Judges 3 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Judges 3

The Book of Judges was written by an unknown author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the Israelites after the death of Joshua. This chapter focuses on the early judges who led the people of Israel during a tumultuous period of their history.

The chapter begins by introducing the nations that remained in the land after the Israelites had failed to drive them out completely. This sets the stage for the struggles the Israelites would face as they sought to establish their dominion over the Promised Land. The narrative then shifts to the first two judges, Othniel and Ehud, who were called by God to deliver the people from foreign oppression.

Othniel’s story is a familiar one, as he is described as a righteous leader who brings peace and prosperity to the land. However, the chapter then turns to the more complex figure of Ehud, whose methods of deliverance are more unconventional and even violent. This foreshadows the ongoing tension between the Israelites’ desire for obedience to God and their tendency to stray from His commands.

Throughout the chapter, we see the cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, and deliverance that would become a hallmark of the Book of Judges. The author’s message is clear: the Israelites’ success and security are directly tied to their faithfulness to God and their willingness to follow His commands.

Judges 3:1-6

The passage in Judges 3:1-6 speaks about the Lord intentionally leaving some nations in the Promised Land, instead of driving them out completely as He had done with other nations for the Israelites. The important sections in this passage can be broken down as follows:

1. “These are the nations the Lord left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): the five rulers of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the Lebanon mountains from Mount Baal Hermon to Lebo Hamath. The Lord deliberately allowed certain nations to remain in the land to test the Israelites who had not participated in the previous wars in this section. The Israelites who had not experienced battle would have the opportunity to learn warfare and develop the skills necessary to defend themselves by doing so. This shows a divine strategy where God uses challenges and difficult situations to build the character and abilities of his people. It also emphasizes the importance of being prepared for spiritual battles in our lives.

2. “They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their ancestors through Moses.”

This verse underscores the spiritual test that the Israelites faced. It was not merely about military conquest but about obedience to the commandments of the Lord. The presence of these nations served as a test for the Israelites to see if they would remain faithful and obedient to God’s instructions, despite the challenges they faced. This theme of testing and obedience is a recurring one throughout the Bible, serving as a reminder for believers to stay steadfast in their faith even in times of trial.

1. “The Israelites lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. They took their daughters in marriage and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their gods.”

This section highlights a critical mistake that the Israelites made – intermarrying with the people of the land and adopting their idolatrous practices. This act of marrying outside of their faith led to the Israelites compromising their beliefs and eventually worshipping the gods of the surrounding nations. Throughout the Bible, the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences is emphasized. Interweaving with non-believers often led to the downfall of God’s chosen people, as evidenced by the repeated warnings against such actions in the Old Testament. Judges 3:1-6 showcases the intricate relationship between obedience, testing, and spiritual purity in the narrative of the Israelites. The passage teaches us the importance of staying faithful to God’s commandments, being prepared for spiritual battles, and avoiding compromising our beliefs by intermingling with ideologies contrary to our faith. Through studying these verses, believers are reminded of the timeless message of remaining steadfast in obedience to God, even when faced with challenges and temptations that may seek to lead us astray.

Judges 3:7-11

The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel so that he sold them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram Naharaim, to whom the Israelites were subject for eight years. But when they cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a deliverer, Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, who saved them. The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.”

Breaking down this passage, it starts with the Israelites falling into sin by turning away from God to worship other gods, specifically the Baals and Asherahs. This disobedience led to the Lord’s anger being stirred up against them, and He allowed them to be oppressed by Cushan-Rishathaim, the king of Aram Naharaim. This period of oppression lasted for eight years, during which the Israelites suffered under the foreign rule because of their unfaithfulness.

However, in their distress, the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help. The Lord, in His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant, raised up a deliverer named Othniel, who belonged to the tribe of Judah and was the nephew of Caleb. Othniel was empowered by the Spirit of the Lord to lead the Israelites in the battle against Cushan-Rishathaim. Through God’s intervention, Othniel was able to defeat the enemy king and secure peace for the land of Israel for forty years.

This narrative in Judges illustrates a recurring cycle in the history of Israel as recorded in the Bible. The pattern of disobedience leading to oppression, followed by repentance, deliverance, and a period of peace, is a familiar theme throughout the Old Testament. It highlights the consequences of turning away from God and the faithfulness of God in responding to the cries of His people when they repent and seek His help.

