Bible Figure
Ehud
Second judge of Israel
Ehud was the left-handed Benjaminite judge who delivered Israel from Moab by assassinating King Eglon and leading Israel to victory.
Biography
Israel was oppressed by Eglon king of Moab for eighteen years. When the people cried out, God raised Ehud, described as left-handed, to deliver them. Ehud carried tribute to Eglon with a concealed double-edged sword. After dismissing the tribute bearers, he returned claiming a secret message and met the king privately. Ehud killed Eglon, locked the doors, escaped, and rallied Israel in the hill country of Ephraim. The Israelites seized the Jordan crossings, defeated the Moabites, and the land had eighty years of rest.
Biblical Significance
Ehud's story continues Judges' theme of God using unexpected means and unlikely deliverers. The narrative also demonstrates the cycle of oppression, divine rescue, and temporary rest.