Judges 3:23

KJV

Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Ehud {H164} went forth {H3318} through the porch {H4528}, and shut {H5462} the doors {H1817} of the parlour {H5944} upon him, and locked {H5274} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Ehud went out onto the porch, shut the doors of the upstairs room behind him and locked them.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Ehud went out through the porch, closing and locking the doors of the upper room behind him.

American Standard Version

Then Ehud went forth into the porch, and shut the doors of the upper room upon him, and locked them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:23 details the precise and strategic actions taken by Ehud immediately after assassinating King Eglon of Moab. As he exited the private chamber, Ehud deliberately shut and locked its doors, a calculated move designed to create a significant delay in the discovery of the king's death. This critical maneuver ensured Ehud's undetected escape from the palace and was instrumental in setting the stage for the successful mobilization of Israel against their Moabite oppressors, fulfilling his divine commission as a deliverer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Judges systematically chronicles Israel's recurring cycle of apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, their cry for deliverance, and God's raising of a "judge" or deliverer. Ehud's story, spanning [Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Judges 3:12-30 - Ehud's Deliverance of Israel"), exemplifies this pattern, depicting Israel's eighteen-year subjugation under Moab. Judges 3:23 directly follows the dramatic assassination of King Eglon in [Judges 3:22](/judges/3-22 "Judges 3:22 - Ehud's Assassination of King Eglon"), where Ehud's dagger penetrates the king's corpulent body. This verse marks the critical transition from the act of regicide to Ehud's strategic exit, meticulously detailing the steps he takes to ensure his undetected departure and to delay the discovery of Eglon's death, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent events of national liberation described in [Judges 3:24-29](/judges/3-24 "Judges 3:24-29 - The Aftermath and Battle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period of the Judges, Israel frequently found itself subjugated by neighboring powers as a consequence of its spiritual apostasy. The Moabites, historically antagonistic to Israel (as seen in [Numbers 22-25](/numbers/22 "Numbers 22-25 - Balaam and Moab")), had established dominion, extracting tribute. King Eglon's "summer parlour" (mentioned in [Judges 3:20](/judges/3-20 "Judges 3:20 - Eglon's Summer Parlour")), likely a private, cool upper chamber or vestibule, was a common architectural feature in ancient Near Eastern palaces, designed for privacy and respite from the heat. Crucially, royal protocol dictated that a king's privacy, particularly when attending to personal needs, was to be absolutely respected, making it unthinkable for servants to immediately intrude. Ehud's act of locking the doors brilliantly exploited this cultural expectation, creating a plausible scenario for the guards that Eglon was merely indisposed, thereby ensuring a critical delay in the discovery of his death.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 3:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. First, it exemplifies **Strategic Cunning and Divine Providence**, showcasing Ehud's shrewdness not merely as a human trait but as divinely guided wisdom, essential for the success of God's redemptive plan for Israel. His calculated actions of securing the doors demonstrate a profound foresight that extends beyond the immediate act of assassination, ensuring the broader objective of liberation. Second, the verse highlights **Deception as a Tactic** within the context of ancient warfare and national liberation, where such stratagems were often viewed as legitimate and necessary means to overcome a superior enemy. Ehud's ruse with the locked doors is a masterclass in psychological warfare, exploiting the cultural norms of royal privacy. Finally, it underscores the **Vulnerability of Oppressors**, revealing that even formidable rulers like King Eglon, despite their power and security, can be brought down by a single, divinely empowered individual, echoing the ultimate triumph of God's justice over human tyranny, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the fall of Jericho in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Porch (Hebrew, מִסְדְּרוֹן, _misderon'_):** This term, used in the KJV for the space Ehud exits through, denotes a colonnade, vestibule, or corridor. It signifies a transitional area, a passage Ehud traverses *after* the assassination and *before* fully exiting the private royal suite. Its mention highlights the architectural layout that allowed Ehud to gain a crucial moment of privacy to execute his next strategic move—securing the doors—without immediate observation from outside the inner sanctum.
* **Parlour (Hebrew, עֲלִיַּת הַמְּקֵרָה, _'aliyyat ha-mĕqērāh'_):** Although the KJV uses "porch" for *misderon* in v.23, the phrase "doors of the parlour" refers back to the "summer parlour" where Eglon was killed (Judges 3:20). This term describes a private, often upper-level, cool chamber designed for seclusion. The mention of its doors emphasizes the intimate and secure nature of the room, which Ehud now seals, transforming it from a place of royal retreat into Eglon's tomb and a temporary vault for his secret.
* **Locked (Hebrew, נָעַל, _na'al'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate and complete securing of the doors, not merely closing them. The act of "locking" implies the use of a key or bolt, ensuring that the doors could not be easily opened from the outside. This detail is crucial, as it directly creates the delay that allows Ehud to escape, and it underscores his meticulous foresight and thoroughness in executing his plan, demonstrating his commitment to securing the mission's success.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Ehud went forth through the porch":** This clause describes Ehud's immediate physical movement following the fatal blow to King Eglon. The "porch" (מִסְדְּרוֹן, *misderon*) refers to the vestibule or corridor leading out of the private chamber. Ehud's deliberate exit through this specific area indicates his strategic awareness of the palace layout, allowing him to gain a moment of privacy between the inner sanctum and the more public areas, crucial for his next actions. It marks the commencement of his escape sequence.
* **"and shut the doors of the parlour upon him":** Here, Ehud actively closes the doors of the "parlour" (עֲלִיַּת הַמְּקֵרָה, *'aliyyat ha-mĕqērāh*), the private chamber where Eglon's body now lay. The phrase "upon him" is poignant, emphasizing that Eglon is sealed within his own private space, which has become his tomb. This act of shutting the doors is the initial step in creating the illusion that the king is merely engaged in a private, undisturbed moment, a common royal practice that servants would respect.
* **"and locked them":** This final, decisive action is the linchpin of Ehud's escape strategy. The verb "locked" (נָעַל, *na'al*) signifies a complete and secure fastening, implying the use of a bolt or key. This was not a casual closing but a deliberate act to ensure that the doors could not be easily opened from the outside. This meticulous detail guarantees a significant delay in the discovery of Eglon's death, providing Ehud with ample time to exit the palace undetected and prepare for the next phase of Israel's liberation, highlighting his foresight and thoroughness.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 3:23 is rich with literary techniques that enhance its dramatic impact and thematic depth. A palpable sense of **Suspense** is immediately generated; the reader knows Eglon's fate, and Ehud's deliberate actions of shutting and locking the doors create a crucial delay, building tension around the inevitable discovery. This delay is further amplified by a profound **Irony**: the king's private "parlour," intended as a secure and secluded sanctuary, is transformed by his assassin into an inescapable tomb, sealed from the outside. The locked doors themselves function as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not only the sealing of Eglon's personal fate but also, on a broader scale, the sealing off of Moabite oppression over Israel. This act visually signifies the decisive end of one era and the imminent dawn of another. Furthermore, the meticulous detail of Ehud's actions—his exit through the porch, the closing, and the locking—serves as **Foreshadowing**, indicating the precision and calculated success of the larger military strategy Ehud is about to implement for Israel's liberation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:23, though detailing a practical maneuver, is deeply imbued with theological significance. It powerfully illustrates the principle of divine sovereignty working through human agency. Ehud's meticulous planning and execution are not merely products of human cunning but are presented as divinely guided actions, integral to God's overarching plan for Israel's deliverance. The strategic delay achieved by the locked doors underscores God's precise timing and the importance of thorough preparation in fulfilling His purposes. This passage affirms God's consistent methodology of using seemingly ordinary or even overlooked individuals—like a left-handed Benjamite—and unexpected means to overcome formidable oppressors and bring about salvation for His people. It is a testament to God's ability to orchestrate every detail, ensuring the success of His redemptive will, even in the context of ancient warfare.

* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13 "Exodus 14:13-14 - The Lord Will Fight For You")
* [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Trust in God Against Goliath")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific historical context of Judges 3:23 involves an act of political assassination for national liberation, the underlying principles of Ehud's strategic foresight and thoroughness offer profound spiritual and practical applications for believers today. Ehud's meticulous attention to securing his escape and delaying discovery serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of diligence and follow-through in our spiritual lives. Just as Ehud "locked" the door on the oppressive king, we are called to be decisive in "locking the door" on temptations, past sins, or destructive patterns that seek to oppress our souls. This implies not merely overcoming an immediate spiritual challenge but taking deliberate, comprehensive steps to prevent its resurgence or lingering influence. It encourages us to consider the "aftermath" of our spiritual victories, ensuring that we consolidate our gains, remain vigilant against renewed attacks, and secure our progress in Christ. Furthermore, Ehud's reliance on cunning and exploiting the enemy's expectations, albeit in a different context, can inspire us to seek divine wisdom for strategic thinking in our spiritual warfare, recognizing that effective action often requires careful planning and an understanding of the adversary's tactics, all while trusting in God's empowering presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your spiritual life have you experienced a "victory" but perhaps neglected to "lock the door" on lingering temptations or old habits?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more thoroughly secure your spiritual progress after overcoming a challenge?**
* **How does Ehud's strategic thinking encourage you to pray for wisdom and discernment in your own spiritual battles?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ehud's act of locking the doors so crucial to his mission?**

