Judges 3:12-31: A Left-Handed Leader
IN ONE OF those cheaply produced local television commercials, a large, smirking man smoking a huge cigar is identified as the greedy landlord. He is grabbing money from a line of discouraged- looking tenants and stuffing it into his already full pockets. But when the announcer shows how you can buy a new home and make payments lower than rent, the tenants triumphantly toss Mr. Landlord into his swimming pool. Like those discouraged tenants, the Israelites found themselves paying tribute to a greedy king. Their unwise choices to ignore God had caused the loss of their independence, so they were desperate for someone like the television announcer who would help them throw the greedy king off their back.
Warming Up to God
What would happen in your life if you gradually stopped worshiping God? Ask God to use this passage to strengthen your character through your worship.
Read Judges 3:12-30. »
Discovering the Word
- How do the attitudes and emotions of the Israelite people change in this story (vv. 12-15, 27-30)?
- The conquering Moabites attempted to keep Israel weak by forcing them to pay a heavy tax called tribute. In verses 15-19 Ehud delivers the tribute to King Eglon. How does this picture highlight the painful consequences of poor choices?
- Why do you think the Bible gives such a gory description of how Israel was saved?
- Which of Ehud's qualities did God use in fulfilling his plan?
- Ehud's left-handedness was considered to be a handicap. What does this tell you about God's surprises?
Applying the Word
- The Israelites paid a high price for ignoring God. What has been the price of your bad choices?
- Which of your weaknesses would you be surprised to find God developing into assets?
- What has this story taught you about the way back to God?
Responding in Prayer
What bad choices have you recently made? Make confession a part of your prayer as you ask God to build your character.
For Further Study
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament by John H. Walton, Victor H. Matthews & Mark W. Chavalas