgal"?**

Answer: The phrase "the quarries that [were] by Gilgal" refers to the Hebrew word *pesilim* (פְּסִילִים). While "quarries" is a possible translation, the more common and significant meaning in the Old Testament is "graven images" or "idols." If Ehud turned back from a place of Moabite idols near Gilgal, it adds a profound symbolic layer to his mission. Gilgal was a deeply sacred site for Israel, where they renewed their covenant with God ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away at Gilgal")) and set up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan ([Joshua 4:20](/joshua/4-20 "The Twelve Stones at Gilgal")). The presence of Moabite idols near such a significant Israelite site would symbolize the spiritual oppression and idolatry that plagued Israel and was a root cause of their suffering under Eglon. Ehud's turning back from this location could therefore signify a symbolic turning away from the source of spiritual defilement to confront the physical manifestation of Israel's oppression, under God's guidance. It underscores the spiritual dimension of the conflict between Israel and Moab, and God's judgment against idolatry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Ehud, particularly his strategic "secret errand" to deliver Israel, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ehud employed deception as a means to an end, Christ's "secret errand" was one of profound truth and self-sacrifice, hidden from the "princes of this world" ([1 Corinthians 2:7-8](/1_corinthians/2-7 "1 Corinthians 2:7-8 - God's Wisdom Hidden From Rulers")), yet openly declared through His life, death, and resurrection. Just as Ehud delivered Israel from a physical oppressor, Jesus came to deliver humanity from the ultimate spiritual oppressor—sin and death—and the dominion of the evil one ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His "errand" was not to take a king's life, but to lay down His own, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The isolation Ehud created for Eglon foreshadows the spiritual isolation Christ endured on the cross, where He bore the weight of humanity's sin, conquering the powers of darkness not by stealth, but by His open and victorious sacrifice ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, Ehud's unconventional deliverance points forward to the infinitely more profound and redemptive deliverance accomplished by Christ, the true and ultimate Judge and Deliverer, who liberates us from spiritual bondage and brings us into His eternal kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness to Light")).

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

Joshua 4:20

¶ And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

Acts 23:18

So he took him, and brought [him] to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto [him], and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

Acts 23:19

Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went [with him] aside privately, and asked [him], What is that thou hast to tell me?

Judges 3:20

And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of [his] seat.

2 Kings 9:5

And when he came, behold, the captains of the host [were] sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain.

2 Kings 9:6

And he arose, and went into the house; and he poured the oil on his head, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I have anointed thee king over the people of the LORD, [even] over Israel.

Genesis 45:1

¶ Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.