Old Testament
Judges 3:15
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When the Israelites cried out to the LORD, he raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud son of Gera, from the tribe of Benjamin, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent him with a present to King Eglon of Moab.
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But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.
What Judges 3:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites find themselves in trouble and cry out to God for help. In response, God raises up a deliverer named Ehud, who is from the tribe of Benjamin and is noted for being left-handed. This detail about Ehud's left-handedness is significant because it may have given him an advantage in a culture that favored right-handedness. The Israelites send Ehud to deliver a tribute to King Eglon of Moab, which sets the stage for his role as a deliverer. This moment highlights God's willingness to respond to the cries of His people and to use unexpected individuals to bring about their salvation. Ehud's story is a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to fulfill His purposes and deliver His people from oppression.
How to apply Judges 3:15 to your life
When facing challenges, remember to cry out to God for help. Like Ehud, you may feel unqualified or different, but God can use your unique strengths to bring about change. Trust in His ability to deliver you and others.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 3:15
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 3:15 mean?
Judges 3:15 describes how the Israelites cried out to God for help, and in response, He raised up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, to deliver them from oppression by King Eglon of Moab.
What is the significance of Ehud being left-handed in Judges 3:15?
Ehud's left-handedness is significant because it may have provided him with an advantage in a society that favored right-handedness, allowing him to surprise his enemies and fulfill his role as a deliverer.
Who is King Eglon in Judges 3:15?
King Eglon is the king of Moab who oppressed the Israelites, and he is the target of Ehud's mission as a deliverer sent by God.
What can we learn from Judges 3:15?
Judges 3:15 teaches that God listens to the cries of His people and can use unexpected individuals, like Ehud, to bring about deliverance and change, regardless of their background.
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