A Man Left-Handed
Today’s Verse:
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. ~Judges 3:15
Lefty’s is a retail store for left-handed people. Walking through the store, you will find many tools and devices that favor people who are left-handed. It is estimated that about 10% of the world's population is left-handed. There are many famous celebrities that are noted for being left-handed: Napoleon Bonaparte, Joan of Arc, Mozart, and Babe Ruth, to name just a few. Interestingly, August 13 is set aside as International Left-Handers Day. This morning, the spotlight is on a man named Ehud, who is noted for being left-handed.
We see the domination.
“And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.” Israel had sinned greatly against the Lord. The Lord allowed the king of Moab, along with the children of Ammon and Amalek, to oppress and dominate Israel. In fact, Israel was under the oppression of Moab for eighteen years. Anytime we sin against the Lord, we become servants to sin. Sin is a terrible taskmaster.
We see the deliverer.
Israel reached a breaking point from being under the domination of the enemy. In desperation, they cried out to the Lord for deliverance. God raised up a man of Benjamin named Ehud to deliver them. We are told that Ehud was left-handed. Being left-handed in those days was considered a disadvantage. Most Bible students believe that Ehud was disabled in his right hand, which resulted in him using his left hand. God is more attracted to our weaknesses than to our strengths. The deliverer for the nation was someone least likely to succeed. Don’t let your weaknesses or disadvantages keep you from being used of God.
We see the device.
Ehud and the Israelites devised a plan where he would bring a message and gift to see Eglon. The goal was that he would get a favorable audience with Eglon in order to assassinate him. He made a short, two-edged sword, similar to a dagger. Since he was left-handed, the enemy would not detect that the sword would be hidden on the opposite side of Ehud’s leg. The entirety of the idea was God planting this in Ehud’s mind. The Moabites accepted the gesture of a gift and visit from Ehud.
We see the defeat.
Ehud came to the parlor door where Eglon was and said, “I have a message from God unto thee.” Eglon gave him liberty to come, by himself, into his presence. Ehud entered in and reached to his opposite side for the sword hidden on that side of his leg. Eglon had no suspicion of an attempt on his life. Ehud swiftly pulled the sword out and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. It went into Eglon’s abdomen so deeply that Ehud could not pull the sword out. Eglon died instantly! Ehud quickly left and closed the doors behind him. Not long after this, Ehud sounded a trumpet and led the men of Israel in defeating 10,000 Moabite men of valor. God used Ehud, a man presumed to be disadvantaged, to overthrow the enemy.
We see the declaration.
Ehud’s name symbolizes the fact that God is worthy of our praise and all glory. Ehud’s name means “I will be praised.” Let God be praised and honored in using us to accomplish His purposes despite our weaknesses and disadvantages. Will you be an Ehud in overcoming the obstacles that are in your path?
Have an overcoming God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 13-17