Judges 3:20 - Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, “I have a message from God to you.” He arose out of his seat.

Generated Verse: Judges 3:20

What does "Judges 3:20" mean?


This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Ehud and Eglon. Here's a breakdown of what it means:

"Ehud came to him; and he was sitting by himself alone in the cool upper room." This sets the scene. Eglon, the King of Moab who oppressed Israel, is in a private space, likely seeking respite from the heat. The fact that he's alone suggests vulnerability and a level of trust (or perhaps arrogance) that allows him to be unguarded. The "cool upper room" emphasizes comfort and privilege.

"Ehud said, 'I have a message from God to you.'" Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite who has cleverly concealed a sword, uses a pretense to gain Eglon's attention and trust. Claiming to have a message from God would likely pique the king's interest, as rulers often sought divine guidance or feared divine judgment. This line is a strategic deception, setting the stage for what's about to happen.

"He arose out of his seat." This is a crucial reaction. Eglon's rising from his seat indicates respect for the supposed divine message. It shows that he takes Ehud's claim seriously, even if he's skeptical. By standing, Eglon is also physically vulnerable, making him an easier target for Ehud.

In summary, this verse describes:

A setup: A moment of perceived safety and privacy for the oppressor, Eglon.
Deception: Ehud using a false claim to gain Eglon's trust and lower his guard.
A moment of opportunity: Eglon's reaction, standing to hear the "message," creates the opening Ehud needs to execute his plan.

This verse creates suspense and highlights the contrast between appearance and reality. Ehud, seemingly a messenger of God, is actually an assassin about to deliver a deadly blow. The verse sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, where Ehud kills Eglon and frees Israel from Moabite oppression.

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