Judges 3:28

KJV

And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Follow {H7291} after {H310} me: for the LORD {H3068} hath delivered {H5414} your enemies {H341} the Moabites {H4124} into your hand {H3027}. And they went down {H3381} after {H310} him, and took {H3920} the fords {H4569} of Jordan {H3383} toward Moab {H4124}, and suffered {H5414} not a man {H376} to pass over {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them: "Follow me, because ADONAI has given your enemy Mo'av into your hands. They went down after him, seized the fords of the Yarden opposite Mo'av and permitted no one to cross.

Berean Standard Bible

“Follow me,” he told them, “for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed him down and seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross over.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Follow after me; for Jehovah hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and suffered not a man to pass over.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:28 marks the pivotal moment of Israel's liberation from Moabite oppression, orchestrated by Ehud. Following his audacious assassination of King Eglon, Ehud rallies the Israelite forces with a divinely inspired declaration of assured victory. The verse vividly portrays Ehud's decisive command, the immediate and obedient response of the Israelites, and their strategic seizure of the Jordan River fords, a critical maneuver that effectively sealed the Moabites' fate, preventing their escape and ensuring a comprehensive and devastating defeat, thereby bringing an end to eighteen years of foreign subjugation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and clandestine assassination of King Eglon of Moab by Ehud, detailed in [Judges 3:15-26](/judges/3-15-26 "Judges 3:15-26 - Ehud's Assassination of Eglon"). Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, uses a concealed dagger to eliminate the obese Moabite king, then makes a daring escape. [Judges 3:27](/judges/3-27 "Judges 3:27 - Ehud's Call to Arms") describes Ehud's subsequent action: blowing the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, a traditional signal for a call to arms, summoning the Israelite tribes to battle. Judges 3:28 is the direct and immediate response to this summons, initiating the decisive military action that secures Israel's freedom. It serves as the crucial transition from Ehud's individual act of cunning to a full-scale national uprising, setting the stage for the complete rout of the Moabites described in [Judges 3:29-30](/judges/3-29-30 "Judges 3:29-30 - The Decisive Defeat of Moab").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (approximately 1400-1050 BC) in Israel's history was characterized by a recurring cycle: Israel's spiritual apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, their cry for deliverance, and God raising up a "judge" or deliverer. Moab, a Transjordanian kingdom located east of the Dead Sea, was a perennial adversary of Israel, often asserting control over Israelite territories west of the Jordan River. The Jordan River itself, particularly its fords (shallow crossing points), held immense strategic importance in ancient warfare. Controlling these fords was paramount for military success, as it allowed an army to intercept fleeing enemies, prevent reinforcements from arriving, or control trade routes. Ehud's rallying point in "Ephraim" suggests a successful mobilization of central Israelite tribes, highlighting the capacity for inter-tribal cooperation, albeit often temporary, during this fragmented period. The Moabite oppression, lasting eighteen years, underscores the severity of the subjugation and the desperation for divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 3:28 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the [Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Cycles of Apostasy and Deliverance"). Foremost is **Divine Deliverance**, as Ehud explicitly attributes the impending victory to "the LORD," emphasizing God's active and sovereign role in liberating His people, rather than solely human strength or ingenuity. This aligns with the broader pattern of God raising up deliverers in response to Israel's repentance and cries for help, as articulated in [Judges 2:16](/judges/2-16 "Judges 2:16 - God Raising Up Judges"). **Decisive Leadership** is also prominently displayed through Ehud's confident command, "Follow after me," which inspires immediate obedience and trust, demonstrating the qualities of a God-appointed leader who galvanizes a nation. Finally, **Strategic Warfare** is underscored by the tactical brilliance of seizing the Jordan fords, a move that ensured a comprehensive and thorough victory, preventing any Moabite escape or reinforcement. This echoes a broader Old Testament theme of God granting complete victory over enemies, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 2:36](/deuteronomy/2-36 "Deuteronomy 2:36 - Complete Victory over Enemies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This verb (H5414), meaning "to give" or "to place," is used here in a specific idiomatic sense: "to give into the hand of," signifying a complete and decisive victory granted by God. It underscores the profound theological conviction that the outcome of the battle was not merely a result of human strength or strategy, but a divine act of empowerment and predetermination. God is presented as the active agent, sovereignly "handing over" the enemy to His people.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This noun (H3027), often translated as "hand," is part of the common biblical idiom "into your hand" (Hebrew, _b'yedkem_). It expresses absolute control, dominion, or victory. When God delivers an enemy "into your hand," it means He has granted total power and authority over them, leading to their defeat. It implies a transfer of power from the enemy to the victorious party, orchestrated by divine will.
* **fords (Hebrew, _maʻăbâr'_):** This term (H4569), referring to shallow crossing points in a river, highlights geographical features of immense strategic importance in ancient warfare. Control of the fords meant control over movement across the river, allowing for the interception of fleeing armies or the prevention of enemy reinforcements. Their seizure by the Israelites demonstrates a keen understanding of military strategy, crucial for ensuring a comprehensive and decisive victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them, Follow after me:"** This opening clause immediately establishes Ehud's confident and authoritative leadership. Having just completed the daring assassination of Eglon, Ehud now steps into his role as a military commander, issuing a direct and unambiguous command. It signifies a call to immediate action and trust in his guidance, a testament to his God-given authority.