Answer: Ehud's act of locking the doors was absolutely critical because it created a vital delay in the discovery of King Eglon's death. In ancient royal courts, a king's privacy, especially when attending to personal needs, was sacrosanct. By locking the doors, Ehud exploited this cultural norm, leading the king's servants to believe Eglon was simply indisposed, as detailed in [Judges 3:24-25](/judges/3-24 "Judges 3:24-25 - The Servants' Delay and Discovery"). This bought Ehud precious time to escape the palace undetected, travel to the hill country of Ephraim, and rally the Israelite forces (as described in [Judges 3:27-28](/judges/3-27 "Judges 3:27-28 - Ehud Rallies Israel")). Without this delay, his escape would likely have been thwarted, and the entire liberation effort could have failed before it even began.

**What is the significance of the "porch" and "parlour" in this verse?**

Answer: The KJV text of [Judges 3:23](/judges/3-23 "Judges 3:23 - Ehud's Strategic Escape") mentions both the "porch" and the "parlour," which can be confusing. The "porch" (Hebrew: *misderon*) refers to a vestibule, colonnade, or corridor that Ehud passed *through* as he exited the private suite. This was the transitional space where he could perform the act of securing the doors without immediate observation from outside. The "parlour" (Hebrew: *'aliyyat ha-mĕqērāh*, as seen in [Judges 3:20](/judges/3-20 "Judges 3:20 - Eglon's Summer Parlour")) refers to the actual private, cool chamber where King Eglon was assassinated. So, Ehud exited *through the porch* and then *shut and locked the doors of the parlour* where Eglon lay, effectively sealing the king within his own private space.

**Does this passage endorse deception as a moral strategy for believers today?**

Answer: While Ehud's use of deception and cunning was instrumental in achieving Israel's deliverance from oppression, it's crucial to interpret this within its specific historical and redemptive-historical context. In ancient warfare narratives, such tactics were often depicted as legitimate and even divinely sanctioned means for overcoming enemies, particularly in the context of national liberation under God's appointed deliverers. The Bible often describes God working through complex human actions, not always endorsing every detail as a universal moral imperative for all times. For believers today, the New Testament calls for truthfulness and integrity ([Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speak Truth to Your Neighbor"); [Colossians 3:9](/colossians/3-9 "Colossians 3:9 - Do Not Lie to One Another")). Therefore, while we can learn from Ehud's strategic thinking and reliance on God for deliverance, his specific method of deception should not be directly applied as a moral model for personal conduct in contemporary life. Instead, we seek to overcome evil with good ([Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good")) and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ehud's strategic act of sealing King Eglon within his "parlour," ensuring the oppressor's demise and setting the stage for Israel's liberation, serves as a powerful, albeit veiled, foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Just as Ehud decisively "locked" away an earthly tyrant, Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, definitively defeated and "locked" away the ultimate oppressors: sin, death, and the devil. His burial in a tomb, which was meticulously sealed and guarded ([Matthew 27:62-66](/matthew/27-62 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Guard at the Tomb")), appeared to be the final act of His defeat. Yet, this very act of sealing paradoxically set the stage for the greatest liberation in human history: His glorious resurrection. The "locked" tomb could not hold the Lord of Life, and His emergence from it signified the absolute triumph over all spiritual bondage ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Jesus is the quintessential deliverer, not merely freeing a nation from physical subjugation, but liberating humanity from eternal bondage to sin and death, securing true and lasting freedom for all who believe in Him ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")). Ehud's calculated sealing of a physical room points forward to Christ's definitive and eternal securing of our spiritual freedom, ensuring that the true enemy is vanquished and our salvation is eternally sealed by His finished work ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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.