Judges Ehud & Shamgar
Ehud & Shamgar are the next two judges in the history of Israel. God raised them both up because the people FINALLY cried out to Him for relief.
Joshua is dead. Eleazar has died. All the elders who had wandered with Israel in the wilderness have died. Even Caleb is dead. Othniel, Caleb’s younger brother was the first judge that the Lord raided up in Israel. He helped free them after their own sin moved God’s hand against them. And while Othniel lived, Israel was faithful to the Lord. Now, Othniel is dead too. The people have returned to bowing down and worshiping other gods. God sends Moab into the land as His instrument of judgment. Let’s look in on Israel during this time and see how God works in their midst.
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Othniel has been gone for less than a year and Israel is already bowing down to altars of the Baals and Ashtaroth poles. They continue to offer sacrifices in the Tabernacle, but their hearts are not in it. They are ‘going through the motions’ trying to appease every god they can think of; especially the ones that don’t require too much of them. They are tiring of the Lord’s standards.
“Baal doesn’t say that we have to refrain from all work or play on the Sabbath. I like his ways better.”
“Me too! And talk about more FUN. He offers a ‘party’ every night with as many women as we want!”
God has been watching Israel’s behavior. “Would You LOOK at what they are doing! It’s degrading and humiliating” Jesus says
“And they don’t even know it” the Spirit shakes His head. “If they could only see themselves.”
“Why do We still love them? They disappoint Us at every turn. They prostitute themselves with other gods, right to Our face. And the ONLY time they call out to Us is when they are in trouble” Jesus says as He too shakes His head.
“Because OUR love is even beyond their imagination. We love them because We created them. Their actions can’t change that. But their actions DO bring about consequences. I think it’s about time We meted some of those consequences out” the Father replies.
“You know that they will come crawling back to Us, once they tire of the pain” the Spirit cautions.
“And that is exactly what We want” the Father responds.
“But they will do it again” Jesus remarks.
“Yes. They will. And so will We” the Father answers.
It is settled. Israel needs another lesson in WHO is the TRUE God.
It isn’t many days later that Eglon, the king of Moab, begins plotting the overthrow of Israel. He wants Israel to suffer for all the ‘indignity’ inflicted by them on his people. “That little upstart nation is in for a surprise” he says to himself. He begins marshaling forces. The nations that Israel warred against are perfect allies. They too would like a little ‘pay back’ on Israel.
Eglon sent messengers to the kings of the Ammonites and the Amalekites. “Come and fight with me against Isarel. They are without strong leadership. We will be able to subdue them with ease.”
The two allies readily agreed and within days, the three nations were crossing the Jordan at the ford near the old city of Jericho and moving into the territory of Benjamin. Benjamin and his neighbors were no match for them. Eglon easily defeated the forces of Israel and moved into the city of palms; formerly called Jericho. It’s walls were still down but he was able rebuild the palace and the garrison. From here, he would rule Israel.
Eglon was happy with the arrangements and ruled the nearby tribes of Israel with an iron fist. He made Israel pay him tribute and he became fat off the land. For 18 years, Eglon enjoyed this arrangement.
Israel didn’t enjoy it in the least. At first, they were baffled by the fact that their God didn’t give them victory. He had fought for their ancestors; why not them? But they didn’t bother looking too deep into the problem. It would mean changing the way they were behaving. It was easier not to look.
Things went from bad to worse over time. Eglon demanded more and more from the people. It finally came to a point that they could take it no longer. They had no might to fight back with, so they did the only thing they could think of. They called out to the God of their fathers.
The people turned away from the gods they were worshiping and began seeking Israel’s true God. The One who brought them out of Egypt and gave them victory or the people of the land they were living in. Surely, He can do it again!
“Lord God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. Hear our cry. Rescue us from those who oppress us. For Your name’s sake, rescue Your people” became their constant prayer.
In the territory of Benjamin, the man tasked with bringing tribute to Eglon was named Ehud. The Lord began working on his heart. He would be the man the Lord would work through to deliver Israel.
The Lord gave Ehud a plan and he began working to implement it. Weapons were not permitted in the hands of the people of Israel. Eglon feared that they would revolt is they had the means. So, Ehud secretly began working on a sword. It was double edged in order to cut from either direction and it was small enough to be easily concealed. The best part was that Ehud was left-handed. When he strapped the sword under his clothes, no one would think to search for it on the right side of his body. As a sword was drawn across the body, it would normally be strapped to the left side.
Ehud worked diligently on his sword in secret. He also secretly practiced pulling it from under his clothing and thrusting it forward until it was one quick and smooth motion. He needed to be ready the next time he delivered tribute to Eglon.
The day has finally arrived. The annual tribute to Eglon is due. Ehud dresses carefully for the journey. Not even those who carry the tribute with him can know of his plan. One misspoken word and everything would be ruined; and Ehud probably dead too.