* **"for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand."** This is the theological justification and powerful motivation for the command and the battle itself. Ehud does not appeal to Israelite strength, vengeance, or numerical superiority, but to God's prior action and divine promise of victory. This declaration reinforces the central theme of divine deliverance in Judges, assuring the people that the battle is already won in God's eyes, and their participation is merely the execution of His sovereign will.
* **"And they went down after him,"** This clause highlights the immediate, unified, and obedient response of the Israelite forces. Their swift descent (likely from the hill country of Ephraim towards the Jordan valley) demonstrates their trust in Ehud as God's appointed deliverer and their readiness to engage the enemy. It underscores the effectiveness of Ehud's leadership and the people's renewed faith and courage in the face of their oppressor.
* **"and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab,"** This describes the crucial strategic maneuver that secured the victory. By seizing the shallow crossing points of the Jordan River that led directly into Moabite territory, the Israelites effectively cut off the Moabites' primary escape route. This prevented any Moabite soldiers or officials who might have been in Israelite territory from fleeing back to their homeland and also blocked any potential reinforcements from reaching them, trapping the enemy.
* **"and suffered not a man to pass over."** This final clause emphasizes the completeness, decisiveness, and devastating nature of the victory. By preventing any Moabite from crossing the Jordan, the Israelites ensured that the enemy army was trapped and annihilated, leaving no remnants to pose a future threat. This thoroughness signifies the definitive end of Moabite oppression and the full extent of God's deliverance through Ehud.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message and dramatic tension. **Direct Discourse** is prominently featured in Ehud's opening command, "Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand," which lends immediacy, authority, and a sense of urgency to his words, highlighting his role as a confident and divinely empowered leader. The phrase "the LORD hath delivered... into your hand" is a classic **Idiom**, a common biblical expression signifying divine empowerment, assured victory, and God's sovereignty over the outcome of conflict. The narrative also masterfully uses **Narrative Foreshadowing and Fulfillment**: Ehud's confident declaration of victory ("the LORD hath delivered...") immediately precedes the description of the Israelite actions that bring about that very victory ("and took the fords... and suffered not a man to pass over"), demonstrating the certainty of God's word and the efficacy of obedient action. Finally, the swift, concise description of the Israelites' actions ("went down after him, and took the fords... and suffered not a man to pass over") creates a sense of **Rapid Pacing** and **Emphasis** on the efficiency, decisiveness, and totality of their military success, culminating in the complete annihilation of the Moabite threat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 3:28 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that true victory comes from God, not from human might or cleverness alone. Ehud's declaration, "the LORD hath delivered your enemies... into your hand," shifts the focus from human strategy to divine sovereignty, reminding Israel that their deliverance is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people are unfaithful. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that when God calls His people to action, He also provides the means and assurance of success, requiring only their obedient participation in His greater plan. The strategic brilliance of taking the fords is thus not merely human ingenuity but divinely inspired wisdom, ensuring a complete and decisive end to oppression and demonstrating God's meticulous care for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The LORD Fights For You") - "For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you."
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Psalm 44:3 - Not By Their Own Sword") - "For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them."
* [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the LORD's") - "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give you into our hands."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 3:28 offers timeless lessons for believers today, underscoring the dynamic interplay between divine initiative and human responsibility. Just as Ehud confidently declared God's prior deliverance, we are called to approach our spiritual battles with the unwavering conviction that Christ has already secured the victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Our "following after" Christ involves active obedience and strategic engagement in the spiritual warfare described in [Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Whole Armor of God"). We are not fighting *for* victory, but *from* victory. The "fords of Jordan" in our lives might represent critical junctures or strategic points where we must decisively cut off avenues of temptation, compromise, or spiritual retreat. By taking a firm stand, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we prevent the "enemy" (whether it be indwelling sin, crippling doubt, or worldly influence) from gaining a foothold or escaping our spiritual vigilance. This verse encourages us to embrace courageous, God-centered leadership in our spheres of influence, trusting that when we act in faith and obedience, God will ensure the completeness of His redemptive work through us, leading to true freedom and lasting peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "follow after" God's leading more decisively, trusting in His declared victory over your challenges?**
* **What "fords of Jordan" (strategic vulnerabilities or escape routes for sin, ungodly habits, or destructive influences) do you need to "take" in your spiritual walk to ensure a more complete victory and freedom?**
* **How does Ehud's immediate attribution of victory to "the LORD" challenge you to acknowledge God's sovereignty and active hand in your own successes and struggles, giving Him the glory?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "taking the fords of Jordan" in Ehud's strategy?**

