Ehud's Assassination and Israel's Deliverance
Judges 3:12-30
Jud.3.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויספו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- הרע: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עגלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- כי: CONJ
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הרע: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 2:11 (thematic): Introduces the recurring formula 'the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD,' which frames the cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance throughout Judges.
- Judges 3:8 (verbal): Closely related statement that the LORD gave/sold Israel into the hand of Moab/Eglon—direct continuation of 3:12's note that God empowered Eglon because of Israel's sin.
- Judges 4:1 (structural): Repeats the same narrative pattern: Israel does evil, and the LORD strengthens a foreign king (Jabin) against them, showing the cyclical mechanism of divine judgment.
- Judges 10:6-7 (thematic): Another episode of the Judges-cycle where Israel's evil leads to oppression by neighboring peoples, underscoring the book's consistent cause-and-effect motif.
- 2 Kings 17:20 (thematic): On a broader national scale, Israel's persistent sin results in being handed over to foreign powers and exile—paralleling Judges' theme of divine punishment through foreign domination.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel because they had done what was evil in the sight of the LORD.
- And the Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD; so the LORD strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
Jud.3.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאסף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמלק: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויירשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- התמרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Judges 3:8 (thematic): Earlier instance in the same chapter of God delivering Israel into foreign hands as judgment—pattern of oppression by surrounding peoples.
- Judges 10:8-9 (thematic): The Ammonites (here with the Philistines) oppress Israel and prompt a cry for deliverance—parallel theme of Ammonite hostility and Israel’s subjection.
- Exodus 17:8-16 (verbal): Amalek attacks Israel in the wilderness; an early narrative motif of Amalekite aggression echoed by Judges’ mention of Amalek as an enemy.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-2 (thematic): The Amalekites raid and carry off spoil and captives (Ziklag episode), paralleling the image of enemy raiding and taking cities/territory from Israel.
- 1 Samuel 11:1-2 (thematic): An Ammonite siege of an Israelite city (Jabesh‑Gilead) highlights the recurring motif of Ammonite aggression and the capture/endangerment of Israelite towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- He allied himself with the sons of Ammon and Amalek, and they went and defeated Israel and took possession of the City of Palms.
- He gathered to him the people of Ammon and Amalek; he went and struck Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms.
Jud.3.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעבדו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עגלון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- שמונה: NUM,card,f,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.3.8 (verbal): Directly parallel wording: Israel ‘served’ a foreign king for a specified number of years (Chushan‑rishathaim eight years), mirroring the report that they served Eglon eighteen years.
- Judg.2.14 (thematic): Sets out the theological pattern: Israel’s sin leads the LORD to deliver/sell them into the hands of their enemies—background for episodes of foreign domination such as Eglon’s rule.
- Judg.6.1 (thematic): Another episode where Israel is delivered into an enemy’s hand for a fixed term (Midian for seven years), reflecting the same cycle of sin, oppression, and eventual deliverance.
- Judg.13.1 (thematic): Later summary that Israel ‘did evil’ and was given into the Philistines’ hand for forty years; parallels the motif of prolonged subjugation by neighboring powers like the eighteen‑year rule of Eglon.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years.
- And the Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years.
Jud.3.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויזעקו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מושיע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אהוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הימיני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אטר: ADJ,m,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ימינו: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3ms
- וישלחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- מנחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לעגלון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Judg.3.9 (verbal): Similar wording and pattern: when Israel cried out the LORD 'raised up' a deliverer (Othniel). Parallel formula for divine response and raising a judge.
- Judg.2.16 (verbal): General refrain of the book: 'the LORD raised up judges' to deliver Israel. Connects Ehud’s rise to the recurring salvific pattern in Judges.
- Exod.3.9-10 (thematic): God hears the cry of Israel under oppression and commissions a deliverer (Moses). The episode provides a broader OT theme of deliverance in response to Israel’s cry.
- Judg.3.31 (thematic): Shamgar, like Ehud, is a brief, violent deliverer who slays enemy leaders and 'delivers Israel'—another case of an unexpected hero effecting salvation.
