Ehud, the left-handed son of Gera of the tribe of Benjamin, was raised up by the LORD as a deliverer who struck down Eglon king of Moab and freed Israel from Moabite oppression.
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During the period of the Judges, Israel repeatedly fell under the oppression of foreign powers, and whenever the people cried out to the LORD, God in His mercy raised up a deliverer. Ehud came forward in just such a moment. He was from the tribe of Benjamin, the son of Gera, and Scripture specifically notes that he was left-handed—a physical detail that proved crucial to the unfolding of God's purpose. Israel at that time was subject to Eglon king of Moab, and the people were required to deliver tribute to him. Ehud was entrusted to carry the tribute to the Moabite king. Taking advantage of his left-handedness, he concealed a specially made short sword on his right thigh, where it would not be discovered by those searching for weapons. Upon meeting King Eglon, Ehud announced that he had a secret message for him and drew the king into a private inner chamber. There he drew the hidden sword and thrust it into the king's belly, killing the oppressor of Israel. Ehud then escaped to the hill country, sounded the trumpet to rally the Israelites, and led them to seize the fords of Moab against the Moabites, giving the land rest in that period. Ehud's account is preserved in the Book of Judges as a clear testimony to God's saving work in times of weakness. Though an ordinary judge, his story reveals the covenant faithfulness and compassion of the LORD—when His people turned back to Him in prayer, He raised up the right person and worked through seemingly humble and unexpected means to accomplish His marvelous deliverance.