Judges 3:21

KJV

And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Ehud {H164} put forth {H7971} his left {H8040} hand {H3027}, and took {H3947} the dagger {H2719} from his right {H3225} thigh {H3409}, and thrust {H8628} it into his belly {H990}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Ehud reached out with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into the king's belly.

Berean Standard Bible

And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly.

American Standard Version

And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:21 vividly portrays the dramatic and decisive climax of Ehud’s mission to liberate Israel from the eighteen-year oppression under Moabite King Eglon. Having gained private access to the corpulent king through the guise of delivering a secret divine message, Ehud, a uniquely left-handed Benjamite, executes his divinely orchestrated plan with precision and cunning. This verse captures the critical moment of the assassination, highlighting Ehud’s strategic brilliance and the swift, brutal end of Eglon’s tyranny, thereby ushering in a significant period of peace and rest for the nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the pivotal turning point in the narrative of Ehud, the second major judge of Israel, following Othniel. The broader framework of the book of Judges establishes a cyclical pattern of Israel's apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, the people's cry for deliverance, and God's raising of a deliverer (a "judge"). Specifically, [Judges 3:12](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12 - Israel's Disobedience and Moabite Oppression") details Israel's renewed disobedience, leading to God's raising of Eglon, King of Moab, as their oppressor for eighteen years. Ehud is introduced in [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud, the Left-Handed Deliverer"), with his distinctive left-handedness being a crucial detail that undergirds the success of the events described in [Judges 3:21](/judges/3-21 "Judges 3:21 - Ehud Assassinating Eglon"). Ehud's elaborate plan involves presenting tribute to Eglon, dismissing his attendants, and then returning under the pretense of a "secret message from God" ([Judges 3:19](/judges/3-19 "Judges 3:19 - Ehud's Secret Message to Eglon")). Eglon's extreme corpulence, noted in [Judges 3:17](/judges/3-17 "Judges 3:17 - Eglon's Great Fatness"), and the secluded setting of his "summer parlour" ([Judges 3:20](/judges/3-20 "Judges 3:20 - Eglon's Private Chamber")) are all critical elements that contribute to the effectiveness of Ehud's strike. This verse is the culmination of Ehud's meticulous preparations, directly leading to the Moabite defeat and the subsequent forty years of peace for Israel, as recounted in [Judges 3:29-30](/judges/3-29 "Judges 3:29-30 - Israel's Victory and Forty Years of Peace").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1375-1050 BC) was a tumultuous era for ancient Israel, marked by tribal disunity, intermittent foreign subjugation, and pervasive spiritual apostasy. Moab, situated east of the Dead Sea, was a frequent adversary of Israel, often asserting control over the Transjordanian tribes. The practice of vassal states paying tribute to an overlord was a common geopolitical reality in the ancient Near East, signifying submission and economic dependence. Ehud's unique left-handedness (Hebrew: _'iṭṭer yad yemino_, literally "restricted in his right hand") was an unusual trait, as most warriors were right-handed. However, the tribe of Benjamin was notably known for its left-handed slingers ([Judges 20:16](/judges/20-16 "Judges 20:16 - Benjamite Slingers")). This distinctive characteristic allowed Ehud to conceal his weapon on his right thigh, a location typically not thoroughly searched by guards who would anticipate a right-handed assailant to carry a weapon on their left. The "summer parlour" or "upper chamber" was likely a private, cooler room on the roof or upper floor, providing a secluded and intimate setting for Ehud's ambush, typical of royal residences designed for comfort and privacy. The act of regicide, while shocking, was sometimes perceived within Israel's covenant theology as a divinely sanctioned act when perpetrated against oppressive foreign rulers, especially those who afflicted God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the book of Judges and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it profoundly illustrates the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's active and decisive intervention to rescue His people from oppression in direct response to their desperate cries ([Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Israel Cries Out to the Lord")). God demonstrates His sovereignty by using an unlikely and seemingly disadvantaged individual like Ehud, thereby emphasizing that His power is not constrained by human conventions, weaknesses, or expectations. Secondly, the narrative underscores **Strategic Cunning and Divine Orchestration**. Ehud's left-handedness, his meticulous planning, and the specific details of the encounter—Eglon's extreme corpulence and the private chamber—all point to a divinely guided and meticulously orchestrated plan designed to achieve Israel's liberation. Thirdly, the swift and brutal judgment meted out to Eglon signifies **God's Judgment Against Oppressors**. Eglon's death is not merely a political assassination but is presented as a divine act of justice against a wicked king who had grievously oppressed God's covenant people. This event serves as a stark and powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to upholding justice, even through violent means within a specific historical and redemptive context.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ehud (Hebrew, _ʼÊhûwd_):** From the same root as "united," Ehud is presented as a deliverer raised by God. His name itself, perhaps implying "united" or "strong," foreshadows his decisive action. The text specifically notes his left-handedness, making him unique and strategically positioned for this divine mission. This detail is not incidental but central to the narrative's unfolding.
* **Dagger (Hebrew, _chereb_):** This term, typically translated as "sword" or "knife," refers to a cutting instrument known for its destructive effect. Here, it is described as a short, concealed weapon, specifically crafted for the purpose of thrusting. Its placement "from his right thigh" is crucial, exploiting the common expectation of a right-handed warrior carrying a weapon on their left. This "dagger" becomes the precise instrument of divine judgment.
* **Belly (Hebrew, _beṭen_):** Referring to the abdomen or womb, the word _beṭen_ here highlights the specific target of Ehud's thrust. The graphic detail of the dagger entering Eglon's "belly" and, as described in the subsequent verse, being "swallowed up" by his excessive fat ([Judges 3:22](/judges/3-22 "Judges 3:22 - The Dagger Disappears in Eglon's Fat")), emphasizes the fatal and decisive nature of the blow. It underscores Eglon's corpulence, a detail previously mentioned, as a contributing factor to his immediate demise, making the wound both deep and difficult to detect.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ehud put forth his left hand":** This opening clause immediately highlights Ehud's defining characteristic, his left-handedness, which was introduced earlier in the narrative. It signifies not merely a physical action but a deliberate, strategic maneuver that leverages his unique trait. The use of the "left hand" is presented as an unexpected and crucial element of surprise, which would have been unforeseen by Eglon or his attendants.
* **"and took the dagger from his right thigh":** This detail reveals the ingenious nature of Ehud's concealment. In a society where the majority of people were right-handed and weapons were customarily carried on the left hip, Ehud's left-handedness allowed him to carry his specially made dagger on his right thigh, rendering it virtually undetectable during any routine search. This act is the immediate precursor to the decisive blow, showcasing meticulous preparation and strategic cunning.
* **"and thrust it into his belly":** This is the dramatic climax of the verse and indeed the entire encounter. The verb "thrust" (תקע, _taqa'_) conveys a forceful, decisive, and ultimately fatal action. The target, "his belly," is particularly graphic and impactful, especially when read in conjunction with the following verse ([Judges 3:22](/judges/3-22 "Judges 3:22 - The Dagger's Depth")), which describes the dagger being completely swallowed by Eglon's excessive fat. This detail underscores the overwhelming effectiveness of the blow and the immediate, ignominious demise of the oppressor.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Judges 3:21 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to heighten its impact and convey its theological message. **Irony** is profoundly evident, as King Eglon, anticipating a "secret message from God" ([Judges 3:19](/judges/3-19 "Judges 3:19 - Ehud's Secret Message")), instead receives a message of divine judgment delivered by a physical dagger. The very privacy and comfort of his "summer parlour" ([Judges 3:20](/judges/3-20 "Judges 3:20 - Eglon's Solitude")), a place of supposed security, ironically becomes the secluded setting for his demise, transforming into a death trap. **Foreshadowing** is skillfully woven into the narrative through the repeated emphasis on Ehud's left-handedness in [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud's Left-Handedness"), a detail that finds its climactic fulfillment in this verse as his unique trait becomes the indispensable key to his success. The passage also utilizes **Graphic Imagery** in its stark description of the thrust and the dagger's deep penetration, creating a visceral and impactful scene that effectively conveys the brutality and finality of the act. Furthermore, the dagger itself can be interpreted as a powerful **Symbol** of divine judgment, wielded by God's chosen agent to execute justice upon a wicked oppressor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:21 stands as a stark and powerful testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His steadfast commitment to His covenant people. While the means employed are undeniably violent, this act is presented within the biblical narrative as a divinely sanctioned deliverance, a direct and forceful response to Israel's desperate cries for help. It profoundly illustrates that God is not limited by human conventions or expectations, and He can powerfully use unexpected individuals and unconventional methods to achieve His righteous purposes. This episode demonstrates His absolute power over human oppressors and His ultimate control over the course of history. The assassination of Eglon is therefore not merely a political coup but an act of divine justice, bringing a decisive end to the tyranny that had grievously violated God's people and their land. This event powerfully underscores the overarching theme of God's active and intimate involvement in human affairs, particularly in upholding justice and delivering the oppressed.

