RPG Adults
EHUD (I)
LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 8
Judges 3:12-30
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
“…when I am weak, then
am I strong.”
EHUD (I)
The account of Ehud follows that of Othniel. Like Othniel, not much detail is given concerning Ehud: his life before God raised him to deliver Israel, or what he did after he had accomplished God’s call and purpose. What is recorded of his life is hinged on the sovereignty of God in choosing and using him. What is noted about him is his lineage (from the tribe of Benjamin) and his weakness (he was left-handed).
“…Ehud the son of Gera…a man lefthanded…” (Judg 3:15). The emphasis of the right hand as signifying strength and blessing is unmistakable as one reads the Bible: from Joseph placing Ephraim towards Jacob’s left hand in Genesis 48:13-18, to the songs of deliverance attributing God’s deliverance to his “right hand” (Exod 15:6-12), and in the Psalms signifying security with the LORD at the right hand (Ps 16:8, 11), and saving by the right hand (Ps 17:7; 18:35; 20:6; 44:3). Thus, the highlighting that Ehud was left-handed points to his weakness, and disadvantage. Being left-handed was a weakness undesirable for Ehud for another reason: the Benjamites were known to be ambidextrous or able to use both hands effectively (Judg 20:16 cf. 1 Chron 12:2). Yet his weakness would be God’s means for deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression.
What was seen as inferior was the source of deliverance for God’s people. This does not mean that we should give to God that which is less than our best just because He can use it for His glory. Rather, God for His glory has chosen and used weak things, and things despised. Thus, no flesh should find reason to glory before God. God’s help for Israel came from what to them would have been an unexpected source. In choosing Ehud, God is sovereign, and in using Ehud, God is omnipotent. Ehud was unlike Othniel, but as God used Othniel, He could also use Ehud. God is not limited by our impediments!
THOUGHT: God gives grace and strength to us to serve for His glory.
PRAYER: (Use Galatians 6:14.)