Judges 3:15-25, 29-30
SS Lesson for 07/17/2011
Devotional Scripture: Ps 29
The outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illumninator. This week's lesson teaches us how we should Use God's Strength. The study's aim is to show that God cares for His people and delivers them through leaders who act in His strength. The study's application is to establish that God provides the leaders we need as well as the strength those leaders need to help us.
Asking for Help
My family moved to Michigan from Illinois in 1976. I had been in the located ministry for 13 years, serving as youth minister, preacher, and education director. With these ministry experiences and a graduate degree, I was called to teach at a Bible college. But my wife and I had a twofold problem: we had always lived in parsonages (and thus had no equity in a house), and we were taking a huge cut in salary to move from located ministry to teach in a Bible college. I remember my broken heart when my wife cried as we searched for housing. We could not afford anything either close to the school or worth living in. We both cried out, “God, if you want us here, help us find a house to buy!” The very next day my wife was hired as secretary for a church planting organization. The part-time salary could make house payments. However, we still needed a down payment for a house. I called my dad, and instantly we had $4,000 for the house we bought. Within a year we were able to pay him back. He refused to accept interest for the year. We learned early in life that when we are in trouble and need help, we should always call on God. He will respond, often through other people. Even if we are in trouble because of our own mistakes or sins, it is still appropriate to cry to God for help. He will deliver.
Lesson Background
Judges 1:1–3:6 forms the lengthy introduction to that book. The brief story of Othniel (3:7–11) introduces the judges per se. The account of Ehud (today’s lesson), who served from about 1319 to 1239 BC, follows that of Othniel. Israel was being oppressed by the Moabites; they held the Israelites under tribute. With help from the Ammonites and Amalekites, King Eglon of Moab attacked and took the “the City of Palms,” which was Jericho. That city was probably still in ruins at the time (see Joshua 6:26). It would not be rebuilt until the time of King Ahab (see 1 Kings 16:34), over 300 years after the time of Ehud. Even so, the area had precious resources. It also was a strategic site for control of the southern Jordan Valley area (Judges 3:13). Thus, Eglon controlled some part of Benjamite territory, as well as Reuben’s territory (which was east and south of the Jordan, north of Moab itself). Moab, a near neighbor of Judah and Benjamin, was located just east of the Dead Sea (which today is the southern part of the country of Jordan). The Ammonites were located north and east of Moab, while the Amalekites were semi-nomads living on the southern fringe of Israel; all were continually bitter enemies of the Israelites who had invaded “their” land (see Genesis 19:37, 38; Exodus 17:8–16; Numbers 13:29; Deuteronomy 25:17–19). The sin of Israel is emphasized for today’s lesson by the double statement in Judges 3:12: “Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel.” Thus, God used Moab as his instrument of punishment for his wayward people.
History seems to go in cycles. It is often said that the one thing man learns from history is that he does not learn from history. When we look at the various empires, kingdoms, and powerful nations in world history, it soon becomes clear that each one followed a pattern that eventually led to its destruction. Today we see once strong and prosperous nations following the same course. The Bible says, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7). The same is true of nations. The biblical principle is clear, and history abundantly confirms it. Without repentance and spiritual awakening, countries will fall by the wayside of history—all because they have not learned from history. The children of Israel did not learn from history, either. In last week's study we noted the cyclical pattern of sin, servitude, supplication, salvation, and silence (indicating a time of peace). This week we look at one specific incident in which this scenario played out. It was not the first, and it would not be the last. Have you ever wondered how you would handle a particularly difficult situation? This week we look at how God's people were given a deliverer who worked in God's strength to deliver them. Life has its ups and downs. For some people it is mostly down, and it stays there for a long time. But what we see in Scripture is a God who loves His people; when we need help, God is always there to provide what we need, despite our disobedience. God is a truly gracious God who arranges for our deliverance even before we come to our crisis point. Thus, He is ready with a solution whenever we need it. He shows His concern for us by waiting patiently and preparing to meet our need.
(Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV)
15 But when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. By him the children of Israel sent tribute to Eglon king of Moab.
16 Now Ehud made himself a dagger (it was double-edged and a cubit in length) and fastened it under his clothes on his right thigh.