- Judg.20.16 (verbal): Mentions Benjamite left-handed warriors (seven hundred); echoes the motif of left-handed skill/valor associated with Benjamin and with Ehud's left-handedness.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the Israelites cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up for them a deliverer—Ehud son of Gera, a Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent tribute by his hand to Eglon king of Moab.
- And the Israelites cried unto the LORD; and the LORD raised up for them a deliverer—Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man. And the Israelites sent tribute by his hand to Eglon king of Moab.
Jud.3.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אהוד: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולה: CONJ+PRON,3,f,sg
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- פיות: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- גמד: ADJ,m,sg
- ארכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויחגר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אותה: PRON,3,f,sg,acc
- מתחת: PREP
- למדיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ירך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ימינו: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3ms
Parallels
- Judg.3.21 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation — Ehud draws the sword from his right thigh and uses it to assassinate Eglon.
- Judg.3.22 (structural): Further continuation — description of the sword entering Eglon and the aftermath of the stabbing begun in v.16.
- Ps.45:3 (verbal): Girding a sword upon the thigh echoes the motif of carrying a weapon at the thigh (Hebrew/imagery parallel to Ehud's concealed blade).
- Heb.4:12 (verbal): Uses the image of a two-edged (double-edged) sword — verbal parallel to Ehud’s 'two-edged' (שני פיות) blade.
- Luke 22:38 (thematic): Discussion of disciples carrying swords (and readiness for violent action) parallels the theme of a concealed, carried weapon prepared for use.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now Ehud made for himself a double-edged sword, short in its length; and he fastened it under his clothes upon his right thigh.
- And Ehud made for himself a sword, double-edged, a short blade; and he bound it under his clothing upon his right thigh.
Jud.3.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המנחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לעגלון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ועגלון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בריא: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
Parallels
- Judges 3:14 (structural): Same narrative context introducing Eglon king of Moab and Israel’s subjection to him (sets up the tribute/payment mentioned in 3:17).
- Judges 3:21-23 (verbal): Continues the description of Eglon’s corpulence and records Ehud’s assassination — the ‘very fat’ characterization is integral to the ensuing violent scene.
- Judges 3:26 (verbal): Describes how the fat closed over the weapon after Ehud’s stroke, echoing and completing the detail that Eglon was ‘very fat.’
- 1 Samuel 8:11-17 (thematic): Samuel’s warning about what a king will take from the people (fields, servants, taxes) parallels the theme of subject peoples compelled to give tribute or presents to a ruler.
- 1 Kings 10:24-25 (thematic): Foreigners bringing presents to a powerful ruler (Solomon) parallels the act of bringing a ‘mĕnukhâ’/present to a king as in Judges 3:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- He brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man.
- And he brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab; and Eglon was a very fat man.
Jud.3.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- כלה: ADV
- להקריב: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- המנחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נשאי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- המנחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 3:20-21 (structural): Immediate continuation of the scene: after the bearers are sent away Ehud gains private access and kills Eglon. Direct narrative parallel within the same episode.
- Judges 4:21-22 (thematic): Jael receives Sisera into a private tent under the guise of hospitality and then kills him while he is unsuspecting—similar motif of intimate access and treacherous killing in a private setting.
- 1 Samuel 26:6-12 (thematic): David and Abishai enter Saul’s sleeping quarters by night to gain access to the king; the episode shares the themes of covert approach to a ruler and the moral choice about killing a sovereign.
- Genesis 22:3-5 (verbal): Abraham sends his servants away before proceeding alone with Isaac to perform a sacrifice—parallel in the action of dismissing attendants so that a private, decisive act can occur.
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Abner is treacherously murdered after being lured aside—another example of a political/military leader killed by subterfuge, reflecting the motif of betrayal in leadership struggles.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Ehud had finished offering the tribute, he sent away the men who bore the tribute.
- When he had finished presenting the tribute, he sent away the company that bore the tribute.
