Eglon

Eglon appears in Judges 3 as a powerful Moabite king who established control over part of Israel during the period of the Judges. The biblical account describes Israel as having turned away from God, after which Eglon was permitted to become an instrument of judgment against them.

Eglon formed an alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites and defeated Israel. His forces captured the City of Palms, commonly identified with Jericho or its surrounding district. From this position, Moab exercised authority over the Israelites for eighteen years.

The Israelites eventually cried out for deliverance, and God raised up Ehud, a Benjaminite, to rescue them. Ehud was chosen to carry tribute to Eglon. Concealing a short double-edged sword beneath his clothing, he gained a private audience with the king.

When the attendants withdrew, Ehud announced that he had a message for Eglon. As the king rose, Ehud drew his weapon and stabbed him. Ehud escaped while the royal servants delayed entering the chamber.

Ehud then rallied the Israelites, who seized the Jordan crossings and defeated the Moabite forces. Judges reports that Moab was subdued and that Israel subsequently enjoyed eighty years of peace.

Nothing certain is known about Eglon outside this biblical narrative. His capital, family relationships, exact dates, and burial place are not recorded.

Eglon represents a period of Moabite expansion westward across the Jordan River in the biblical account. His alliance with Ammon and Amalek suggests the possibility of cooperation among neighboring peoples against Israel.

The account also illustrates the unstable political conditions portrayed in Judges, when local rulers and tribal coalitions repeatedly competed for control of territory.

No contemporary Moabite inscription has been securely connected with Eglon, so the details of his reign cannot be independently verified.

Eglon forms an alliance with Ammon and Amalek. Moabite forces defeat Israel and occupy the City of Palms. Israel remains subject to Eglon for eighteen years.

Ehud delivers tribute and obtains a private audience with the king. Ehud assassinates Eglon and escapes. Israelite forces seize the Jordan crossings and defeat the Moabites.

Eglon is central to the second major deliverance account in the Book of Judges. His domination of Israel illustrates the recurring pattern of disobedience, foreign oppression, repentance, and deliverance that shapes the book.

Ehud's victory demonstrates how an unexpected individual could become the means of Israel's liberation. The narrative also emphasizes that Israel's deliverance was attributed to God rather than to military strength alone.