Old Testament
Judges 3:21
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Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the dagger from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon's belly.
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And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
What Judges 3:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Ehud, a judge of Israel, uses a clever tactic to defeat Eglon, the Moabite king. By reaching with his left hand, he surprises Eglon, who likely expected an attack from the right. This unexpected move allows Ehud to draw a hidden dagger from his right thigh and stab Eglon in the belly. The act is significant not only for its brutality but also for its strategic brilliance, showcasing Ehud's cunning and bravery. This moment marks a turning point in Israel's struggle against oppression, as Ehud's actions lead to the liberation of the Israelites from Moabite rule. The imagery of the dagger and the act of thrusting it into Eglon emphasizes the seriousness of the conflict and the lengths to which Ehud goes to achieve freedom for his people. This story illustrates themes of deliverance, courage, and the unexpected ways God can use individuals to fulfill His purposes.
How to apply Judges 3:21 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of being strategic and courageous in difficult situations. Just as Ehud used his wits to overcome a powerful enemy, we can rely on our unique strengths and creativity to face our challenges. Trusting in God’s guidance can lead to unexpected victories.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 3:21
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Related topics
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 3:21 mean?
Judges 3:21 describes how Ehud, a judge of Israel, cleverly uses his left hand to surprise Eglon, the Moabite king, by pulling a hidden dagger from his right thigh and stabbing him. This act symbolizes Ehud's cunning strategy and bravery in liberating Israel from oppression.
What is the significance of Ehud's left hand in Judges 3:21?
Ehud's use of his left hand is significant because it catches Eglon off guard, as most people would expect an attack from the right. This unexpected tactic highlights Ehud's cleverness and ability to turn the situation to his advantage.
What does the dagger represent in Judges 3:21?
In Judges 3:21, the dagger represents both the violence of the conflict and the decisive action taken by Ehud to achieve Israel's deliverance. It symbolizes the lengths to which Ehud goes to free his people from oppression.
What themes are present in Judges 3:21?
Judges 3:21 encompasses themes of courage, deception, deliverance, divine intervention, and leadership. These themes illustrate how God can use unexpected means and individuals to fulfill His purposes.
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