In our daily devotional on Judges 3, we are introduced to the first three judges of Israel—Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. While these figures may not be the most renowned, their stories offer profound lessons, especially for those of us who are left-handed, like Ehud. As you read or listen to this chapter, consider the significance of each judge’s role in delivering Israel from its enemies. Reflect on how God uses unlikely individuals, sometimes with unique traits, to bring about His deliverance. Whether you are right or left-handed, the message remains clear: God can use anyone for His purpose when they cry out to Him. To read of God’s mercy in spite of our failings, read the daily devotional on Judges 2.
Judges 3 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In Judges 3, we will be introduced to the first three of the twelve judges covered in the remainder of this book. Also, pay particular attention to the lefty; I am left-handed. This is a special chapter for those of us lefties. Are you right or left-handed? Does it matter? Please read or listen to Judges 3.
What Is the Meaning of Judges 3?
The first three judges are introduced in Judges 3. Did you catch them? The first one was Othniel, the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. The second was Ehud, the lefty, and the third was Shamgar, in the very last verse in chapter 3. Those first three are hardly the most famous judges we think about when we read the Book of Judges; but they are in order, the first three judges in the Book of Judges.
In 1983, I read Judges 3 and 4 together and wrote, “Israel falls away from God. Nations are left to test Israel’s faithfulness. Each time Israel cried out; the Lord provided a deliverer. First Othniel, Caleb’s younger brother.” (Actually, Othniel was Caleb’s younger brother’s son.)
In 1995, remember, I had been laid off from a job of thirteen years, and I was going through that process. Again, I share the prayer of that day before we look at my entry on Judges 3, “A meeting with a pastor this morning. I don’t ‘feel’ the call of God to be a missions pastor, but I am interested in helping with missions. Is there something in between?” I wrote a prayer for that pastor and other pastors I was going to visit with. Then I continued, “Thanks for a good day yesterday with another guy and a foundation and another guy. Praise God. You are ordering my steps.” I also wrote, “I have a meeting with International Bible Society on Monday too.”So, I am working through trying to find my next career path.
Then I wrote about Judges 3, “God leaves enemies in our paths to test our faith and obedience. How do I handle this now in my own life?” Then I wrote, “They do evil, forget God, serve idols, anger God. He gives them over to their enemies. They cry out for deliverance. God in His mercy provides a deliverer, then they go through the cycle again.”
In 2016, I read Judges 3 on two different days. My first entry is about verses 1-11, “God uses nations to test other nations. God left nations to teach Israel war, to keep them sharp, to keep them knowing how to fight to defend themselves. Look at Israel today surrounded by nations who want their destruction, but they know how to fight and have won many wars against their neighbors.”
I continued, “The true test, though, is to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the Lord. Israel not only disobeys by not wiping out the nations, they now live among them, disobeying again, and then by intermarrying with them. And finally, they served their gods. They forgot the Lord their God and did evil in the sight of the Lord. When the people cried out to God, He heard them. Othniel is the first of twelve judges, not kings, who God raises up to deliver Israel from its enemies. The best thing that can be said about a leader is: ‘The Spirit of the Lord was upon him’” (v. 10).
Who Is Ehud in Judges 3?
The next day, I read the rest of Judges 3, verses 12-31 and wrote, “After forty years of rest, the people of Israel, again, did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Does that mean they did right for forty years, or was rest only from attack? God raises up enemies. Who is He raising up against the USA today? ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)? The people cry out to the Lord again, and God raises up a deliverer again. Yay, a lefty,” I wrote in my journal. “Ehud delivers a message from God to the king of Moab, death. Ehud, the second judge, delivers Israel from Moab and they had rest for eighty years.”
What is the significance of Ehud being left-handed in the Bible?
Chapter 3 starts with, “Now these are the nations that theLordleft, to test Israel by them”.The question for you today is: Who or what has God left to test you? Are there some uncomfortable relationships or circ*mstances you are facing? Are they tests from the Lord? To get out from under the test, do what the Israelites did. They cried out to the Lord. And when they did, the Lord provided a deliverer. Maybe it is time for you to cry out to the Lord. I do not know whether He will send you a right-hander or a lefty; but I know He will send a deliverer if your cry is sincere to the Lord.
Prayer
Father, if we are facing some tests in our lives, help us see the formula here in Judges 3. That is, You left people or circ*mstances to test us. Now it is for us to cry out to You for a deliverer. May we humble ourselves and do just that.
Lord, we cry out to You today. Deliver me from the test You put in my path. Help me learn in my life, Lord, not to stray from You but to stay close to You by staying in Your Word and communicating with You in prayer. Thank You for Your deliverance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
