Ehud: God’s Unlikely Hero with an Unlikely Plan | Judges 3:12-23

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Our text today is Judges 3:12-23

And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He gathered to himself the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and went and defeated Israel. And they took possession of the city of palms. And the people of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, and the Lord raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges, a cubit in length, and he bound it on his right thigh under his clothes. And he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. And when Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the people who carried the tribute. But he himself turned back at the idols near Gilgal and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And he commanded, “Silence.” And all his attendants went out from his presence. And Ehud came to him as he was sitting alone in his cool roof chamber. And Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” And he arose from his seat. And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly. And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not pull the sword out of his belly; and the dung came out. Then Ehud went out into the porch and closed the doors of the roof chamber behind him and locked them. — Judges 3:12-23

Why would God choose a left-handed man with a hidden dagger to deliver his people?

Israel fell again, this time under the heavy hand of King Eglon of Moab. Eighteen years of oppression. And then, once more, the cry for help.

God’s answer?

Ehud—a left-handed man. In a tribe where warriors were expected to be right-handed, Ehud was an outsider. But that “weakness” became his advantage. Guards didn’t suspect the dagger strapped to his right thigh. In the palace, standing before the bloated king, Ehud struck—and Israel’s deliverance began.

This story feels raw, almost shocking. But it’s here to remind us: God doesn’t save the way we expect. He uses unlikely people, in unlikely ways, to accomplish his purposes.

Maybe you feel like Ehud—overlooked, underestimated, maybe even carrying what others see as a weakness. But with God, that very thing can become your weapon for his glory.

God’s not looking for polished people with perfect resumes. He’s looking for willing hearts. He loves to flip weakness into strength, using the very things others count out to bring about victory.

Stop disqualifying yourself. If God can use Ehud’s left hand, he can use your story.

ASK THIS:

1. What’s one area of my life where I feel disqualified or overlooked?
2. How might God want to use that “weakness” as a strength?
3. Do I believe God can deliver in ways I don’t expect?
4. Where do I need to step out in bold, Ehud-like faith this week?

DO THIS:

Write down one personal “weakness” you usually hide. Then ask God how he might want to use it for his glory. Take one step to offer it back to him today.

PRAY THIS:

Father, use what I see as weakness to show your strength. Help me trust that you can work through the parts of me I least expect. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"God of the Impossible."