* [Judges 2:16](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16 - God Raises Up Judges")
* [Psalm 107:13](/psalms/107-13 "Psalm 107:13 - Crying Out to the Lord in Trouble")
* [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by His Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the graphic nature of Ehud's act in Judges 3:21 can be unsettling to modern sensibilities, it is imperative to interpret it within its specific historical and theological context: as a divinely orchestrated judgment against a wicked oppressor of God's covenant people, rather than a generalized justification for violence. For contemporary believers, this narrative offers profound spiritual insights and enduring lessons. It serves as a powerful reminder that God hears the genuine cries of His people and is faithful to intervene, often employing unexpected individuals or unconventional means to bring about deliverance. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, even when His methods seem surprising, or when our circumstances appear insurmountable. Just as Ehud's seemingly disadvantageous left-handedness became a strategic asset in God's hands, so too can God use our unique gifts, perceived weaknesses, or peculiar circumstances for His glory and for the liberation of others. This passage encourages us to rely wholeheartedly on God's power for spiritual deliverance from the multifaceted oppressions of sin, fear, and injustice, knowing that He is the ultimate deliverer who responds with faithfulness to genuine repentance and earnest prayer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God demonstrate His power and wisdom by using seemingly ordinary or even "disadvantaged" traits in individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes in our lives today?**
* **In what specific ways do we, like ancient Israel, find ourselves under various forms of "oppression" (spiritual bondage, emotional burdens, societal injustices), and how are we called to "cry out" to God for His sovereign deliverance?**
* **What enduring principles does this narrative teach us about God's unwavering justice and His decisive response to those who oppress His people, both in ancient times and in principle for all generations?**

