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;
Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal–hermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
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.
And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
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.
Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushan–rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushan–rishathaim eight years.
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.
And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushan–rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan–rishathaim.
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
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.
And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
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.
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.
And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.
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.
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.
And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
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.
Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.
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.
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.
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
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.
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.
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.
So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.
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.
Judges 3, a pivotal chapter in the Book of Judges, unveils a recurring pattern that defines Israel's relationship with God and the surrounding nations. Following the incomplete conquest described in Judges 1 and the consequences outlined in Judges 2, this chapter illustrates the cyclical nature of Israel's disobedience, divine judgment, their cry for help, and God's merciful deliverance through appointed judges. This pattern serves as a stark warning and a profound lesson about the importance of obedience and the ever-present grace of God. Let's explore the key themes and events of Judges 3 to glean wisdom for our own lives. This chapter offers invaluable insights into the spiritual battles we face daily and the unwavering faithfulness of God.
Unconquered Nations: A Test of Faith (Judges 3:1-6)
Judges 2 concluded with God's explanation for leaving certain nations unconquered. Judges 3:1-4 specifies that these nations served a dual purpose: to test the Israelites' faithfulness to God and to teach new generations the art of warfare. God's original command was for Israel to completely drive out the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 20:16-17) to prevent Israel from imitating their wickedness (Deuteronomy 20:18) and as a judgement against the Canaanite’s heinous sins (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 9:4-5). The Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites were among those who remained, posing a constant threat and temptation.
However, Israel failed this test miserably. Instead of maintaining a distinct identity and adhering to God's commands, they intermarried with these nations and adopted their idolatrous practices (Judges 3:5-6). This was a direct violation of God's law and a grave offense to His holiness. The worship of false gods like Baal and Asheroth involved detestable practices, including sexual immorality and even child sacrifice. The Israelites' spiritual report card was a clear "F," highlighting the dire consequences of disobedience.
This section teaches us a vital lesson about the importance of spiritual vigilance. Like the Israelites, we are constantly surrounded by influences that can lead us astray. Paul reminds us that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh…[but] have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). We must be aware of the spiritual battle raging around us (Ephesians 6:12) and actively resist the temptations that seek to draw us away from God. Losing the spiritual battle ultimately means losing every other battle.
Othniel: The First Judge and Forty Years of Peace (Judges 3:7-11)
As a consequence of their idolatry, God allowed Cushan-rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia, to oppress Israel for eight years (Judges 3:7-8). In their distress, the Israelites cried out to the Lord (Judges 3:9). This "crying out" signifies a prayer of desperation, a recognition of their own helplessness and a plea for divine intervention. It took them eight long years to come to their senses. How long does it take you to cry out to the Lord when you experience difficulties?
In His mercy, God raised up Othniel, Caleb's nephew, as the first judge to deliver them (Judges 3:9-10). The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, empowering him to lead Israel to victory over the Mesopotamians. This victory brought a period of peace to the land for forty years (Judges 3:11).
This episode underscores the importance of repentance and prayer. God is always ready to hear the cries of His people when they turn to Him in humility and sincerity. The transformation from eight years of slavery to forty years of peace highlights the power of a desperate cry to God. If you find yourself experiencing year after year of defeat, it’s time to cry out to God. Disconnect from serving any idols in your life—including the idol of self—and throw yourself completely on God’s mercy. Don’t merely pray for help. Recommit yourself to God’s agenda and to fully following him, asking him to bring you to a place of victory.
Ehud: A Left-Handed Deliverer (Judges 3:12-30)
Tragically, after Othniel's death, the Israelites once again turned away from God and embraced idolatry (Judges 3:12). As a result, God allowed King Eglon of Moab, in alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, to oppress them for eighteen years (Judges 3:12-14). They served Eglon for eighteen years. So not only were the Israelites being plagued from the Canaanites within their borders, surrounding nations were picking on them too.
Once again, the Israelites cried out to the Lord (Judges 3:15). Why did they wait eighteen years to do so? Sometimes we can stray so far from God that we’re not conscious of how far we’ve gone or how long we’ve been gone. We can get so used to being a slave that we don’t even look to the divine deliverer. Yet when they finally called to him, God raised up another judge, a human deliverer. This time, God raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. Ehud's left-handedness, a less common trait, played a crucial role in his plan to assassinate King Eglon. He concealed a double-edged sword on his right thigh, a place where guards would least expect to find a weapon (Judges 3:16). It kept the sword on “his right thigh” safe from detection because no one would’ve expected a sword to be hidden there (Judges 3:16, 21).
Ehud gained access to King Eglon under the pretense of delivering a tribute (Judges 3:17-19). He then claimed to have a secret message for the king, prompting Eglon to dismiss his attendants. In a daring act, Ehud plunged the sword into Eglon's belly, killing him instantly (Judges 3:20-22). Ehud’s message from God was thus delivered: the Lord did not appreciate the king oppressing his people.
Ehud then escaped and rallied the Israelites, leading them to victory over the Moabites (Judges 3:27-29). They seized the fords of the Jordan, preventing the Moabites from escaping back to their own territory, and killed about ten thousand Moabite soldiers. As a result, the land enjoyed peace for eighty years (Judges 3:30).
