Ehud’s Dagger - Judges 3:16

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab”, and in chapter three and verse sixteen of Judges, we learn how, “Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges” where we read,

But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; 

and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.

The verse reads, “But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length;” The writer began with the words, “but Ehud” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Ehud whose name means ‘I will give thanks or I will be praised’ and was a Benjamite judge of Israel, deliverer of Israel from Moab” “made him a dagger” or “fashioned and formed a sharp implement like a knife” “which had two edges” which means “that possessed two sharpened fringes or rims”, “of a cubit length” or “pertaining to about eighteen inches long”. The writer shared how “Ehud” formed and fashioned a sharpened knife that possessed two sharpened fringes that was about eighteen inches long. 

The verse continues, “and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.” The writer added the words, “and he did gird it” which means “and he, Ehud, strapped and bound it, the dagger”: “under his raiment” or “beneath his, Ehud’s, garment and clothing” “upon his right thigh” which means “on his, Ehud’s, right side thigh of his leg”. The writer shared how “Ehud” bound the dagger to the right side thigh of his leg.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn more of the process that “Ehud” went through to deliver the people of “Israel” from the control of “Eglon”. “Ehud” formed and fashioned a knife with “two sharpened edges” that was about eighteen inches long, and then his strapped it to his “right side thigh”. This would have been out of the ordinary because most people are right handed and would strap their dagger to their “left thigh”, but we shall see how this was “Ehud’s” advantage. God gave “Ehud” this ability, and He will equip us as well when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth in a manner that is pleasing to Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how Ehud, “brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Israel Cried and God Delivered with Ehud - Judges 3:15

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees. So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years”, and in chapter three and verse fifteen of Judges, we learn, “when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer” where we read,

But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.

The verse reads, “But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded:” The writer began with the words, “but when the children of Israel” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover at the time and moment the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “cried unto the LORD” or “proclaimed, summoned and called for help to Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name for the One True God”, “the LORD raised them up” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One confirmed and established”, “Ehud” whose name means ‘I will give thanks or I will be praised’ and was a Benjamite judge of Israel, deliverer of Israel from Moab” “the son of Gera” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Gera whose name means ‘a grain’”, “a Benjamite” which means “who was a descendant of Benjamin whose name means son of the right hand”, “a man left-handed” or “who had power, strength and dominion by the use of his left physical hand”. The writer shared how the people of “Israel” called out to Jehovah God, and God established “Ehud” who was a “Benjamite” and powerful with his physical left hand. 

The verse goes on to say, “and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.” The writer continued with the words, “and by him the children of Israel” or “and through the means of him, Ehud, the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “sent a present” which means “extended and directed an offering, tribute, oblation and sacrifice” “unto Eglon” or “to Eglon whose name means ‘calf-like’ and was the royal ruler who oppressed the children of Israel for eighteen years before he was killed by the judge Ehud” “the king of Moab” which means “the royal ruler and leader belonging to Moab whose name means ‘of his father’ and was a son of Lot by his eldest daughter and the nation that descended from the son of Lot”. The writer said through the means of him, Ehud, the offspring belonging to “Israel” extended a present and tribute to “Eglon” who was the royal ruler belonging to “Moab”. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Ehud” began to lead the people of “Israel” in their defense against “Eglon the king of Moab”. God heard the “cries” of the offspring of “Israel”, and He responded by sending “Ehud” to rescue them. God loves the people of “Israel”, and He loves us as well. When we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and come to our rescue any time we cry out to Him because of others’ oppression. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Serving Eglon Eighteen Years - Judges 3:14

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees”, and in chapter three and verse fourteen of Judges, we learn how, “the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years” where we read,

So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.

The verse reads, “So the children of Israel served Eglon …” The writer began with the words,“so the children of Israel” or “therefore, wherefore and then the offspring belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “served Eglon” which means “labored and worked for Eglon whose name means ‘calf-like’ and was the king of Moab who oppressed the children of Israel for eighteen years before he was killed by the judge Ehud”. The writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Israel” worked and labored for “Eglon”. 

