Judges 3:18 (KJV)

What does Judges 3:18 mean?

Judges 3:18 describes how, after Ehud finished presenting a gift to the king of Moab, he sent away the group of people who had carried the gift with him. This verse marks the end of a formal presentation and sets the stage for what Ehud does next.

In this scene, Ehud is an Israelite delivering a tribute—likely a required payment or offering—to Eglon, the king of Moab, who was oppressing Israel at the time. The verse shows Ehud following the expected customs by bringing the present with a group, then dismissing his companions, which leaves him alone for the events that follow.

The Hebrew behind Judges 3:18

• "Present" (מִנְחָה, minchah) refers to a gift or offering, often used for tribute or something given to show respect or submission. Here, it highlights the political situation: Israel is under Moabite control and must bring tribute.
• "Bare" (נָשָׂא, nasa) means to carry or lift. The people with Ehud are not just companions but those physically carrying the tribute, emphasizing the size or importance of the gift.
• "Sent away" (שָׁלַח, shalach) means to send or dismiss. Ehud deliberately sends the group away, which is a key detail for what he is about to do alone.

Why Judges 3:18 matters

• This verse shows Ehud acting carefully and according to custom, which helps him avoid suspicion from the Moabites before his next move.
• The detail about sending away the people who carried the present sets up Ehud’s opportunity to act alone, which is crucial for the story’s turning point.
• Understanding the meaning of "present" as tribute clarifies the relationship between Israel and Moab at this time, showing Israel’s subjugation and the tension in the story.