Jud.3.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מן: PREP
- הפסילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- את: PRT,acc
- הגלגל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הס: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- העמדים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.3.20-21 (structural): Immediate continuation: Ehud declares he has a secret, the attendants leave, and Ehud assassinates Eglon — same scene continued and completed here.
- 2 Sam.13.28-29 (thematic): Absalom arranges a private setting in which his brother Amnon is isolated and then killed by servants — a planned, intimate killing made possible by removing others.
- Gen.27:18-29 (thematic): Jacob approaches his blind father in a private audience, using deception in a secluded setting to accomplish a decisive transfer of blessing/power — similar use of private speech to effect a dramatic outcome.
- Esther 7:6-10 (thematic): Esther’s private revelation to the king exposes Haman’s plot and leads directly to Haman’s downfall — like a confidential audience producing immediate life-or-death consequences.
- Judg.9:53-54 (thematic): A sudden, surprise killing occurs when a woman hurls a millstone from a tower, producing an unexpected death in a localized setting — parallels the motif of sudden, decisive violence in close quarters.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he himself turned back from the images that stood near the shrine and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And the king said, “Be quiet,” and all his attendants went out from him.
- And he turned from the idols that were by Gilgal, and said, "I have a secret message for you, O king." He said, "Silence!" and all who stood about him went out.
Jud.3.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואהוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בעלית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המקרה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אהוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מעל: PREP
- הכסא: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judg.3.21-22 (structural): Direct continuation of the same episode: after Ehud claims he has a message from God and the king rises, Ehud draws his concealed dagger and kills Eglon—shows the immediate structural link and fulfillment of the deceptive approach.
- Judg.4.21 (thematic): Jael's killing of Sisera in his tent parallels Ehud's assassination of Eglon: both involve a private encounter, a lull in the enemy's guard, and a surprise, personal killing carried out by an unexpected assailant.
- 1 Kgs.13.18 (allusion): An individual claims to have a divine message as part of a deceptive encounter; here an old prophet falsely invokes 'a word from the LORD' to mislead another prophet—parallel in the use of alleged divine authorization as a pretext in personal interactions.
- 2 Kgs.9.24 (thematic): Jehu's sudden, violent strike against King Jehoram in a close encounter echoes the motif of an unexpected assassination of a ruler in a personal setting, emphasizing abrupt political/violent removal of leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ehud came to him while he sat alone in his upper chamber; and Ehud said, “A message from God for you.” Then the king rose from his seat.
- Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting alone in the upper cool chamber. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." And he arose from his seat.
Jud.3.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אהוד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמאלו: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3ms
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- החרב: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מעל: PREP
- ירך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ימינו: NOUN,m,sg,suff-3ms
- ויתקעה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בבטנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.3.24 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: servants enter and find Eglon dead after Ehud's thrust — same incident viewed from the aftermath.
- Judg.3.26 (structural): Same scene detail: the sword is left embedded in the corpse (handle/blade lodged), echoing the physical aftermath of the stabbing.
- 2 Sam.3.27 (verbal): Joab murders Abner by striking him in the body (often described as under the ribs/stomach); language and hidden‑violence motif parallel Ehud's sudden, fatal thrust.
- 2 Sam.20.10 (verbal): Joab kills Amasa by seizing and stabbing him in the belly — a comparable treacherous assassination described with similar bodily imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.
- Then Ehud put forth his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.
Jud.3.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- הנצב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אחר: PREP
- הלהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויסגר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- החלב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעד: PREP
- הלהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- שלף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- החרב: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מבטנו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הפרשדנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Judg.3.16 (verbal): Same episode — Ehud has a concealed sword hidden under his clothing (the weapon concealed on his thigh) that enables the killing in vv.20–22.
- Judg.3.20–21 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the act of thrusting the sword into Eglon (v.20) and Ehud’s leaving/closing the doors (v.21) frame the graphic detail of the blade and handle in v.22.
- Judg.3.26–30 (thematic): The aftermath of the assassination and Israel’s liberation, parallel in theme: the single-handed killing leads directly to military deliverance (vv.26–30 continue the story begun in v.22).
