Old Testament
Judges 3:17
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He presented the tribute to King Eglon of Moab, who was a very fat man.
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And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
What Judges 3:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 3:17, we see Ehud, a judge of Israel, bringing a tribute to King Eglon of Moab. The description of Eglon as 'very fat' is significant, as it highlights his indulgent lifestyle and contrasts with the struggles of the Israelites under Moabite oppression. This moment sets the stage for Ehud's later actions, which involve a daring assassination of Eglon to deliver Israel from Moabite rule. The tribute symbolizes the subjugation of Israel, as they were forced to pay tribute to a foreign king. Eglon's physicality may also serve to emphasize his vulnerability, making his eventual defeat more impactful. This verse introduces themes of oppression, rebellion, and divine deliverance, as Ehud is chosen by God to lead Israel to freedom. The narrative illustrates how God can use unexpected means, such as a left-handed man, to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that appearances can be deceiving and that strength can come from unlikely sources.
How to apply Judges 3:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to fulfill His plans. It reminds us to be courageous in the face of oppression and to trust in God's power to deliver us from difficult situations.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 3:17
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Key themes
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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 3:17 mean?
Judges 3:17 describes Ehud bringing a tribute to King Eglon of Moab, emphasizing Eglon's physicality as 'very fat' to highlight his indulgent lifestyle and the oppression of the Israelites. This sets the stage for Ehud's later actions to deliver Israel from Moabite rule.
How does Judges 3:17 relate to the theme of divine deliverance?
This verse sets the context for God's deliverance of Israel through Ehud, who is chosen to confront and defeat Eglon. It illustrates how God can use unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.
What can we learn from Judges 3:17?
Judges 3:17 teaches that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to achieve His plans. It encourages us to be courageous in facing oppression and to trust in God's ability to deliver us.
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