The conversation on the way to the palace is curt and full of complaints, just as all the previous years. Israel does NOT like paying tribute to this tyrant. Ehud doesn’t enter into the conversation unless asked a direct question. His mind is on his plan and exactly how to execute it. Things have to go perfectly if he is to escape. He sends a silent prayer Heavenward. “Prepare the opportunity and guide my hand Lord, for I do this in Your name.”
Eglon is delighted to see the tribute. His mouth waters when he sees the baskets of figs. These he plans on dipping into right away. But he refuses to show those delivering the tribute any kindness or appreciation. “Hurry up! Hurry up! I haven’t got all day” he barks as they different items are presented. He also makes disparaging remarks about what is presented.
“You call this ‘good’ wheat? I wouldn’t feed this to my donkeys! Make certain you bring me better quality next time or there will be hell to pay.” He turns to the baskets of figs next. “Were your trees diseased this year? How could you offer me such inferior produce! See to it that you address this problem. I won’t accept such disgusting figs next time” he bellows.
“Yes, my lord” those presenting the tribute say in unison. They have heard his rants before. They know the quality of their tribute. Once, they had considered giving Eglon inferior tribute but decided it would only result in him strengthening his burden on them. It was heavy enough as it was, and increased each year.
Eglon finally dismisses the Israelites. “You can go. Remember my words. Do better next year or suffer my wrath.”
“Yes, my lord” they say as they bow and walk backwards to the door.
Once they are out of the city they begin to revile Eglon. “Him and his ‘disgusting figs’ will have a fine time tonight” one offered and then spat on the ground.
“I’d like to see him choke on one” laughed another.
When they were near Gilgal and the altar that Joshua set up as a reminder of what the Lord had done, Ehud spoke up. “There is something that I forgot to do in the city. Continue on without me. I’ll catch up to you later.”
“Do you want us to come with you?”
“No. It won’t take long. Go on ahead.”
The other men shrugged their shoulders and parted ways with Ehud.
Ehud wasted no time in returning to the palace. As he approached the gate, the guard challenged him.
“What business do you have with the king?”
“I have an important message for him. I forgot to relay it while we were here earlier.”
“Tell me the message. I can take it to him.”
“I can’t. It’s a very personal message and requires an immediate response.”
“Very well. Be quick about it.”
“I will. Thank you. I’ll see myself in. I know the way.”
Ehud was thrilled to find the king sitting in his roof chamber. Eglon looked up at him and, with fig juice staining his face and hands, demanded; “What do you want?”
Ehud responded with words dripping with enticement; “I have a secret message for you O king.” (Judges 3:19b)
“Silence” (Judges 3:19c) Eglon orders. He will not share this moment with his servants. “Out! All of you.”
The servants all scurry out of the room and shut the door behind them. Once everyone is gone, Eglon demands; “What is this message?”
“I have a message from God for you” (Judges 3:20b)
Eglon is furious and begins to rise from his seat. In one swift movement, Ehud draws his sword and thrusts it into Eglon’s enormous belly. The folds of fat begin to engulf Ehud’s arm and he quickly withdraws his hand, leaving the sword where it is. The fat of Eglon folded over the hilt of the sword and it remained lodged where Ehud had thrust it. Dung began to ooze out of the wound and make its way down Eglon’s body and puddle on the floor.
Ehud is disgusted by the sight and the smell is almost enough to choke him. Ehud quickly leaves the room and locks the doors behind himself. He walks calmly out of the palace, past the guard and out of the city. Once he is out of sight of the city, he begins to run to catch up to his companions.
After Ehud leaves the palace, Eglon’s servants go to see to his needs. When they get to the room where he is, they find the door locked. The smell emanating from the room leads them to believe that their king is relieving himself. They wait for him to finish. And they wait. And they wait some more.
“What is taking him so long?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he is sick. That smell is enough to make me sick.”
“We should probably check on him.”
“Let’s call out to him first. I would hate to break in on him. He would have us killed if we saw him in an indecent situation.”
“O king Eglon, are you in need?”
Nothing is heard, not even moving around.
“Do it once more.”
“O my king, are you alright? Please answer me so that I know you are safe.”
Still nothing is heard, even with an ear pressed to the door.
“We better get in there. Go get the key from the kitchen.”
It takes only a minute for the key to appear in the servant’s hand. The head servant quickly unlocked the door, but opened it slowly. The smell was even worse on this side of the door. Rather than recoiling as he wanted to do, his servant moved further into the room. A scream ripped from his lips when his eyes landed on the king. The other servants rushed into the room at the scream. They too let out exclaimed utterances.
“Go get the guard” commanded the head servant.
The head servant sent everyone else out of the room and stood watch until the guard arrived. When the guard arrived, the head servant took him directly to the king.
“Who was the last person to see him alive” asked the guard.
“The Benjamite, Ehud. He said he had a secret message for the king. The king ordered us out. We know of no one who came or went after that time.”