Othniel serves as an example of a faithful leader who relied on the empowerment of the Spirit of the Lord to deliver his people. His victory over Cushan-Rishathaim not only brought physical liberation but also spiritual renewal to the Israelites. This story emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s forgiveness and redemption when faced with the consequences of sin, as He is always willing to rescue those who turn back to Him in faith and humility.

This passage resonates with other verses in the Bible that underscore the significance of repentance, such as 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to heal a land if the people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. The story of Othniel and the Israelites in Judges 3 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and the need for genuine repentance in order to experience His deliverance and peace.

Judges 3:12-14

A concise but impactful passage in Judges 3:12-14 sheds light on the cyclic nature of the relationship between the Israelites and God. The verse states, “Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and because they did this evil, the Lord gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel.” This section can be broken down into two essential parts: the sinful behavior of the Israelites and the consequences they faced as a result.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand the pattern that is repeated throughout the book of Judges. The Israelites follow a cycle of sin, punishment, repentance, and deliverance. Here, we witness the beginning of this cycle with the Israelites committing evil in the eyes of the Lord. This evil likely refers to their worship of other gods, disobedience to God’s commands, and moral degradation. Their actions not only displeased God but also violated the covenant they had with Him. This disobedience opened the door for God to allow the Moabites, under the leadership of King Eglon, to oppress the Israelites.

The introduction of King Eglon of Moab is significant because it represents a turning point in the narrative. Eglon is depicted as a powerful and oppressive figure who was used by God to punish the Israelites for their disobedience. The Moabites were historical enemies of the Israelites and had caused trouble for them in the past. God was teaching the Israelites a lesson about the consequences of their actions by allowing Eglon to exert dominion over Israel.

This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. The Israelites’ disobedience led to their oppression, highlighting the direct link between sin and its repercussions. It also underscores God’s role as a just and sovereign ruler who disciplines His people when they stray from His ways. We reflect on this verse, encouraging us to examine our own lives and ensure that we remain faithful to God, avoiding the pitfalls of sin and rebellion. This passage aligns with the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and redemption seen throughout the Old Testament in the broader context of the Bible. It sets the stage for the eventual rise of a deliverer, or judge, who will rescue the Israelites from their oppression. This cyclical pattern exemplified in Judges 3:12-14 foreshadows the need for a savior who will ultimately free humanity from the bondage of sin, paving the way for the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.

Judges 3:15-25

Ehud, the judge chosen by God, delivered the Israelites from the oppressive rule of Eglon, the king of Moab, as seen in Judges 3:15-25. The story begins with the Israelites crying out to the Lord because of the oppression they were facing, which was a result of their disobedience and turning away from God. This sets the stage for the entrance of Ehud, who is described as being left-handed, a detail that becomes significant later in the narrative.

Ehud is depicted as a cunning and resourceful individual, qualities that play a crucial role in the success of his mission. He presents a tribute to King Eglon in the form of a gift but uses this opportunity to carry out his secret plan. Concealing a double-edged sword on his right thigh (away from the usual side where a right-handed person would carry it), Ehud gains a private audience with the king under the pretext of delivering a message from God.

The moment of truth comes when Ehud delivers a fatal blow to King Eglon, resulting in his death. This act sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the liberation of the Israelites from Moabite oppression. The impact of this assassination reverberates throughout the region, striking fear into the hearts of the Moabites and rallying the Israelites to rise up against their enemies.

This story highlights several important themes. Firstly, it demonstrates how God raises up unlikely individuals like Ehud to accomplish His purposes. Despite his physical limitations as a left-handed man in a right-handed world, Ehud’s uniqueness becomes a strategic advantage in fulfilling God’s plan. This serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their perceived weaknesses or shortcomings, to bring about His divine will.

Secondly, the account of Ehud illustrates the importance of courage and boldness in the face of adversity. Ehud exhibited bravery and quick thinking in carrying out his mission, showcasing the vital role of human agency in God’s redemptive work. This theme is consistent throughout the Bible, where ordinary people are called to step out in faith and obedience to fulfill God’s purposes.

Furthermore, the narrative of Ehud’s assassination of King Eglon underscores the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The Israelites experienced oppression because of their disobedience, but God, in His mercy, provided a deliverer in Ehud to bring about redemption. This cycle of sin, repentance, deliverance, and restoration is a recurring pattern in the book of Judges and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The story of Ehud in Judges 3:15-25 is more than just a historical account of a judge in ancient Israel. It reveals timeless truths about God’s sovereignty, human agency, redemption, and the consequences of sin. It challenges us to examine our own lives, consider how God might be calling us to step out in faith, and trust in His power to deliver us from whatever oppressions we may be facing.

