And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.
JUDGES 3:20KJVWhat does Judges 3:20 mean?
Judges 3:20 describes how Ehud approached King Eglon, who was sitting alone in his private summer room, and told him that he had a message from God. When Ehud said this, Eglon stood up from his seat, preparing to hear what Ehud had to say.
In this scene, Ehud is an Israelite delivering a secret message to Eglon, the king of Moab, who is Israel’s oppressor at the time. The verse sets up a private and tense moment, as Eglon is alone and unsuspecting, and Ehud’s statement about having a message from God prompts Eglon to rise, showing respect or curiosity. This moment is the turning point leading to Ehud’s next actions in the story.
The Hebrew behind Judges 3:20
- "summer" — קֵיר (qēr): This word refers to a cool, upper room or chamber, often used for comfort in hot weather. The detail that Eglon was in a summer parlour highlights his wealth and the privacy of the setting.
- "message" — דָּבָר (dābār): This Hebrew word can mean a word, thing, or matter, but here it is understood as a message or declaration. Ehud’s use of this word adds weight, suggesting something important or divine is about to be revealed.
- "God" — אֱלֹהִים (Elohim): This is the general Hebrew word for God, used here to give authority to Ehud’s claim and to ensure Eglon’s attention.
Why Judges 3:20 matters
- The verse shows how Ehud cleverly gains Eglon’s trust and attention by claiming to have a message from God, which sets up the dramatic events that follow.
- The private setting emphasizes the vulnerability of Eglon and the boldness of Ehud, highlighting the tension and suspense in the story.
- Understanding the meaning of "summer parlour" and "message from God" helps clarify why Eglon would rise from his seat, showing both respect and anticipation.