Judges 3:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּזְעֲק֣וּ

H2199

cried

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

בְנֵֽי

H1121

But when the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֨ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיָּקֶם֩

H6965

raised them up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָ֨ה

H3068

the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָהֶ֜ם

מוֹשִׁ֗יעַ

H3467

a deliverer

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

#10

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

אֵה֤וּד

H164

Ehud

ehud, the name of two or three israelites

#12

בְנֵֽי

H1121

But when the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#13

גֵּרָא֙

H1617

of Gera

gera, the name of six israelites

#14

בֶּן

#15

הַיְמִינִ֔י

H1145

a Benjamite

a benjaminite, or descendent of benjamin

#16

אִ֥ישׁ

H376

a man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#17

אִטֵּ֖ר

H334

lefthanded

shut up, i.e., impeded (as to the use of the right hand)

#18

בְּיָדוֹ֙

H3027

and by him

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#19

יְמִינ֑וֹ

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

#20

וַיִּשְׁלְח֨וּ

H7971

sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#21

בְנֵֽי

H1121

But when the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#22

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#23

בְּיָדוֹ֙

H3027

and by him

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#24

מִנְחָ֔ה

H4503

a present

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

#25

לְעֶגְל֖וֹן

H5700

unto Eglon

eglon, the name of a place in palestine and of a moabitish king

#26

מֶ֥לֶךְ

H4428

the king

a king

#27

מוֹאָֽב׃

H4124

of Moab

moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Judges. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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