The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, September 12, 2026

A Dagger Thrust into the Belly - Judges 3:21

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. 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. And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto you, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto you. And he arose out of his seat.”, and in chapter three and verse twenty-one of Judges, we learn how Ehud, “took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly” where we read,

And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh,

and thrust it into his belly:

The verse reads, “And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, …” The writer began with the words, “and Ehud” whose name means “I will give thanks or I will be praised” “put forth his left hand” or “stretched out and extended his left side physical hand”; “and took the dagger” which means “and fetched, lay hold of and acquired the sharpened knife” “from his right thigh” or “separate and apart from his, Ehud’s, right side thigh of his leg”. The writer shared how “Ehud” stretched out his “left” physical “hand” and lay hold of the sharpened knife from the right hand thigh of his leg.

The verse goes on to say, “… and thrust it into his belly:” The writer continued with the words, “and thrust it” which means “and smote and drove it, the sharpened knife”, “into his belly” or “in his, Eglon’s, abdomen or stomach”. The writer shared how “Ehud” drove the sharpened knife in the stomach or abdomen of “Eglon”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how to”Ehud” took his “left hand”, seized his sharpened knife from the right side thigh of his leg and drove it into the abdomen of “Eglon”. What a “message from God” this was! God was avenging His people Israel from the oppression of “Eglon”, and we shall see how this act set the people of Israel free. God loves Israel, and when He saved them through “Ehud”, it became a wonderful type of how He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to His Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to trust Him with all those who would attempt to keep us from our relationship with Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Isaiah 54:17)

Next time we learn how, “the haft also went in after the blade”, 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".

Ehud Comes to Eglon - Judges 3:20

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. 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. And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto you, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him”, and in chapter three and verse twenty of Judges, we learn how, “Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor” where we read,

And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto you. And he arose out of his seat.

The verse reads, “And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alone.” The writer began with the words, “and Ehud” whose name means “I will give thanks or I will be praised” “came unto him” or “entered and was brought near to him, Eglon”; “and he was sitting” which means “and he, Eglon, remained, abided and settled down in a seated position” “in a summer parlor” or “within a cooling off loft or chamber room”, “which he had for himself alone” which means “that he, Eglon, possessed, held and owned on behalf of his own self”. The writer shared how “Ehud” entered the cooling off loft which “Eglon” possessed for his own self and was seated.

The verse continues, “… And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto you. And he arose out of his seat.” The writer added the words, “and Ehud said” which means “and Ehud whose name means “I will give thanks or I will be praised” uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “I have a message from God unto you” or “I, Ehud, possess and hold a speech, utterance and word apart from the Supreme Deity toward you, Eglon”. “And he arose out of his seat” which means “and he, Eglon, stood and rose from his throne or royal and authoritative sitting place”. The writer shared how “Ehud” told “Eglon” that he possessed an utterance from the Supreme Deity for him.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we see how “Ehud” approached “Eglon” where he was seated in his cooling off location. God was using “Ehud” to carry out His plan of redemption for the people of the people of Israel after they had forsaken Him, and He has a plan for us as well. Because we have sin in our lives that leads to death, He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world, and He raised Him from the dead after three days so 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 to help us live in a manner that helps us to give all our adversaries over to Him to carry out vengeance against them. (See John 3:16; Isaiah 54:17; 63:4; Romans 12:19)

Next time we learn how Ehud, “took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

From the Quarries - Judges 3:19

But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto you, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.

The verse reads, “But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, …” The writer began with the words, “but he himself” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover he, Ehud, his own self” “turned again” or “returned, came back and went backward” “from the quarries” which means “separate and apart from the idols and graven images” “that were by Gilgal” or “that existed near, among and close to Gilgal whose name means ‘a wheel or rolling’ and was the first site of an Israelite camp west of the Jordan, east of Jericho, here Samuel was judge, and Saul was made king; later used for illicit worship”, “and said” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed the following words”. The writer shared how “Ehud” went back to “Eglon” from the idols and graven images in the midst of “Gilgal” and made the following proclamation.