- Judg.4.21 (thematic): Jael’s killing of Sisera by driving a peg through his head — a personal, close-quarters assassination that effects the national deliverance, parallel in method and theological significance to Ehud’s deed.
- 1 Sam.31.4–5 (thematic): Saul’s death by his own sword (falling on it) and the graphic presence of the weapon in the body offers a parallel motif of death effected by a blade and the intimate, bodily reality of such deaths.
Alternative generated candidates
- The hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the sword out of his belly; and his entrails were discharged.
- And the handle also went in after the blade, and the fat closed upon the blade; for he drew not forth the sword from his belly, and his bowels were discharged.
Jud.3.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אהוד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- המסדרונה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויסגר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דלתות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- העליה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בעדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ונעל: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.3.24-26 (verbal): Immediate context: continuation of the same episode — the locking of the doors and the servants’ discovery of Eglon’s body (same verbs and sequence).
- 1 Sam.19:13-16 (verbal): Michal’s deception: she puts a household idol in bed, lets David escape through a window, and the messengers report the door as locked — similar language and motif of locking a door to conceal a person/action.
- Judg.4:17-22 (thematic): Jael’s killing of Sisera inside her tent after offering hospitality: both narratives feature a surprising, intimate slaying carried out by means of subterfuge in a private domestic space.
- 2 Sam.11:14-17 (thematic): David’s engineered death of Uriah by sending him to the front lines: like Ehud’s concealed assassination, this is a covertly arranged killing to remove an enemy/obstacle through deceptive means.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Ehud slipped out into the porch, shut the doors of the upper chamber upon him, and locked them.
- Then Ehud went out into the porch, and shut the doors of the upper chamber upon him, and locked them.
Jud.3.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ועבדיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,sg(suff)
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויראו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- והנה: ADV
- דלתות: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- העליה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- נעלות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אך: PART
- מסיך: PTCP,qal,act,3,m,sg
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- רגליו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3,m
- בחדר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cons
- המקרה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 3:20-21 (structural): Immediate context: Ehud kills Eglon in the inner chamber and conceals the body—these verses describe the stabbing and concealment that explain why the servants think he is relieving himself.
- Judges 4:18-22 (thematic): Jael gives Sisera shelter and then murders him in his tent while he sleeps—similar motif of hospitality/privacy exploited to conceal an assassination.
- 1 Samuel 19:12-17 (thematic): Michal deceives Saul’s messengers by hiding David in a bed-chamber and telling them he is sick—servants misled about the condition or location of a person inside a private room.
- 2 Samuel 11:6-17 (thematic): David arranges Uriah’s death after a secret affair with Bathsheba; private actions and deceptive maneuvers lead to a concealed killing—parallels in clandestine violence and betrayal.
Alternative generated candidates
- After he had gone, his servants came and saw that the doors of the upper chamber were locked; and they said, “Surely he is relieving himself in the cool chamber.”
- When he had gone out, his attendants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the upper chamber were locked. They said, "Surely he is covering his feet in the cool chamber."
Jud.3.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחילו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- עד: PREP
- בוש: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- והנה: ADV
- איננו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl,neg
- פתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דלתות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- העליה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המפתח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויפתחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- והנה: ADV
- אדניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl
- נפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ארצה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 4:21-22 (thematic): Jael murders Sisera in a domestic, upper-room setting and the body is discovered by others — parallels the stealth killing in an upper chamber and servants finding the lord dead.
- 2 Kings 9:30-37 (thematic): Jezebel is cast from an upper window and her death is discovered and reported; similar motifs of a violent death in a household/royal setting and subsequent discovery.
- Isaiah 22:22 (verbal): The imagery of a 'key' and control of access (key of the house of David) echoes the concrete taking of a key to open doors in Judges 3:25 — linking motifs of authority and access.
- 1 Samuel 19:12-17 (structural): Michal’s deception (letting David escape through a window, placing a substitute in bed, closing doors) uses closed doors, an upper chamber/window, and servants’ assumptions — a parallel arrangement of concealment and household response.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they waited until they were ashamed; and behold, he opened not the doors of the upper chamber. So they took the key and opened, and behold—their lord was fallen dead on the floor.
