This verse describes the action taken by Ehud, a judge of Israel, after he assassinated the Moabite King Eglon, who had been oppressing the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"When he had come...": This refers to Ehud having returned to his own territory after successfully killing Eglon. He had likely escaped unnoticed.
"...he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim...": The trumpet was a common signaling device in ancient Israel, used to gather people for war or other important events. The "hill country of Ephraim" was a region inhabited by the tribe of Ephraim. By blowing the trumpet there, Ehud was summoning the men of Ephraim to action.
"...and the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country...": This indicates that the Israelites, specifically those from the Ephraimite hill country, responded to Ehud's call. They were willing to follow him into battle. They "went down" because the hill country was elevated, and they were descending to engage the Moabites, who were likely in the lower plains.
"...and he led them.": This emphasizes Ehud's role as the leader of this Israelite force. He would guide them in their fight against the Moabites.
In essence, the verse describes Ehud initiating a rebellion against Moabite oppression by:
1. Signaling the Israelites (specifically those of Ephraim) to mobilize using a trumpet.
2. Leading them in a military campaign to drive out the Moabites and restore Israelite independence.
This verse is a crucial turning point in the story of Ehud. It demonstrates his ability to inspire and lead the Israelites after his daring assassination. It sets the stage for the subsequent Israelite victory over Moab.
This verse describes the action taken by Ehud, a judge of Israel, after he assassinated the Moabite King Eglon, who had been oppressing the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"When he had come...": This refers to Ehud having returned to his own territory after successfully killing Eglon. He had likely escaped unnoticed.
"...he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim...": The trumpet was a common signaling device in ancient Israel, used to gather people for war or other important events. The "hill country of Ephraim" was a region inhabited by the tribe of Ephraim. By blowing the trumpet there, Ehud was summoning the men of Ephraim to action.
"...and the children of Israel went down with him from the hill country...": This indicates that the Israelites, specifically those from the Ephraimite hill country, responded to Ehud's call. They were willing to follow him into battle. They "went down" because the hill country was elevated, and they were descending to engage the Moabites, who were likely in the lower plains.
"...and he led them.": This emphasizes Ehud's role as the leader of this Israelite force. He would guide them in their fight against the Moabites.
In essence, the verse describes Ehud initiating a rebellion against Moabite oppression by:
1. Signaling the Israelites (specifically those of Ephraim) to mobilize using a trumpet.
2. Leading them in a military campaign to drive out the Moabites and restore Israelite independence.
This verse is a crucial turning point in the story of Ehud. It demonstrates his ability to inspire and lead the Israelites after his daring assassination. It sets the stage for the subsequent Israelite victory over Moab.