17 So he brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. (Now Eglon was a very fat man.)
18 And when he had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the people who had carried the tribute.
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
26 "But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets, who had admonished them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies. 27 So you handed them over to their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.
10 They cried out to the Lord and said, 'We have sinned; we have forsaken the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashtoreths. But now deliver us from the hands of our enemies, and we will serve you.' 11 Then the Lord sent Jerub-Baal, Barak, Jephthah and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely.
13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
15 Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
4 As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.
19 But he himself turned back from the stone images that were at Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king." He said, "Keep silence!" And all who attended him went out from him.
20 So Ehud came to him (now he was sitting upstairs in his cool private chamber). Then Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." So he arose from his seat.
21 Then Ehud reached with his left hand, took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.
22 Even the hilt went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the dagger out of his belly; and his entrails came out.
23 Then Ehud went out through the porch and shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them.
24 When he had gone out, Eglon's servants came to look, and to their surprise, the doors of the upper room were locked. So they said, "He is probably attending to his needs in the cool chamber."
25 So they waited till they were embarrassed, and still he had not opened the doors of the upper room. Therefore they took the key and opened them. And there was their master, fallen dead on the floor.
19 Micaiah continued, "Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left. 20 And the Lord said, 'Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?' "One suggested this, and another that. 21 Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord and said, 'I will entice him.' 22 " 'By what means?' the Lord asked. " 'I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,' he said. " 'You will succeed in enticing him,' said the Lord. 'Go and do it.'
14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
9 Listen! The Lord is calling to the city — and to fear your name is wisdom — "Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.
13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
7 We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
11 select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. 12 They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that a person accused of murder may not die before he stands trial before the assembly. 13 These six towns you give will be your cities of refuge.
15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 16 Now she had said to them, "Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way."
18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.
8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!"So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.
29 And at that time they killed about ten thousand men of Moab, all stout men of valor; not a man escaped.
30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years.
8 The Lord said to Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you." 9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah.
4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.
4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
14 He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is the first story told of the major judges that reveals how God can use human intermediaries to deliver his people in times of great distress. All we need to do is call on him. A people who had no hope had a chance for a peaceful future because a man at God’s call was willing to act. Assassination usually is considered to be morally wrong. Perhaps it is in most circumstances. But would the assassination of Adolf Hitler have been wrong? A group of conspirators tried doing just that during World War II. Several lost their lives in the failed attempt. But we marvel at their conviction as they tried to rid the world of an evil. Sadly, history tells us of many misguided assassins. Think of John Wilkes Booth, Lee Harvey Oswald, and James Earl Ray. Although in the case of today’s lesson, the Lord “gave them a deliverer—Ehud” (Judges 3:15), we wonder if Ehud overstepped a moral boundary by becoming an assassin to complete his mission. Sometimes a God-called person does bad things. God called Samson too, but we cannot excuse all of his behavior on that basis. When God calls you to a task, pray that your actions will be above reproach “not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
This week we get our first view of an actual episode of Israelite defection from the Lord, their oppression by a foreign enemy, and divine deliverance through one of the leaders we have come to call judges. Even as we take our first look, however, we may be unsettled to note that it is already the second such episode even though we are only in Judges 3. In verses 7-11 we read of the first Israelite apostasy from the Lord and the deliverance from servitude through the judge Othniel. Forty years of peace followed this deliverance; then Othniel died, and the Israelites fell right back into evil (vs. 12). This time the people fell under subjugation by the Moabites, who were joined by the Ammonites and the Amalekites (Judg. 3:13). The Israelites had enjoyed victories against all three during their journey toward the Promised Land, but now they endured an eighteen-year servitude to the Moabite king Eglon (vs. 14). Finally, "the children of Israel cried unto the Lord." Our first question might well be, What took them so long? Why did it take them eighteen years to come to their senses and turn back to Him, even if only out of desperation? We cannot really know the answer to that, but it does serve to underscore the stubbornness of the human heart. Sinful man has a staggering capacity to needlessly bear hardship in his proud attempt to remain independent of God. If you doubt that, look at the periods of unhappy rebellion in your own life! Be honest. Perhaps the servitude seemed not so harsh in the beginning, and they preferred to endure that rather than admit their guilt and submit to God. But eventually they found it unbearable and cried out to the Lord for relief. As soon as they did, He "raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera." Ehud, whose left-handedness would play a key role in his mission, was of the tribe of Benjamin. Is there any significance to that? Two other prominent Benjamites in the Bible, of course, are Saul the first king of Israel and Saul of Tarsus, better known as the Apostle Paul. Why God chose Ehud of Benjamin is not revealed, but it is interesting to observe that one of the most harrowing episodes in Israelite history revolved around the Benjamites. In Judges 19 through 21 the Benjamites are shown to have defended an unspeakable act of violence in their midst and then suffered decimation in the ensuing war with the other tribes. It is an altogether ghastly picture. But although narrated at the end of the book, clues in the text indicate the events occurred early in the period. By choosing Ehud as Israel's deliverer, God may have been reminding His people that He is fully sovereign in His use of human instruments and that He can make good use of the unlikeliest prospects. That certainly has been His pattern with us, as we are reminded in I Corinthians 1:27: "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and ... the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."