- They tarried until they were ashamed; and behold, he did not open the doors of the upper chamber. So they took the key and opened them, and behold, their lord lay fallen upon the floor, dead.
Jud.3.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואהוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נמלט: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- התמהמהם: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg,obj=3,m,pl
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הפסילים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וימלט: CONJ+VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- השעירתה: NOUN,f,sg,def+PRON:3,f,sg
Parallels
- Judg.3.24 (structural): Immediate context in the same episode: the preceding verse describes how Ehud shut the doors of the roof-chamber and concealed the deed before making his escape — part of the same stealth-and-escape sequence.
- Judg.4.21 (thematic): Jael’s murder of Sisera in a private dwelling is a parallel motif — a surprise killing of an enemy leader inside a house/tent that leads to Israel’s deliverance.
- 1 Sam.19.11-12 (thematic): Michal’s aid to David (letting him down through a window so he can flee from Saul’s men) parallels the motif of a covert escape from a private residence in the face of pursuit.
- 1 Sam.26.6-12 (thematic): David’s nighttime infiltration into Saul’s camp/quarters and his subsequent withdrawal underlines the recurring motif of stealthy approach to a ruler’s sleeping place and escape past dangerous attendants/guards.
Alternative generated candidates
- While they tarried, Ehud escaped. He passed beyond the images and escaped to Seirah.
- Ehud escaped while they delayed; and he passed beyond the idols and escaped to Seirah.
Jud.3.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בבואו: PREP+VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,sg
- ויתקע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בשופר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- ההר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 6:34 (verbal): Gideon 'blew a trumpet' to summon the Abiezrites and gather men—same verb/act of sounding a trumpet to assemble forces.
- Numbers 10:2,9 (structural): Divine instructions for using trumpets to call the assembly and for sounding when going to war or on the march—establishes the institutional role of the trumpet as a summons.
- 1 Samuel 13:3 (verbal): Saul 'blew the trumpet throughout all the land' to rally Israel after Jonathan's exploit—another instance of the trumpet as a public summons/announcement.
- Judges 7:19-20 (thematic): Gideon's men blew trumpets and gave a shout to rout the Midianites—trumpet used as a tactical signal in battle, paralleling Ehud’s use to mobilize Israel for combat.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he arrived, he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down with him from the hill, and he was before them.
- And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the hill of Ephraim; and the Israelites went down with him from the hill, and he went before them.
Jud.3.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- רדפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אחרי: PREP
- כי: CONJ
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- איביכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,pl,m
- את: PRT,acc
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בידכם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- וירדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- וילכדו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מעברות: NOUN,f,pl,constr
- הירדן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למואב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעבר: INF,qal
Parallels
- Judges 4:14-16 (quotation): Deborah tells Barak that the LORD has given Sisera into his hand; Barak pursues and defeats the enemy—direct parallel in language and the motif of divine deliverance enabling pursuit and slaughter.
- Judges 7:24-25 (structural): After Gideon's victory the Israelites pursue the Midianites, capture enemy leaders and bring their heads beyond the Jordan—similar pursuit, decisive defeat, and reference to actions 'beyond the Jordan'.
- Psalm 18:37-39 (thematic): David describes pursuing and overtaking his enemies because the LORD empowered him; parallels the theme of God giving foes into Israel’s hand and successful pursuit.
- 2 Kings 7:6-7 (thematic): The LORD causes the enemy camp to panic so that the pursuers seize the spoils; thematically similar in that divine intervention produces a routed enemy and allows Israelite pursuit and capture.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to them, “Follow after me, for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” So they followed after him and seized the fords of the Jordan to Moab; no one was allowed to pass over.
- He said unto them, "Follow after me; for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand." So they followed after him and took the fords of the Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.
