“The Major Judges: Part I”

 “Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;” (Judges 3:2)

Prologue

The disobedience of Israel precedes each of the Judges. This is model that God provides the world. Our sinful nature brings judgement. Israel had left the laws of God, and clung to the wicked world of Canaan. Through the 15 Judges God honors his promise to Israel.

Judge Othniel

Israel through sin had become the sold into the hands of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia for 8 years.

“And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.” (Judges 3:10)

For the next 40 years Israel knew peace. Then Othneil died.

Judge Ehud

“And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.” (Judges 3:12)

For 18 years Israel served under Eglon the king of Moab.

Judge Ehud was a left handed man who had made a dagger 1 cubit long (elbow to finger tip) and had it strapped to his right thigh under his clothes. That is a long dagger!

Israel sent a present to Eglon via Judge Ehud. When Judge Ehud arrived he sent his escorts with the present away and told Eglon he had a secret message for him. Eglon sent his escorts away.

Judge Ehud was alone in Eglon’s parlor which had a porch. Eglon was a very fat man. When the coast was clear Ehud stood and said, “20 I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.

21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:

22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.” (Judges 3:20-22)

The “haft” in terms of an edged weapon is a hooked portion of the blade near the guard. The purpose is to keep the dagger from being removed.

Judge Ehud made his way out of the porch and locked the parlor doors behind him. This caused a delay that allowed the Judge to escape back to his base.

When Judge Ehud was in the midst of Israel he sounded his trumpet and led them to war with Moab and slew the Moabites.

Israel enjoys 80 years of peace.

Stay tuned for Part II…