The verse goes on to say, “… I have a secret errand unto you, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.” The writer continued with the words, “I have a secret errand unto you” which means “I, Ehud, possess a covert, disguised and sheltered speech, word or utterance toward you, Eglon”, “O king” or “O royal ruler and leader”: “who said” which means “Eglon uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “keep silence” or “leave us and be quiet”. “And all that stood by him” which means “and each, the whole and everyone who beside and along with him, Eglon” “went out from him” or “exited, departed and proceeded separate and apart from him, Eglon”. The writer shared how “Ehud” told “Eglon the king” that he had a covert word for him, so “Eglon” instructed all this assistants to be quiet and those who were near him departed.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover more to the plan “Ehud” had for freeing the people of “Israel” from the oppression of “Eglon”. After presenting their offering to “Eglon”, the people of Israel who accompanied “Ehud” departed while he told “Eglon” that he possessed a covert message to give him. At this “Eglon” told all his assistants to be quiet, and they left him. The plot thickens, and there is more to this story in our next verses. Step by step and plan by plan God’s will for the rescue of the people of Israel was being fulfilled, and in the same manner, God intentionally 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. 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 empower us to live in keeping with His plan and purpose for our lives in the “Kingdom of God”. (See John 3:16; Matthew 6:33)

Next time we learn how, “Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sending Away the Present Bearers - Judges 3:18

And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.

The verse reads, “And when he had made an end to offer the present, …” The writer began with the words, “and when he had made an end” which means “and at the time and moment he, Ehud, finished and completed” “to offer the present” or “presenting the tribute, offering and gift” the following happened. The writer referred to the time and moment that “Ehud” completed offering the tribute to “Eglon”, and the following happened.

The verse continues, “… he sent away the people that bare the present.” The writer added the words, “he sent away” which means “he let loose, dismissed and set free” “the people that bare the present” or “the human beings who lifted up and carried the tribute, offering and gift”. The writer shared how “Ehud” dismissed the other “people” with him who carried the tribute gift into “Eglon”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover that there was a group of “people” with “Ehud” who offered the tribute to “Eglon”. After completing their mission, “Ehud” dismissed the people of Israel who came with him. We shall see more to this story in our next few verses, but for now, let us consider that God’s plan for rescuing “Israel” was coming together, and step by step He directed “Ehud” in His purpose. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. When 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, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so that our lives are lived in a manner that is pleasing to Him and according to His plans. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how Ehud, “turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Ehud Brings a Present to Eglon - Judges 3:17

And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.

The verse reads, “And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab:” The writer began with the words, “and he brought the present” which means “and he, Ehud, approached, drew near and entered with the tribute, gift, oblation and offering” “unto Eglon” or “to Eglon whose name means ‘calf-like’ and was the one who oppressed the children of Israel for eighteen years before he was killed by the judge Ehud” “king of Moab” which means “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 shared how “Ehud” drew near to “Eglon” who was “Moab’s king” with the tribute and offering given by “Israel”.

The verse goes on to say, “and Eglon was a very fat man.” The writer continued with the words, “and Eglon” which means “and Eglon whose name means ‘calf-like’” “was a very fat man” or “existed as an exceedingly and abundantly plenteous, plump and corpulent male human being”. The writer shared how “Eglon” was an exceedingly corpulent “man”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Ehud” came to “Eglon the king of Moab” to offer him a gift or tribute from Israel. We also discover that “Eglon” was an exceedingly plump individual, and we shall see why that matters in our next few verses. All this time Jehovah God had a plan to rescue the people of “Israel” through “Ehud”, and because “Eglon” was their adversary, God would deal directly with Him. God loves the people of Israel, and those who are opposed to them should take heed. God loves us as well, and when we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we learn to rely upon Him when our adversaries rise up against us. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how Ehud, “sent away the people that bare the present”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Friday, September 11, 2026

Ehud’s Dagger - Judges 3:16

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…

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…