Jud.3.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכו: VERB,qal,yiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההיא: DEM,f,sg
- כעשרת: NUM,card,m,pl,cons
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- שמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- נמלט: VERB,nif,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 10:40 (verbal): Describes a complete rout in which Joshua 'took the whole land' and 'left none that breathed,' paralleling Judges 3:29's note that 'not a man escaped.'
- Joshua 11:11 (verbal): Reports the destruction of enemy kings and peoples with language of killing 'every person' and leaving none—similar phrasing and result to the slaughter of ten thousand in Judges 3:29.
- 1 Samuel 15:8 (thematic): Saul's campaign against Amalek 'utterly destroyed' everyone and everything, echoing the theme of total annihilation of an enemy people found in Judges 3:29.
- Numbers 31:7-8 (verbal): In the Midianite campaign the Israelites 'slew every male,' a report of large-scale slaughter that parallels the decisive, comprehensive victory described in Judges 3:29.
- Judges 4:23-24 (structural): After a decisive victory over Canaanite forces Israel experiences a period of rest (here forty years), mirroring the structural pattern in Judges 3 where victory over Moab is followed by eighty years of rest.
Alternative generated candidates
- They struck down about ten thousand men of Moab at that time—every able-bodied man and warrior; not a man escaped.
- They struck Moab that day about ten thousand men, all strong men; not a man escaped.
Jud.3.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ותכנע: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- תחת: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותשקט: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- שמונים: NUM,card,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 3:11 (verbal): Same judge-deliverance formula: after Israel's deliverance the text states 'and the land had rest' for a specified number of years (here 40), mirroring the 'land was quiet eighty years' pattern.
- Judges 8:28 (verbal): Uses similar language of subduing an enemy and then stating the land had rest (Gideon's victory leads to 'the land had rest forty years'), paralleling the wording and structure.
- Joshua 11:23 (thematic): After nationwide military victories the book concludes with the land resting from war; thematically parallels Israel's subjugation of foes and ensuing peace/rest.
- 2 Samuel 8:2 (thematic): Describes Israel's military dominance over Moab under a national leader (David), echoing the theme of Moab brought under Israel's hand.
- Judges 2:16-19 (structural): Sets out the recurring Deuteronomistic cycle—oppression, cry, deliverance by a judge, and subsequent years of rest—which provides the structural context for statements like 'the land had rest eighty years.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel, and the land had rest for eighty years.
- So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel, and the land had rest for eighty years.
And the Israelites again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD strengthened Eglon king of Moab against Israel because they had done what was evil in the sight of the LORD.
He gathered to him the Ammonites and the Amalekites; they went and struck Israel, and took possession of the City of Palms.
The Israelites served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years. And the Israelites cried out to the LORD; and the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud son of Gera, a Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The Israelites sent tribute to Eglon king of Moab by his hand. And Ehud made for himself a sword, a short double-edged sword, and he bound it under his clothes on his right thigh. And he presented the tribute to Eglon king of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man.
When Ehud had finished offering the tribute, he sent away the men who carried the tribute. And he himself turned back from the idols that were by the pillar and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And the king said, “Silence!” and all who stood beside him went out.
Ehud came to him while he was sitting alone in his cool upper room, and Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” Then the king arose from his seat. And Ehud reached with his left hand, took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.
The handle also went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the sword out of his belly; and his bowels were discharged.
Then Ehud went out into the porch and shut the doors of the upper room behind him and locked them.
When he had gone, his attendants came; and when they saw, behold, the doors of the upper room were locked. They said, “He is relieving himself in the cool room.”
They waited until they were ashamed; and behold, he did not open the doors of the upper room. So they took the key and opened them, and behold, their lord was fallen to the earth, dead.
Ehud escaped while they delayed; he passed beyond the idols and fled to Seirah.
When he arrived, he blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down with him from the hill, and he was before them.
He said to them, “Follow after me; for the LORD has given your enemies, the Moabites, into your hand.” So they went down after him and seized the fords of the Jordan to Moab, and they allowed no one to pass over.
They struck down about ten thousand men, all strong and valiant; not a man escaped. So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel, and the land was at peace for eighty years.