Ehud — The Unlikely Deliverer
- Sermon By: Samuel Singapogu
- Categories: Broken Saviors; Faithful King
Bible Passage: Judges 3:12–30
Sermon Summary
1. Israel Rebels — God Raises an Unlikely Deliverer (vv. 12–15)
a. After Othniel’s death, Israel once again turns to evil. God disciplines them by raising up Eglon of Moab, who—together with Ammon and Amalek—captures Jericho.
b. Israel serves Moab for 18 years before crying out to God.
c. God raises Ehud, a left-handed man from Benjamin (the “right-hand tribe”).
d. The Hebrew phrase “bound in the right hand” suggests limitation or disability—Ehud is a misfit by human standards, but chosen by God.
b. Israel serves Moab for 18 years before crying out to God.
c. God raises Ehud, a left-handed man from Benjamin (the “right-hand tribe”).
d. The Hebrew phrase “bound in the right hand” suggests limitation or disability—Ehud is a misfit by human standards, but chosen by God.
2. Ehud’s Plan (vv. 16–17)
a. Ehud crafts a short sword and conceals it on his right thigh.
b. He delivers tribute to Eglon, whose physical size and wealth are emphasized to contrast with Ehud’s hidden intent.
b. He delivers tribute to Eglon, whose physical size and wealth are emphasized to contrast with Ehud’s hidden intent.
3. Ehud’s Execution of the Plan (vv. 18–26)
a. After delivering tribute, Ehud departs—but turns back at the idols near Gilgal.
b. Gilgal, once a place of covenant renewal, has become a place of idols.
c. It becomes a turning point for Ehud—a place where fear becomes obedience.
d. Alone with the king, Ehud declares, “I have a message from God,” and strikes him down.
e. The vivid details emphasize Eglon’s humiliation and the completeness of Israel’s deliverance.
b. Gilgal, once a place of covenant renewal, has become a place of idols.
c. It becomes a turning point for Ehud—a place where fear becomes obedience.
d. Alone with the king, Ehud declares, “I have a message from God,” and strikes him down.
e. The vivid details emphasize Eglon’s humiliation and the completeness of Israel’s deliverance.
4. Ehud’s Development into a National Leader (vv. 26–30)
a. Ehud escapes through Gilgal again—no longer hesitating but victorious.
b. He sounds the trumpet at Seirah, rallies Israel, and leads them in cutting off Moab’s retreat.
c. 10,000 Moabites are defeated; Israel enjoys 80 years of peace—the longest rest recorded in Judges.
b. He sounds the trumpet at Seirah, rallies Israel, and leads them in cutting off Moab’s retreat.
c. 10,000 Moabites are defeated; Israel enjoys 80 years of peace—the longest rest recorded in Judges.
Shamgar: A One-Line Reinforcement (v.31)
1. Shamgar, likely a foreigner, delivers Israel with an oxgoad—a farmer’s tool.
2. Together with Ehud, he shows that God uses the weak and unconventional to accomplish His work.
2. Together with Ehud, he shows that God uses the weak and unconventional to accomplish His work.
Gospel Connection
1. Like Ehud, Jesus appeared weak, fought alone, and brought deliverance in an unexpected way—through the cross.
2. Christ went behind enemy lines and defeated sin and death not temporarily, but eternally.
2. Christ went behind enemy lines and defeated sin and death not temporarily, but eternally.
Principles for Us
1. God can use anyone, no matter how unlikely.
2. Your limitations don’t disqualify you—they may be the platform for God’s power.
3. God does not abandon us during our walk of fear or doubt.
4. Obedience often begins with a turning point
2. Your limitations don’t disqualify you—they may be the platform for God’s power.
3. God does not abandon us during our walk of fear or doubt.
4. Obedience often begins with a turning point
Takeaway:
Don’t let your limitations define you—trust Christ’s power to work through you.