Judges 3:15 (KJV)

What does Judges 3:15 mean?

Judges 3:15 describes how, after the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help, God raised up a deliverer named Ehud, who was from the tribe of Benjamin and was left-handed. Through Ehud, the Israelites sent a tribute to Eglon, the king of Moab, who was oppressing them.

This verse is set during a time when the Israelites were under foreign rule because they had turned away from God. The verse introduces Ehud as an unlikely hero, noting his left-handedness, which was unusual and will play a key role in the story. The act of sending a present or tribute to Eglon shows the Israelites' subjugation and sets up the events that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Judges 3:15

• "Cried" (זָעַק, za'aq): This word means to cry out for help or in distress. It highlights the desperation of the Israelites and their dependence on God for rescue.
• "Deliverer" (מוֹשִׁיעַ, moshia): This word means someone who saves or rescues. Calling Ehud a "deliverer" emphasizes his role as a rescuer chosen by God, not just a political leader.
• "Lefthanded" (אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ, itter yad-yemino): This phrase literally means "restricted in his right hand," often understood as left-handed. In ancient times, being left-handed was unusual and sometimes seen as a disadvantage, but here it hints at Ehud's unique ability to carry out his mission.

Why Judges 3:15 matters

• Judges 3:15 highlights that God chooses unlikely people, like a left-handed man from Benjamin, to accomplish important tasks, showing that deliverance can come in unexpected ways.
• The verse sets up the story of Ehud’s clever and daring act, which will lead to Israel’s freedom from Moabite oppression, emphasizing the pattern of sin, suffering, and rescue found throughout Judges.
• By mentioning the tribute sent to Eglon, the verse underscores Israel’s oppressed state and the real-world consequences of their disobedience, making the coming deliverance more dramatic.