Throughout the entire Bible, we can see examples of God using societal outcasts to accomplish his purposes. Judges 3 introduces us to a man named Ehud who would be used in mighty ways to glorify God’s name.
Following the theme of the book of Judges, the Israelites have once again turned from godliness and chased after the sinful desires of their hearts. The Lord allows Eglon, the king of Moab, to take possession of the cities and enslave the people.
Because of his goodness, when the Israelites cry out, the Lord sends them Ehud the deliverer.
Verse 15 tells us that Ehud is left-handed, which is considered a disability in this time. Ehud carries a two-edged sword that is strapped to his right thigh. Typically, a warrior would strap their sword to their left leg so that it would be easier to draw since warriors were right-handed.
As the story continues, Ehud goes to the palace to pay tribute to Eglon, who, according to the Bible, is a very overweight man. At the entrance of the establishment, there is likely guards stationed to check the visitors’ left thighs for weapons. After the tribute offering, Ehud declares that he has a special message for the king.
Once the servants are sent out of the presence of the king and Ehud is alone with him, Ehud removes the sword from his right side and thrusts the blade into Eglon’s stomach.
Verse 22 says, “And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out.” Ehud escapes through the porch carrying the Israelites’ victory with him.
After Ehud sounds the trumpet, he becomes the leader of the Israelites and gives the Lord the credit for the victory over Eglon the king. Ehud then leads the people into battle against the Moabites.
Judges 3:29 says, “And they killed at that time about 10,000 of the Moabites, all strong, able-bodied men; not a man escaped.”
From that day on, the Israelites live in peace under the leadership of Ehud.
The story of Ehud shows us that even in our human shortcomings and disabilities, the Lord can use anyone for his purposes. If Ehud had been right-handed like most people of that day, the guards probably would have found the two-edged sword that he ultimately used to kill Eglon the Moabite king.
Even in our limitations, God proves time and time again that his plan is greater than our weaknesses.
