1 Now these [are] the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, [even] as many [of Israel] as had not known all the wars of Canaan;
2 Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
3 [Namely], five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baalhermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
4 And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the LORD, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.
5 And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
6 And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
7 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
8 Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years.
9 And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, [even] Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.
10 And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.
11 And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
12 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.
13 And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
15 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.
16 But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.
17 And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon [was] a very fat man.
18 And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.
19 But he himself turned again from the quarries that [were] by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.
20 And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of [his] seat.
21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
22 And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.
23 Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.
24 When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour [were] locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber.
25 And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened [them]: and, behold, their lord [was] fallen down dead on the earth.
26 And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
27 And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them.
28 And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
29 And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.
30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.
31 And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
Overview of Judges Chapter 3
Judges Chapter 3 narrates a significant period in Israel’s history, detailing the cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that characterize the Book of Judges. This chapter introduces the first three judges of Israel and highlights the consequences of disobedience to God.
Key Themes
- Cycles of Sin and Deliverance: The chapter illustrates the recurring cycle of Israel’s sin, oppression by foreign powers, repentance, and God’s provision of a deliverer.
- Divine Sovereignty: The events emphasize God’s control over Israel’s fate and His willingness to raise leaders to save His people.
- Human Agency: The chapter showcases the role of individual leaders, such as Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar, in delivering Israel from oppression.
Summary of Events
- Israel’s Sin and Oppression (Verses 1-6):
The chapter begins by recounting how the Israelites settled in the land of Canaan and began to intermarry with the surrounding nations. This led them to worship foreign gods, specifically Baal and Asherah, which provoked the anger of the Lord. Consequently, God allowed them to be oppressed by Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Aram Naharaim, for eight years.
- Israel’s Cry for Help (Verse 7):
After enduring oppression, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help, demonstrating their recognition of their sin and need for divine intervention.
- Othniel as Deliverer (Verses 8-11):
In response to their cries, God raised Othniel, the son of Kenaz, as a judge. Othniel led Israel to victory over Cushan-Rishathaim, and the land experienced peace for forty years until Othniel’s death.
- Ehud’s Story (Verses 12-30):
After Othniel’s death, the Israelites again did evil in the sight of the Lord. God allowed them to be oppressed by Eglon, king of Moab. The narrative focuses on Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, who was chosen to deliver Israel. He crafted a double-edged sword and, under the guise of delivering tribute to Eglon, assassinated him. This act of bravery led to a successful uprising against the Moabites, resulting in eighty years of peace.
- Shamgar’s Feat (Verse 31):
The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Shamgar, who delivered Israel by killing six hundred Philistines with an ox goad. His actions highlight the ongoing struggle against oppression and the need for strong leaders.
Character Analysis
- Othniel: A model of faithfulness and courage, Othniel embodies the qualities of a divinely appointed leader. His victory over Cushan-Rishathaim demonstrates reliance on God.
- Ehud: Ehud’s cunning and strategic thinking in assassinating Eglon reveal the importance of intellect and resourcefulness in leadership. His left-handedness symbolizes uniqueness and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- Shamgar: Though less is known about Shamgar, his decisive action against the Philistines showcases the theme that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or resources, to accomplish His purposes.
Theological Implications
This chapter emphasizes the importance of fidelity to God and the dire consequences of turning away from Him. It illustrates that God’s mercy is available to those who repent and seek His help. The narrative also highlights the role of judges as instruments of God’s deliverance, foreshadowing the ultimate deliverance through Christ.
Conclusion
Judges Chapter 3 serves as a critical reflection on the nature of sin, the need for divine intervention, and the importance of strong leadership in times of crisis. The stories of Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar remind readers of God’s faithfulness and the power of repentance and deliverance.