This narrative highlights God's ability to use unlikely individuals and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Ehud's left-handedness, initially a potential disadvantage, became a strategic advantage in God's plan. It also reminds us that God is involved in the small details. We tend to look for evidence of God at work in the major events and fail to notice how the little things fit together to make major events possible. So keep your eyes open for how God orders minor details before he provides deliverance.
Furthermore, the author of Hebrews describes the living Word of God as being “effective and sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It will pierce the conscience and the heart, exposing motives and sin, laying its hearers bare to the penetrating gaze of an omniscient God.
Shamgar: An Oxgoad and a Bold Stand (Judges 3:31)
The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Shamgar, who delivered Israel by striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad (Judges 3:31). Shamgar's story, though concise, is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have when empowered by God. Shamgar was a farmer because his only weapon was a cattle prod, a pole with a sharp point on the end used to goad livestock into moving.
Scholars note this name might imply a Canaanite or Egyptian, rather than an Israelite. The verse does not explicitly say that Shamgar knowingly fought on behalf of Israel. The timing of his work is also unclear, but it may have overlapped that of Ehud. All that's certain is that Shamgar's actions saved Israel somehow, perhaps by staving off a Philistine invasion from the north.
We can conclude that Shamgar was an ordinary man who was dissatisfied with the Philistine oppression and used what he had to do something about it. With God’s help, he turned his ordinary cattle prod into something extraordinary. You don’t need extraordinary resources or gifts to be used of the Lord, to make a difference in the culture. You just need to be faithful with what the Lord has given you. Think about the gifts God has provided you. Consider where God has placed you. You may have more than you think—when you open yourself to obeying his prompting and to embracing opportunities.
Lessons for Today
Judges 3 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:
- The Danger of Compromise: We must be vigilant against the allure of worldly values and practices that can compromise our faith.
- The Importance of Repentance: When we stray from God, we must humbly confess our sins and seek His forgiveness.
- God's Unfailing Mercy: God is always ready to hear the cries of His people and provide deliverance.
- God's Use of the Unlikely: God often uses ordinary people and circumstances to accomplish extraordinary things.
- The Power of Individual Action: Each of us can make a difference for God's kingdom by using our gifts and resources faithfully.
May we learn from the mistakes of the Israelites and embrace a life of obedience, faith, and unwavering devotion to God.
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;
Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof;
Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal–hermon unto the entering in of Hamath.
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.
And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:
And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods.
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.
Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushan–rishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushan–rishathaim eight years.
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.
And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the Lord delivered Chushan–rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushan–rishathaim.
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
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.
And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
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.
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.
And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.
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.
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.
And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly:
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.
Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.
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.
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.
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
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.
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.
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.
So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.
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.
Judges 3, a pivotal chapter in the Book of Judges, unveils a recurring pattern that defines Israel's relationship with God and the surrounding nations. Following the incomplete conquest described in Judges 1 and the consequences outlined in Judges 2, this chapter illustrates the cyclical nature of Israel's disobedience, divine judgment, their cry for help, and God's merciful deliverance through appointed judges. This pattern serves as a stark warning and a profound lesson about the importance of obedience and the ever-present grace of God. Let's explore the key themes and events of Judges 3 to glean wisdom for our own lives. This chapter offers invaluable insights into the spiritual battles we face daily and the unwavering faithfulness of God.
Unconquered Nations: A Test of Faith (Judges 3:1-6)
Judges 2 concluded with God's explanation for leaving certain nations unconquered. Judges 3:1-4 specifies that these nations served a dual purpose: to test the Israelites' faithfulness to God and to teach new generations the art of warfare. God's original command was for Israel to completely drive out the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 20:16-17) to prevent Israel from imitating their wickedness (Deuteronomy 20:18) and as a judgement against the Canaanite’s heinous sins (Deuteronomy 7:1-5; 9:4-5). The Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites were among those who remained, posing a constant threat and temptation.
However, Israel failed this test miserably. Instead of maintaining a distinct identity and adhering to God's commands, they intermarried with these nations and adopted their idolatrous practices (Judges 3:5-6). This was a direct violation of God's law and a grave offense to His holiness. The worship of false gods like Baal and Asheroth involved detestable practices, including sexual immorality and even child sacrifice. The Israelites' spiritual report card was a clear "F," highlighting the dire consequences of disobedience.
This section teaches us a vital lesson about the importance of spiritual vigilance. Like the Israelites, we are constantly surrounded by influences that can lead us astray. Paul reminds us that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh…[but] have divine power to destroy strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4). We must be aware of the spiritual battle raging around us (Ephesians 6:12) and actively resist the temptations that seek to draw us away from God. Losing the spiritual battle ultimately means losing every other battle.
Othniel: The First Judge and Forty Years of Peace (Judges 3:7-11)
As a consequence of their idolatry, God allowed Cushan-rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia, to oppress Israel for eight years (Judges 3:7-8). In their distress, the Israelites cried out to the Lord (Judges 3:9). This "crying out" signifies a prayer of desperation, a recognition of their own helplessness and a plea for divine intervention. It took them eight long years to come to their senses. How long does it take you to cry out to the Lord when you experience difficulties?
