Left-handed Leaders
The second judge of Israel is this man noted for being left-handed. In near eastern cultures the left hand is often identified with evil. It is normal to refer to the right hand as the hand of righteousness. Ehud could have experienced self-rejection because he was different. Instead, he uses his unique design to surprise the enemies of God's people. Leaders use their apparent weaknesses and turn them into strengths. His name meaning is "I will give thanks." By thanking God for his unchangeable features he was ready to use them for God's glory. He forges a two-edged sword, reminiscent of the description of God's word in Hebrews; he is a man who meditates on scripture, thus his sense of purpose and direction, his courage to confront this king. Eglon means "round" so it is appropriate that he is so fat; it also means a bull-calf, linking him to the bull-god Baal. Israel has served baal; now a hero comes who shows that the bull is not god at all, it is fat and full of....junk. Psalms often refers to the fat as prideful, full of themselves, aloof because of their evident prosperity. Eglon lets his guard down to receive a tribute of treasure; he is greedy, insatiable. Ehud, the content one who gives thanks to God, does not fall into the trap of covetousness. He prefers freedom to riches.
Created about 3 years ago