The guard swore then added; “I saw Ehud pass by me more than two hours ago. You mean to tell me that you didn’t come in here for TWO hours?!”
“We thought the king was relieving himself; because of the smell” he added.
The guard nodded. He had noticed the smell, but it wasn’t any worse than a stable full of horses on a hot day.
“Ehud is long gone. I will have to send men out to find him.”
While the king’s body is being discovered and spoken over, Ehud has reached the hills of Ephraim. He pulls out a ram’s horn trumpet and blows it for all he is worth. It has been a long time since this sound has been heard in the land of Israel, but the people know its meaning immediately. Ehud blows it three more times before he sees numbers of his brothers flowing into the hills where he is waiting. He smiles as he sees the assembly growing.
When the people stop trickling in, Ehud addresses the crowd. “I have killed the king this day. It is a day of liberation for Israel. ‘“Follow after me, for the Lord has given your enemies the Moabites into your hand.’ (Judges 3:28a)”
Shouts went up from the crowd and everyone was ready to go to battle. Ehud relished the sound. He had also prepared for it by hiding weapons of war here in the hills of Ephraim.
Ehud pointed over to a large cave. “You will find weapons in there. Distribute them and we will be on our way. We must hurry before our enemy can raise the alarm.”
Ehud had planned this battle out in his mind a hundred times. The Lord always drew him to securing the ford first. Eglon could not stand without his reinforcements from the other side of the Jordan. Troops were stationed there and the ropes were burned so that none could cross.
The rest of Ehud’s forces made their way to the city of palms. They were met by Eglon’s forces near Gilead. Israel easily prevailed over their enemies. The forces of Eglon’s blows landed ineffectively on the shields of Israel, while Israel’s blows were deadly accurate. One of Israel’s men would strike and fell three of Eglon’s forces with the single blow. Ten thousand strong, able-bodied warriors of Moab fell that day under the hand of Israel and the Lord.
Eglon’s forces broke and ran, hoping to cross the Jordan and escape. Not one of them made it. ALL were killed. Then Ehud went to the city of palms and struck down all who were loyal to Eglon; his servants, his guards, and his family. Those of Israel who were forced into service were allowed to live.
After taking the city, it was dedicated to destruction; again. Ehud and those who joined him plundered the city for spoils. Their own tribute was among the spoils. Afterward, the people returned to their homes singing the praises of the Lord.
Ehud was raised up as Israel’s leader after the conquest. He would serve Israel, and remain true to the Lord, for the rest of his life. The people would also remain true to the Lord while Ehud lived.
Not a week later, the Philistines on the other side of Israel heard of Ehud’s defeat. They attempted to take advantage of the situation and attack. Shamgar arose and stood in their way. He was but one man and had no weapon, except an oxgoad wrestled from his plow. SIX HUNDRED Philistines fell dead by his hand that day as the Lord strengthened his arm. The armies of the Philistines withdrew immediately; believing that all the Israelites were as powerful. They KNEW the Lord was once again fighting for Israel.
Israel had rest from her enemies for eighty years. Those were the remaining years or Ehud’s life. He judged the people well and led them in the way of the Lord.
Once Ehud died, the nation felt lost again and began to turn to the gods of the nations around them.
“Again!” the Spirit cries…
(to be continued)
I would have liked a little more information on Shamgar. We aren’t even told where exactly he fits. In the next chapter we see Deborah following Ehud. I hope I did him justice in the single paragraph he received in our story.
I had to have the Spirit utter the word I myself am thinking when Israel goes back to their old ways; AGAIN! I wonder what history would be like if they had remained true to the Lord instead of going back and forth. I feel like their history is an example of a man’s life. Choosing to follow the Lord, getting side tracked by sin, repenting and coming back; and REPEAT. Man isn’t capable, ON HIS OWN, to walk a godly life. Even with the best intentions, he still fails. Only through reliance on Jesus can we hope to conquer sin. Yet, even with the Lord’s help, we will still fall short.
Maintaining relationship with the Lord is what brings us back. There has to be TRUE relationship before we will have the desire to return. Israel only returned when things were tough. When they were going great, they barely held onto Him. It took a person they could turn to for their relationship to remain strong. Once that person was gone, so was their commitment.
We don’t have a human person to pin our hopes on. We have Jesus! He is eternal. He will NEVER leave us; not even through death. Put your faith in Him and He will see you through any valley or mountaintop.
Father God, once again, I’m SO GLAD that I’m on this side of Your promise of a Savior. I have no idea what my life would be like if I didn’t have Jesus. In truth, I know it wouldn’t be worth living. You fill my heart with wonder and purpose. You give me Your strength when mine is gone. You put a song in my heart when my days get difficult. And You put laughter in my mouth at the strangest times! Thank You for all of it Lord. I pray with ALL MY HEART that I never again allow ANYTHING on the throne in my life but You. In good times and bad; only YOU can see me through.