In His mercy, God raised up Othniel, Caleb's nephew, as the first judge to deliver them (Judges 3:9-10). The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, empowering him to lead Israel to victory over the Mesopotamians. This victory brought a period of peace to the land for forty years (Judges 3:11).
This episode underscores the importance of repentance and prayer. God is always ready to hear the cries of His people when they turn to Him in humility and sincerity. The transformation from eight years of slavery to forty years of peace highlights the power of a desperate cry to God. If you find yourself experiencing year after year of defeat, it’s time to cry out to God. Disconnect from serving any idols in your life—including the idol of self—and throw yourself completely on God’s mercy. Don’t merely pray for help. Recommit yourself to God’s agenda and to fully following him, asking him to bring you to a place of victory.
Ehud: A Left-Handed Deliverer (Judges 3:12-30)
Tragically, after Othniel's death, the Israelites once again turned away from God and embraced idolatry (Judges 3:12). As a result, God allowed King Eglon of Moab, in alliance with the Ammonites and Amalekites, to oppress them for eighteen years (Judges 3:12-14). They served Eglon for eighteen years. So not only were the Israelites being plagued from the Canaanites within their borders, surrounding nations were picking on them too.
Once again, the Israelites cried out to the Lord (Judges 3:15). Why did they wait eighteen years to do so? Sometimes we can stray so far from God that we’re not conscious of how far we’ve gone or how long we’ve been gone. We can get so used to being a slave that we don’t even look to the divine deliverer. Yet when they finally called to him, God raised up another judge, a human deliverer. This time, God raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. Ehud's left-handedness, a less common trait, played a crucial role in his plan to assassinate King Eglon. He concealed a double-edged sword on his right thigh, a place where guards would least expect to find a weapon (Judges 3:16). It kept the sword on “his right thigh” safe from detection because no one would’ve expected a sword to be hidden there (Judges 3:16, 21).
Ehud gained access to King Eglon under the pretense of delivering a tribute (Judges 3:17-19). He then claimed to have a secret message for the king, prompting Eglon to dismiss his attendants. In a daring act, Ehud plunged the sword into Eglon's belly, killing him instantly (Judges 3:20-22). Ehud’s message from God was thus delivered: the Lord did not appreciate the king oppressing his people.
Ehud then escaped and rallied the Israelites, leading them to victory over the Moabites (Judges 3:27-29). They seized the fords of the Jordan, preventing the Moabites from escaping back to their own territory, and killed about ten thousand Moabite soldiers. As a result, the land enjoyed peace for eighty years (Judges 3:30).
This narrative highlights God's ability to use unlikely individuals and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Ehud's left-handedness, initially a potential disadvantage, became a strategic advantage in God's plan. It also reminds us that God is involved in the small details. We tend to look for evidence of God at work in the major events and fail to notice how the little things fit together to make major events possible. So keep your eyes open for how God orders minor details before he provides deliverance.
Furthermore, the author of Hebrews describes the living Word of God as being “effective and sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It will pierce the conscience and the heart, exposing motives and sin, laying its hearers bare to the penetrating gaze of an omniscient God.
Shamgar: An Oxgoad and a Bold Stand (Judges 3:31)
The chapter concludes with a brief mention of Shamgar, who delivered Israel by striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad (Judges 3:31). Shamgar's story, though concise, is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have when empowered by God. Shamgar was a farmer because his only weapon was a cattle prod, a pole with a sharp point on the end used to goad livestock into moving.
Scholars note this name might imply a Canaanite or Egyptian, rather than an Israelite. The verse does not explicitly say that Shamgar knowingly fought on behalf of Israel. The timing of his work is also unclear, but it may have overlapped that of Ehud. All that's certain is that Shamgar's actions saved Israel somehow, perhaps by staving off a Philistine invasion from the north.
We can conclude that Shamgar was an ordinary man who was dissatisfied with the Philistine oppression and used what he had to do something about it. With God’s help, he turned his ordinary cattle prod into something extraordinary. You don’t need extraordinary resources or gifts to be used of the Lord, to make a difference in the culture. You just need to be faithful with what the Lord has given you. Think about the gifts God has provided you. Consider where God has placed you. You may have more than you think—when you open yourself to obeying his prompting and to embracing opportunities.
Lessons for Today
Judges 3 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:
- The Danger of Compromise: We must be vigilant against the allure of worldly values and practices that can compromise our faith.
- The Importance of Repentance: When we stray from God, we must humbly confess our sins and seek His forgiveness.
- God's Unfailing Mercy: God is always ready to hear the cries of His people and provide deliverance.
- God's Use of the Unlikely: God often uses ordinary people and circumstances to accomplish extraordinary things.
- The Power of Individual Action: Each of us can make a difference for God's kingdom by using our gifts and resources faithfully.
May we learn from the mistakes of the Israelites and embrace a life of obedience, faith, and unwavering devotion to God.