The verse continues, “… the king of Moab eighteen years.” The writer added the words, “the king of Moab” which means “the royal ruler and leader belonging to Moab whose name means ‘of his father’ and was a son of Lot by his eldest daughter and the name of he nation that descended from him” “eighteen years” or “eighteen annual sets of days”. The writer said “Israel” labored and worked for “Eglon the king of Moab” for “eighteen” annual sets of days. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the offspring belonging to “Israel” worked and labored for “king Eglon of Moab” for “eighteen” annual sets of days. Their disobedience cost “Israel” for an extended amount of time, and they could have avoided all of it just by obeying God. God wants us to obey Him because we are benefitted when we do, and because He knows we violate His law and thereby sin, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and to empower us to live according to that truth so we align with Him and avoid adverse consequences that may last for years. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; James 4:8)

Next time we learn, “when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Eglon Gathering Ammon and Amalek - Judges 3:13

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD”, and in chapter three and verse thirteen of Judges, we learn how “Eglon”, “gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek” where we read,

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, 

and possessed the city of palm trees.

The verse reads, “And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, …” The writer began with the words, “and he gathered unto him” which means “and he, Eglon, assembled and collected together to him, Eglon” “the children of Ammon” or “the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi” “and Amalek” whose name means ‘dweller in a valley’ and was the son of Eliphaz by his concubine Timnah, grandson of Esau, and progenitor of a tribe of people in southern Canaan”, “and went and smote Israel” or “and departed, proceeded and moved and hit, beat, struck and killed Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how “Eglon” assembled the offspring of “Ammon and Amalek”, proceeded forward and hit, beat and killed “Israel”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and possessed the city of palm trees.” The writer continued with the words, “and possessed the city” which means “and seized, dispossessed, disinherited and occupied the dwelling place, abode and habitation” “of the palm trees” or “pertaining to the date palm trees”. The writer shared how “Eglon” alongside “Ammon and Amalek” seized the dwelling place of the date palms. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Eglon” assembled “Ammon and Amelek” to help him conquer the people of “Israel”, and he was successful. He seized the dwelling place of “palm trees”, and now “Israel” was suffering the consequences of their bad behavior. God gave us His law as a means of protecting us from difficulties and harm, and when we obey Him, we are benefitted by it. When we disobey Him like “Israel”, we will experience troubles that are unnecessary. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised him from the dead after three days so when we put our faith and trust in Him we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to obey Him and avoid being “conquered” by our hating foes. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how, “the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Israel Did Evil Again - Judges 3:12

In the book of Judges we learned, “when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim. And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died”, and in chapter three and verse twelve of Judges, we learn how, “the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD” where we read,

And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.

The verse reads, “And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD:” The writer began with the words, “and the children of Israel” which means “and the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “did evil again” or “performed and produced bad, malignancy, unpleasantness, displeasure and wickedness another time” “in the sight of the LORD” which means “within the vision and presence belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and is the proper name for the One True God”. The writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Israel” performed and produced wicked and malignant acts and deeds yet another time in the presence of Jehovah God. 

The verse continues, “and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.” The writer added the words, “and the LORD” which means “and Jehovah who is ‘the existing One’” “strengthened Eglon” or “hardened, made courageous, resolute and firm Eglon whose name means ‘calf-like’ and was the king who oppressed the children of Israel for eighteen years before he was killed by the judge Ehud” “the king of Moab” which means “the royal ruler and leader belonging to Moab whose name means ‘of his father’. and was a son of Lot by his eldest daughter and the nation that descended from him” “against Israel” or “in opposition to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’”, “because they had done evil” which means “since and on account that they, the offspring of Israel, performed and produced bad, malignant, unpleasant, displeasing and wicked acts and deeds” “in the sight of the LORD” or “within the vision and presence belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One”. The writer shared how Jehovah God made “Eglon” who was the royal ruler of “Moab” to be strong and powerful in opposition to “Israel” on account that they performed and produced wicked acts and deeds in His presence.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the offspring belonging to “Israel” acted wickedly in the presence of Jehovah God another time. This caused Him to make “Eglon the royal ruler of Moab” powerful in opposition to “Israel”. You would think they would learn not to stray from God’s ways, but they continued to fall away, and suffered again for their insolence. We shall see more about “Eglon” in our next few verses, but for now let us be mindful of Jehovah God’s involvement with “Israel” even when they have performed wicked acts in front of Him. God wants us to realize we have sin in our lives that goes against His ways, (See Romans 3:23), and those sins lead to separation from Him and death. (See Romans 6:23) For this reason He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and help us follow His ways so we never have need of opposition being “strengthened” against us. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8; Isaiah 55:15-17)

