Read:
Judges 3:20-21 “Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the upper room of his palace and said, ‘I have a message from God for you.’ As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and plunged it into the king’s belly.”
Judges 3:27-30 “When he arrived there, he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down with him from the hills, with him leading them. ‘Follow me,” he ordered, ‘for the Lord has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands.’ So they followed him down and took possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab; they allowed no one to cross over. At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all vigorous and strong; not one escaped. That day Moab was made subject to Israel, and the land had peace for eighty years.”
Think:
The ancient nation of Israel frequently struggled with hostile neighbors. These neighbors would try to influence the Israelites by introducing their beliefs and lifestyles, gradually taking control of the region. Over time, the neighbors would attack and force the Jews from their settlements, repeating this pattern for generations.
Moab was one such hostile neighbor, ruled by the evil King Eglon. Eglon and his people sacrificed infants as part of their pagan religious practices. The Israelites lived in fear of Moab's tyranny.
Ehud, an Israelite man, decided this cruelty could not continue. He carefully planned to stop Eglon and end his wicked rule. Ehud hid a knife on his right leg and approached the king under the pretense of diplomacy. Granted entry by the guards, Ehud was able to speak with Eglon privately. When the guards were out of sight, Ehud buried the knife in Eglon’s large body. Ehud escaped and rallied troops to revolt against the evil nation.
The Israelites, inspired by Ehud's bravery, revolted against Moab. They defeated Moab's armies and reclaimed their lands, restoring peace and ending the horrific practice of child sacrifice.
Sometimes you must stand up for what is right, no matter the cost. Though often overlooked, Ehud's defiant act of bravery saved countless lives and allowed the nation of Israel to thrive for generations.
Apply:
When you align yourself with Jesus it may not be easy. But you can do what is right and change someone’s life.
Pray:
Father, help me be aware of what is going on around me and to be brave. Use me in whatever capacity you choose. I’m available. In Jesus’ name, Amen.