Bible Dictionary
Ehud
Ehud was a left-handed Benjamite who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression. He killed Eglon, king of Moab, and then led Israel in defeating the Moabites.
Definition
Ehud was a Benjamite, son of Gera, and a deliverer of Israel from Moabite oppression. He was left-handed and gained access to King Eglon under the pretense of a private message, then killed him with a concealed sword and led Israel to victory.
Biblical Usage
After Eglon’s death, Ehud escaped, summoned Israel, seized the Jordan fords, and defeated the Moabites, killing about ten thousand. The land then had rest, specifically stated as eighty years. Another Ehud appears in a Benjamite genealogy.
Historical Background
Moab had controlled the region for eighteen years with support from Ammon and Amalek and had required tribute from Israel. Ehud’s victory ended that period of oppression.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Union. (1.) A descendant of Benjamin (1 Chr. 7:10), his great-grandson. (2.) The son of Gera, of the tribe of Benjamin (Judg. 3:15). After the death of Othniel the people again fell into idolatry, and Eglon, the king of Moab, uniting his bands with those of the Ammonites and the Amalekites, crossed the Jordan and took the city of Jericho, and for eighteen years held that whole district in subjection, exacting from it an annual tribute. At length Ehud, by a stratagem, put Eglon to death with a two-edged dagger a cubit long, and routed the Moabites at the fords of the Jordan, putting 10,000 of them to death. Thenceforward the land, at least Benjamin, enjoyed rest “for fourscore years” (Judg. 3:12-30). (See QUARRIES [2].) But in the south-west the Philistines reduced the Israelites to great straits (Judg. 5:6). From this oppression Shamgar was raised up to be their deliverer.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(union).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e'-hud (ehudh, "united," "strong"):</p><p>A Benjamite, son of Gera, deliverer of Israel from oppression by Moab (Jud 3:15-30). Gaining access alone to the presence of King Eglon under pretense of a secret errand connected with the payment of Israel's tribute, Ehud, a left-handed man, drew the sword he had concealed upon his right side, and thrust the king through. He locked the doors of the upper chamber after him, made his escape, and with the Israelites overcame Moab at the fords of the Jordan, slaying some 10,000. Ehud's name occurs again in the Benjamite genealogy (1Ch 7:10).</p><p>F. K. Farr</p>