Judges 3:19

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Judges 3:19 marks a pivotal moment in Ehud's cunning plan to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression. This verse details Ehud's strategic return to King Eglon after initially delivering the tribute, setting the stage for his audacious act of liberation.

Context

Following a period of disobedience and oppression by King Eglon of Moab for eighteen years (Judges 3:14), the Israelites cried out to the Lord, who raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. Ehud had just presented the tribute to the corpulent King Eglon. Rather than returning home, Ehud turns back from the "quarries" or "graven images" near Gilgal. Gilgal was a deeply significant historical and spiritual site for Israel, where they had first encamped after crossing the Jordan (Joshua 4:20) and renewed their covenant with God (Joshua 5:9). His return, claiming a "secret errand," was a calculated ruse to gain private access to the king, initiating the climax of his mission.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Deception: Ehud's declaration of a "secret errand" is a brilliant piece of psychological warfare, designed to pique Eglon's curiosity and ensure his isolation. It highlights Ehud's shrewdness and commitment to his mission.
  • God's Unconventional Deliverance: This narrative showcases God's willingness to use human agents, even those employing guile and unconventional methods, to bring about the deliverance of His people. It underscores that divine sovereignty works through various means, sometimes unexpected ones.
  • Vulnerability of the Oppressor: Eglon's dismissal of his attendants due to his intrigue demonstrates the pride and overconfidence that often lead to the downfall of oppressors. His eagerness to hear a "secret" leaves him exposed.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "quarries" (KJV) is pesilim (פְּסִילִים), which more commonly means "graven images" or "idols." This alternative translation suggests that Ehud may have turned back from a place where Moabite idols were set up, perhaps near the sacred Israelite site of Gilgal. If so, this detail subtly highlights the spiritual conflict between Israel and Moab, and God's judgment against idolatry. Ehud's turning back from a place of pagan worship could symbolically represent his turning back to confront the source of Israel's oppression directly, under God's guidance.

Practical Application

While the specific methods of Ehud are rooted in a different historical context, this account reminds us that God can use individuals with unique skills and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. It encourages believers to be shrewd and courageous in facing challenges, trusting that God can empower them even in difficult or seemingly impossible situations. The story of Ehud is a powerful testament to God's commitment to delivering His people, even when they have strayed, and His willingness to work through unexpected means to achieve His divine plan of salvation and restoration.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 4:20 (3 votes)

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

  • Acts 23:18 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    ¶ 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.