This verse, Judges 3:18, is part of the story of Ehud's plot to assassinate the Moabite King Eglon. Here's a breakdown of what the verse likely means within that context:
"When he had finished offering the tribute...": This refers to Ehud presenting the annual tribute (taxes) to King Eglon of Moab, who had been oppressing Israel for 18 years. Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin and was chosen to deliver this payment. The "offering" is the act of handing over the goods.
"...he sent away the people who carried the tribute.": This is the key part of the verse. Ehud, after handing over the bulk of the tribute, dismissed the Israelite delegation that had accompanied him. This action serves a few crucial purposes in setting up his assassination plan:
Reduced Security: By sending away the larger group, Ehud reduces the number of potential witnesses and obstacles to his plan. He's essentially isolating himself (and Eglon) in a later encounter.
Creating a Pretext: Sending the group away makes it seem like he's done his duty. It suggests he's compliant and doesn't pose a threat.
Gaining Private Access: It implies that Ehud will now have a reason to approach Eglon alone, perhaps to deliver a "secret message" or "additional offering," as he later claims (Judges 3:19).
In short, Judges 3:18 is a critical step in Ehud's strategy. By dismissing the tribute bearers, he's setting the stage to get close enough to King Eglon to carry out his assassination plot, thus freeing Israel from Moabite oppression. It is a calculated move to create a situation where he can approach the king alone, under the guise of having important information.
This verse, Judges 3:18, is part of the story of Ehud's plot to assassinate the Moabite King Eglon. Here's a breakdown of what the verse likely means within that context:
"When he had finished offering the tribute...": This refers to Ehud presenting the annual tribute (taxes) to King Eglon of Moab, who had been oppressing Israel for 18 years. Ehud was from the tribe of Benjamin and was chosen to deliver this payment. The "offering" is the act of handing over the goods.
"...he sent away the people who carried the tribute.": This is the key part of the verse. Ehud, after handing over the bulk of the tribute, dismissed the Israelite delegation that had accompanied him. This action serves a few crucial purposes in setting up his assassination plan:
Reduced Security: By sending away the larger group, Ehud reduces the number of potential witnesses and obstacles to his plan. He's essentially isolating himself (and Eglon) in a later encounter.
Creating a Pretext: Sending the group away makes it seem like he's done his duty. It suggests he's compliant and doesn't pose a threat.
Gaining Private Access: It implies that Ehud will now have a reason to approach Eglon alone, perhaps to deliver a "secret message" or "additional offering," as he later claims (Judges 3:19).
In short, Judges 3:18 is a critical step in Ehud's strategy. By dismissing the tribute bearers, he's setting the stage to get close enough to King Eglon to carry out his assassination plot, thus freeing Israel from Moabite oppression. It is a calculated move to create a situation where he can approach the king alone, under the guise of having important information.