### FAQ

**Why did God use such a violent and deceptive act to deliver Israel?**

Answer: The narrative of Ehud's assassination of Eglon must be understood within the specific historical and theological context of the book of Judges, a period marked by direct divine intervention in Israel's affairs. This was a time when God directly raised up individuals to deliver His covenant people, Israel, from foreign oppressors who were often instruments of divine judgment against Israel's sin and apostasy. Eglon was not merely a political enemy but a king who had subjected and oppressed God's chosen nation for eighteen years, representing a direct affront to God's covenant and His people. God, as the sovereign Lord of all creation, has the ultimate right to execute judgment upon wicked rulers and nations, and He can use various means to do so, including human agents. Ehud's act, while violent and involving deception, is presented in the biblical text as God's chosen method of deliverance and justice in that specific historical situation, not as a normative command for believers to engage in violence or deception today. It highlights God's power to work through unexpected and unconventional means to achieve His righteous purposes and uphold His covenant with Israel, bringing an end to the cycle of oppression as described in [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Israel Cries Out to the Lord").

**What is the significance of Ehud being left-handed in this story?**

Answer: Ehud's left-handedness, explicitly mentioned in [Judges 3:15](/judges/3-15 "Judges 3:15 - Ehud's Left-Handedness") as being "restricted in his right hand," is of critical strategic and symbolic importance. In ancient cultures, the vast majority of warriors were right-handed, and consequently, weapons like daggers were typically carried on the left thigh to be drawn efficiently with the dominant right hand. By carrying his specially crafted dagger on his right thigh, Ehud ingeniously exploited this common cultural expectation. When Eglon's guards might have searched him, they would most likely have focused their attention on his left side, leaving the weapon on his right side undetected. This seemingly minor physical trait became a crucial element of surprise and cunning, enabling Ehud to get close enough to Eglon to execute the fatal blow. It powerfully underscores the theme that God can use unique, even unconventional, characteristics or circumstances of individuals to achieve His divine purposes, demonstrating that His power and wisdom are not limited by human norms, expectations, or perceived disadvantages.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ehud's act of deliverance, while rooted in the violent and specific realities of the Old Testament period of the Judges, ultimately points forward to the ultimate and perfect Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Ehud, a judge raised by God, brought a temporary, physical liberation from a foreign oppressor. Christ, however, is the supreme Judge and King, who brings eternal, spiritual liberation from the ultimate oppressors: sin, death, and the devil. Just as Ehud delivered a "secret message" of judgment to Eglon, Jesus came bearing the ultimate divine message—the Gospel—which, though often perceived as foolishness by the world, is in fact the very power of God for salvation to everyone who believes ([1 Corinthians 1:18](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross")). While Ehud used a physical dagger to strike a fatal blow to a king's belly, Christ, through His sacrificial death on the cross, struck a decisive and eternally fatal blow to the power of sin and death, disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities and triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His sacrifice, unlike Ehud's violent act, establishes a new covenant of grace, peace, and reconciliation. The peace that Ehud secured for Israel was temporary and confined to a specific land; the peace that Christ offers is eternal, transcends all human understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), and is available to all who believe, regardless of nation or tribe. Thus, Ehud's story, with its themes of divine intervention, unexpected means, and decisive victory over oppression, serves as a poignant shadow pointing to the glorious and complete reality of Christ's redemptive work.

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

Job 20:25

It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors [are] upon him.

Zechariah 13:3

And it shall come to pass, [that] when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

2 Corinthians 5:16

¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.

1 Samuel 15:33

And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

Numbers 25:7

And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw [it], he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;

Numbers 25:8

And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.