Ehud ben Gera: The Left-Handed Hero Who Liberated Israel

Eighteen Years of Oppression

Ehud ben Gera, from the tribe of Binyamin, was the second Judge of Israel during the era of the Shoftim (Judges). His rise came during a dark chapter in Israel’s history. After once again straying from Hashem, the people of Israel were punished by being subjugated to Eglon, king of Moav.

Together with the Ammonites and Amalekites, Eglon crossed the Jordan, defeated the Israelites, and captured the city of Jericho. For 18 years, the people endured his rule and paid heavy taxes.

Eventually, the nation cried out to Hashem for salvation. Their plea was answered: “And Hashem raised up for them a savior, Ehud ben Gera, the Benjaminite” (Shoftim3:15).

A Sword Concealed, A Plan Conceived

Ehud devised a plan that relied on strategy and surprise. He forged a double-edged dagger, short enough to hide under his clothes, and strapped it to his right thigh, a clever detail, as he was left-handed and guards only searched the left side, where a right-handed person would likely stash a sword.

Leading a delegation to deliver the tribute tax to Eglon, Ehud waited until the offering was presented and then sent his companions home, remaining alone in the palace. Eglon, described in the verse as “a very fat man,” was unaware of the danger before him.

Ehud approached and said, “I have a message from Hashem for you.” Eglon, intrigued and perhaps flattered by the gesture of prophecy, rose from his seat, at which point Ehud drew his hidden sword with his left hand and struck, killing the king in one swift movement.

A Call to Arms and a Lasting Victory

After slaying Eglon, Ehud escaped and returned to the hill country of Ephraim. There, he blew a shofar, rallying the Israelites to rise against their Moabite oppressors.

The people responded with strength. They struck down about 10,000 Moabite soldiers and seized the strategic crossings over the Jordan, cutting off the enemy's retreat.

Ehud’s bold and unconventional act led not only to freedom but to long-term peace. Scripture records that the land was quiet for 80 years following the victory.