An Unlikely Hero Named Ehud

Have you ever thought about what makes you, you?

Maybe it’s a birthmark. A fingerprint. A tattoo. A scar. Maybe it’s not anything physically noticeable on your body. Maybe it’s your family name. Your job. A certain talent.

Maybe it’s something you’ve inherited. Or something you’ve worked your whole life to have. Maybe it’s something you would like to broadcast on every billboard. Or a skeleton you prefer to keep hidden in the closet.

Whatever it is, you know that that’s what makes you, you. It’s how you perceive yourself. And how you assume others perceive the person you are. It’s the reputation you’re trying to maintain. Or trying to change. Be it false or true.

There’s a brilliant story tucked away in Scripture about a guy who didn’t recognize who he was or what he could accomplish until some people rallied around him to remind him that he was so much more than he could have ever imagined.

The story is about a guy named Ehud.

It was during this time that Israel had found themselves in a cycle of rebellion, bondage, repentance, worship, repeat. Patterns of sinful disobedience led them to becoming enslaved to other countries.

Prayers seeking forgiveness for their wayward living granted them freedom as they returned to the Lord and worshipped Him. However, this short-lived episode of worship was soon followed by selfish gratification for the things God had previously banned.

On the scene comes Ehud.

It’s interesting the description he’s given, ‘the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man.’ Maybe nothing about that description seems strange to the average reader but with a little research it becomes apparent that the name ‘Benjamite’ literally means ‘son of my right hand.’ Interesting, isn’t it?

That fact provides a unique detail into an otherwise familiar story of God doing God-like stuff to rescue His people from bullies that He empowered to capture His people to get their attention to have them return back to Himself.

But this ‘left-handed man’ detail I just can’t seem to let go. It makes me wonder what happens next.

Then there’s this king. His name was Eglon. He’s described as a ‘very fat man.’ Again, what’s up with these details? Sure, we can use our sanctified imaginations of some villagers with threadbare wardrobes and a king dressed in royal garments. But left-handed and fat can certainly rouse one’s curiosity.

The rest of the people nominate Ehud to present a tribute to the king. A payment to indulge the king in his royalty. It was often viewed as a sign of respect or submission to the throne.

Insert another detail to the story. Ehud was carrying a dagger on his right thigh as he entered the presence of the king. Surely there was a pat-down by the palace guards, right? Maybe. But remember, he’s a left-handed man with a dagger on his right thigh coming from a people notoriously characterized as the ‘son of my right hand.’

Upon delivery of the tribute Ehud and his entourage turned to leave the city. But when he reached Gilgal he realized that there was more to this story than delivering the tribute; delivering God’s people.

He re-enters the presence of the king with a message from God, an 18-inch dagger thrust into the fat belly of this king. There he lay. In the floor of the palace. Guards outside the royal room. Ehud standing alone. Wondering where to turn.

Now anyone committing such a devastating crime would certainly plot an escape to rush out and be hidden in the dark landscape of secrecy. But not Ehud. He went back to Israel, blew the trumpets, and declared victory for God’s people.

Ehud, just an ordinary guy, with an unbelievably bold confidence in the mission of God to accept the invitation to obey His command and lead His people to victory and freedom. “And the land had rest for eighty years.”

This story has several practical implications.

How has God uniquely gifted you? 

Maybe you have freckles. Or a lisp. Maybe you’re left-handed. Or blind in one eye. Maybe you have a dog. I doubt very seriously a cat could be seen as a gift. Ehud was left-handed. What seemed to be a tiny detail made an indelible impression and proved to be a key detail in being granted permission into the presence of the king. God had gifted him even if it took a while for him to see it.

Do you see what others see in you?

Israel was in bondage and they needed a deliverer. The providence of God and the approval of a nation allowed Ehud to be the ambassador to deliver the tribute to the king. There are voices in your circle of influence that are building you up and pointing out your giftedness. Listen closely and act on the truth of those words that will contribute to a story that’s larger than you might imagine.

Does your boldness outweigh your fear? 

When Ehud strapped that dagger to his thigh and made the trek into the palace he knew what was at stake; his life. If he gets caught he’s dead. Maybe he even questioned the task when he walked back to Gilgal. But his confidence in God crushed the fear of his life being at stake and he went back. People’s opinions and feelings of insecurity can be paralyzing. Let God’s still small voice speak volumes to overcome the doubts holding you back. He’s leading you to a place of life and freedom.

Will you serve God even if it gets messy? 

Ehud was standing there in the room with the king on the floor. Assured that it was God’s will to experience a messy situation that would ultimately lead to his good and the good of God’s people. Moments that may include ridicule, being misunderstood, separation, and heartache are real. But God can use moments of pain to bring about a beautiful picture of grace when the canvas of our story is complete.

Are you willing to lead others where you believe God is leading you? 

Ehud didn’t run and hide in fear. He made a declaration of victory. He was so confident that God had led him to this place that he invited others to follow him. We have the potential to influence others. And where we lead them is shaping both our legacy and theirs. Listen intently and lead others toward the voice of this truth.