Judges 3:26-30

Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, was raised by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppressive rule of King Eglon of Moab, as witnessed in Judges 3:26-30. The narrative begins with Ehud presenting a tribute to Eglon, the Moabite king, with the intention of assassinating him. The mention of Ehud being left-handed is significant as it highlights his unexpected strength and cunning, as left-handed individuals were often seen as unconventional or even cursed in ancient times. However, Ehud’s uniqueness plays a crucial role in the success of his plan. Ehud tells King Eglon he has a secret message for him as he delivers the tribute. Once alone with Eglon, Ehud reveals his true purpose by pulling out a sword he had concealed on his right side, catching the king off guard due to the unusual nature of the attack. This act of deception and swift action by Ehud results in him stabbing King Eglon, who was a notably obese man, leading to his death. This event showcases how God uses unexpected individuals and methods to achieve His purposes. It also serves as a reminder that God’s ways are not always what we expect, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience even when facing difficult circumstances.

Furthermore, after assassinating King Eglon, Ehud leads the Israelites in a successful battle against the Moabites. They seize control of the fords of the Jordan River, preventing the Moabites from retreating to their land. The Israelites then go on to defeat about ten thousand Moabite soldiers, securing a significant victory. This triumph under Ehud’s leadership underscores the faithfulness of God in delivering His people from their enemies when they turn to Him in repentance and obedience.

This passage in Judges 3 demonstrates the recurring cycle seen throughout the book, where the Israelites fall into sin and oppression, cry out to God for deliverance, God raises up a judge to save them, and peace is temporarily restored. Ehud serves as one of the judges whom God raised to rescue His people from their enemies, highlighting the importance of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His chosen ones. The story of Ehud reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to accomplish His purposes and bring about His redemption. God’s faithfulness, His willingness to use unexpected individuals for His plans, and the importance of staying faithful and obedient to Him, even in challenging circumstances, are reminded to us through the account of Ehud in Judges 3:26-30. This narrative serves as a powerful example of God’s deliverance and redemption, encouraging us to trust in Him and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

Judges 3:31

Judges 3:31 states, “After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel.” This short verse introduces us to Shamgar, a lesser-known character in the Bible who played a crucial role in delivering Israel from their oppressors. Shamgar is highlighted for his significant feat of killing six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, a farming tool used to prod livestock. Shamgar stands out as someone who, like Ehud before him, took bold and decisive action in the face of Israel’s enemies in this verse. Despite not having the conventional weapons of war, Shamgar used what he had at his disposal—an oxgoad—to achieve a remarkable victory. This serves as a reminder that God can work through ordinary and unlikely individuals to accomplish great things. It reinforces the idea that it is not the tools or resources we possess but our faith and obedience to God that can bring about deliverance and victory.

Shamgar’s story is brief but impactful, underscoring the importance of courage and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. While his mention is brief in the Bible, his actions are not overlooked in the eyes of God. This episode also highlights the ongoing cycle in the book of Judges, where Israel faces oppression due to their disobedience, calls out to God for help, and is delivered through the hands of courageous individuals like Ehud and Shamgar.

This verse also echoes the theme found throughout the Bible that God often chooses the weak and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes so that His strength and glory are made evident. It brings to mind the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), where a young shepherd boy defeated a giant warrior with just a sling and a stone, showcasing that victory comes from the Lord, regardless of the means He uses.

Therefore, Shamgar’s brief account in Judges 3:31 serves as a powerful reminder that God can work through anyone, regardless of their background or resources, to bring about deliverance and fulfillment of His plans. It encourages believers to be faithful, courageous, and willing to step out in faith, trusting in God’s strength to overcome any obstacle or enemy they may face.

After Judges 3

The people of Israel had once again turned away from God and worshipped false idols. This angered the Lord, who allowed their enemies to oppress them. But in His mercy, God raised up a deliverer – Ehud, a left-handed man who would use cunning and courage to free his people from the grip of their Moabite overlords. The Israelites watched with bated breath as Ehud’s daring plan unfolded. Little did they know that this was just the beginning of a remarkable story of God’s faithfulness and the power of His chosen leaders to bring about deliverance. The chapter that follows would reveal how Ehud’s actions set in motion a chain of events that would shake the very foundations of the Moabite kingdom and restore hope to the hearts of God’s people once more.