1. In His mercy, God answers the cries of His children at just the right time (Judg. 3:15)
2. God's empowerment does not preclude our proper preparation (vs. 16-17)
3. Do not let curiosity override your wisdom (vs. 18-19)
4. God's message to man is not always a positive one (vs. 20-22)
5. The wise person plans ahead (Judg. 3:23; cf. Prov. 20:18)
6. God rules over the choices of even unrighteous people (Judg. 3:24-25; cf. Dan. 4:34-35)
7. With God, nothing is impossible (Judg. 3:29-30)
The first of the judges was Othniel, who delivered Israel from Mesopotamian domination. As a result of his work, Israel enjoyed forty years of tranquility (Judg. 3:8-11). Soon, however, Israel returned to their wicked ways and "did evil again in the sight of the Lord" (vs. 12). The Lord responded by sending the king of Moab against them. Moab, which lay east of the Jordan River, was joined by the Ammonites and Amalekites. Together they inflicted defeats upon the Israelites and took possession of Jericho, "the city of palm trees" (Judg. 3:13). The Moabite oppression continued for eighteen years (vs. 14).
Finally, the oppressed people of Israel cried out to the Lord for deliverance, and immediately the Lord responded mercifully. He raised up a man of the tribe of Benjamin named Ehud. Like an unusual number of Benjamites, Ehud was left-handed (cf. 20:14-16). Ehud was selected to take to Eglon, the king of Moab, a "present" (3:15), probably Israel's yearly tribute paid to their Moabite overlords.
Ehud not only was selected by Israel to deliver this gift; he also was selected by God for another task—to deliver His people. Ehud did not lead an army at this time, but he had a plan that God would providentially use. Ehud "made him a dagger" (Judg. 3:16) and strapped it to his right thigh under his clothing. Both his clothing and the fact that it was on his right side served to conceal the weapon, for a right-handed man would have his weapon on the opposite side. Ehud delivered the gift to King Eglon but then indicated he wanted to talk to him privately. Once alone with the king, Ehud announced he had "a message from God" (Judg. 3:20) for him. He delivered that message in the form of a dagger thrust into the king's belly (vs. 21)! Ehud then left unnoticed, leaving the dead king behind locked doors. The king's body was not found for some time, allowing Ehud to escape and return to his people.
Upon his return, Ehud "blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim" (vs. 27), calling his people to arms. With the king of Moab dead and with a bold leader to follow, the people rallied to Ehud. The judge led his people in a great victory over the Moabites, striking down some ten thousand of the enemy (vs. 29). As a result, Israel was freed from Moabite domination and enjoyed an eighty-year period of rest (vs. 30). The account of Ehud's judgment reminds us of the vital importance of bold leadership. As a result of his singular act of bravery, the nation rallied around him and gained their freedom. Often God's people are ready to do what they need to do, but they are waiting for someone to lead them. You may be that leader people are waiting for. Do not hesitate to act boldly when you know the right thing to do. There is no indication the Israelites heartily repented and changed their ways, however. This reminds us that people need more than a person to follow. The truly godly leader will continually point people to the Lord.