Next time we learn how “Eglon”, “gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Forty Years of Rest - Judges 3:11

In the book of Judges we learned, “when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim”, and in chapter three and verse eleven of Judges, we learn how, “the land had rest forty years” where we read,

And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

The verse reads, “And the land had rest forty years.” The writer began with the words, “and the land” which means “and the territory, district and region” “had rest” or “was quiet, tranquil and at peace” “forty years” which means “for forty annual sets of days”. The writer shared how the territory of “Israel” was at peace for “forty years” length of time.

The verse goes on to say, “And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.” The writer continued with the words, “and Othniel” whose name means ‘lion of God’ and was the younger brother of Caleb, and husband of Achsah the daughter of Caleb and his own niece; first judge of Israel, who after the death of Joshua, delivered the Israelites from the oppression of Chushanrishathaim” “the son of Kenaz” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Kenaz whose name means ‘hunter’ and was a brother of Caleb and father of Othniel” “died” which means “took his last breath, became inanimate and expired”. The writer shared how Jehovah God’s judge of Israel “Othniel” breathed his last breath and expired.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the territory of the people of “Israel” was tranquil and at peace for “forty years” length of time, and afterward, “Othniel” expired. God used “Othniel” to rescue “Israel”, and when he died, his mission was over. In a similar manner, God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to perform our mission in His Kingdom until He calls us to be with Him in Heaven. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 4:7,8) 

Next time we learn how, “the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Spirit of the LORD Came Upon Othniel - Judges 3:10

In the book of Judges we learned how, “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgot the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves. Therefore the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Chushanrishathaim eight years. And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother”, and in chapter three and verse ten of Judges, we learn how, “the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel” where we read,

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

The verse reads, “And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war:” The writer began with the words, “and the Spirit of the LORD” which means “and the mind, courage and vivacity belonging to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “came upon him” or “took place, arose and happened to him, Othniel”, “and he judged Israel” which means “and he, Othniel, governed, vindicated and executed judgment over Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “and went out to war” or “and dispatched, proceeded forth and departed to battle and fighting”. The writer shared how Jehovah God’s “Spirit” descended upon “Othniel”, and he vindicated “Israel” by going forth to battle and fighting. 

The verse continues, “and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.” The writer added the words, “and the LORD” which means “and Jehovah who is the existing One” “delivered Chushanrishathaim” or “gave, put, set and entrusted Chushanrishathaim whose name means ‘’twice-wicked Chushan” “king of Mesopotamia” which means “the royal ruler and leader belonging to Mesopotamia or Aram or Arameans whose name means ‘exalted’ and was the Syrian or Aramean people” “into his hand” or “over to his, Othniel’s, power, might and strength”; “and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim” which means “and his, Othniel’s, power, might and authority was stronger, more firm and stout in opposition to Chushanrishathaim whose name means ‘twice-wicked Chushan’”. The writer shared how Jehovah gave “Chushanrishathaim” who was the royal ruler belonging to “Mesopotamia” over to “Othniel”, and “Othniel’s” power and might was stronger than “Chushanrishathaim’s”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God was involved in rescuing “Israel” from “Chushanrishathaim” through “Othniel”. God empowered “Othniel” through His Spirit, and he as the deliverer and judge of “Israel” was able to overpower their foe. God loves the people of “Israel”, and He loves us. When we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we are victorious over our foes when they rise up against us. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how, “the land had rest forty years”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".