### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÊhûwd**, represented by `{{H164}}`, is defined as **united**. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The name is most prominently associated with the judge who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression, but it also appears in a genealogy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼÊhûwd** is introduced as a deliverer `{{H3467}}` whom the LORD `{{H3068}}` raised up when the children of Israel `{{H3478}}` cried out under the rule of Eglon `{{H5700}}`, king of Moab `{{H4124}}` [[Judges 3:15]]. A Benjamite `{{H1145}}` and a man described as lefthanded `{{H334}}`, **ʼÊhûwd** crafted a two-edged `{{H6366}}` dagger `{{H2719}}` which he girded `{{H2296}}` under his raiment `{{H4055}}` on his right thigh `{{H3409}}` [[Judges 3:16]]. Under the pretense of delivering a secret message `{{H1697}}` from God `{{H430}}`, **ʼÊhûwd** gained a private audience with King Eglon in his summer `{{H4747}}` parlour `{{H5944}}`. He then put forth `{{H7971}}` his left hand `{{H8040}}`, took the dagger, and thrust `{{H8628}}` it into the king's belly `{{H990}}` [[Judges 3:20-21]]. After the act, **ʼÊhûwd** escaped `{{H4422}}` by locking the doors `{{H1817}}` and passing beyond the quarries `{{H6456}}` to Seirath `{{H8167}}` ([[Judges 3:23]], 26). The period of peace he secured ended with his death `{{H4191}}` [[Judges 4:1]]. A different **ʼÊhûwd** is also listed in the genealogies of the sons of Benjamin `{{H1144}}` [[1 Chronicles 7:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the story of Ehud:
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to free or succor): This word forms the title "deliverer," the role God raised **ʼÊhûwd** to fulfill for the oppressed Israelites [[Judges 3:15]].
* `{{H1145}}` **Ben-yᵉmîynîy** (a Benjaminite): This identifies Ehud's tribal lineage. He is specifically called a Benjamite, a man of Benjamin [[Judges 3:15]].
* `{{H334}}` **ʼiṭṭêr** (impeded... left-handed): This unique physical trait was central to Ehud's strategy, allowing him to conceal a weapon on his right thigh and draw it with his left hand to kill King Eglon ([[Judges 3:15]], 21).
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword): This term describes the two-edged dagger **ʼÊhûwd** made `{{H6213}}` and used to assassinate the Moabite king [[Judges 3:16]].
* `{{H5700}}` **ʻEglôwn** (Eglon): The king of Moab who oppressed Israel and was killed by **ʼÊhûwd**. He is described as a very fat man `{{H376}}` [[Judges 3:17]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of **ʼÊhûwd** carries significant weight within the book of Judges.
* **Divine Intervention:** **ʼÊhûwd** is explicitly raised up by the LORD `{{H3068}}` as a deliverer `{{H3467}}` in response to Israel's cry `{{H2199}}`, underscoring God's direct involvement in the nation's history [[Judges 3:15]].
* **Unconventional Means:** God uses the seemingly unusual trait of **ʼÊhûwd** being lefthanded `{{H334}}` as the very means of deliverance. This allowed for the concealed dagger `{{H2719}}` to go unnoticed, highlighting God's power to work through unexpected people and methods ([[Judges 3:16]], 21).
* **The Cycle of the Judges:** The story of **ʼÊhûwd** exemplifies the repeating pattern in Judges. After his death `{{H4191}}`, the children of Israel again did evil `{{H7451}}` in the sight of the LORD, initiating a new cycle of oppression and deliverance [[Judges 4:1]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼÊhûwd** `{{H164}}` is a name meaning "united," primarily remembered for the Benjamite judge who liberated Israel. His story is a striking example of cunning and courage, where a physical particularity becomes the instrument of divine rescue. As a deliverer raised by God, **ʼÊhûwd** embodies the theme of God using unlikely heroes to achieve His purposes, providing a period of rest for Israel before the nation fell back into sin following his death.
TRV