Answer: Taking the fords of Jordan was a highly significant military strategy, demonstrating both Ehud's tactical brilliance and divine guidance. The Jordan River, while not a massive barrier, served as a crucial natural boundary, and its fords (shallow crossing points) were essential for movement between the Cisjordan (west of Jordan) and Transjordan (east of Jordan) regions. By seizing these fords "toward Moab," the Israelites achieved two critical objectives: first, they cut off the escape route for any Moabite soldiers or officials who might have been in Israelite territory, preventing them from fleeing back to Moab and regrouping. Second, and equally important, they prevented any Moabite reinforcements from crossing the river to aid their trapped compatriots. This strategic move ensured a complete and decisive victory, allowing the Israelites to "suffer not a man to pass over," effectively annihilating the Moabite presence and securing their liberation. It was a brilliant tactical maneuver that sealed the fate of the Moabite oppressors, ensuring a thorough and lasting deliverance for Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 3:28, with its vivid portrayal of Ehud's decisive leadership and God's assured victory over the Moabites, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Ehud's confident command, "Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies... into your hand," finds its supreme echo in Jesus' call to discipleship, "Follow Me" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Disciples")), coupled with His definitive declaration of victory over the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the devil. Christ, our true and greater Judge, did not merely assassinate a king but utterly conquered the very dominion of darkness through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the 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")), delivering us from spiritual bondage and offering true freedom. The "fords of Jordan" that Ehud secured represent the strategic points of victory that Christ has taken for us—His cross and the empty tomb—which cut off the enemy's power and ensure that "not a man" (of those who believe in Him) will be lost to eternal separation. Our spiritual battle, though real, is fought from the position of Christ's already accomplished triumph, empowering us to live in the freedom of His complete deliverance and to be "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

Judges 12:5

And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was [so], that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, [Art] thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;

Joshua 2:7

And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

Judges 7:9

¶ And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand.

Judges 7:15

And it was [so], when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the LORD hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.

1 Samuel 17:47

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

Judges 7:24

And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.

Judges 7:17

And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be [that], as I do, so shall ye do.