Judges 3

The second prologue continues from the events of Joshua 23–24 (see study note on Judges 1:1–3:6). It introduces a third generation (Judges 2:10) who did not personally witness the Lord’s mighty acts.

The Philistines and Canaanites stayed in the land to teach important lessons. People needed warfare skills to survive in ancient times. God let these enemies stay to train and help Israel.

• The Philistines were not listed with the native Canaanite tribes. They were sea invaders who settled on Israel's southwest coast around 1200 BC. The Philistines had five cities, each with its own ruler (see 1 Samuel 6:16–17). They are mentioned with the Canaanites because they became Israel's main enemy from Samson's time onward.

• The text includes Sidonians and northern Hivites to show that Israel's ideal borders were far north and east of what they actually controlled.

• The Hivites were Canaanite (Hamitic) people (Genesis 10:17). Little is known about them. The Gibeonites, who tricked Joshua (Joshua 9:3–27), were Hivites.

• Baal-hermon is possibly the largest of the three peaks of Mount Hermon in Israel's northeast corner. Lebo-hamath, in southern Lebanon, marks Israel's northernmost ideal boundary (1 Kings 8:65).

Israel did not pass God's test (Judges 3:1–4). Marrying people from other groups led Israel to worship the fertility gods of the Canaanites.

The story of Othniel is a typical example of the cycles in Judges. People did wrong, often worshipping Baal and Asherah (see study notes on Judges 2:11–13; 6:25–32). This angered the Lord and led to foreign oppression. The people's cries moved God to show compassion and send a rescuer-judge through his spirit. The rescuer stopped the oppression, and the land experienced peace before the cycle repeated. Othniel represents an ideal judge.

• Cushan-rishathaim means “Cushan of Double Wickedness.”

• Aram-naharaim means “Aram of the Two Rivers.” This name likely refers to the area between the Euphrates and Balih Rivers in Mesopotamia. It may also mean Mesopotamia, which translates to “Midst of the Two Rivers,” the area between the Tigris and the Euphrates.

• The people of Moab and the Ammonites descended from Lot’s relationship with his daughters (Genesis 19:30–38). Although related to Israel, both nations were Israel’s enemies.

• The Amalekites were nomads who attacked Israel in the desert, and Israel was commanded to remain hostile toward them (Numbers 24:20; Deuteronomy 25:17–19). These three nations likely joined forces because they feared Israel's expansion.

In this epic story of intrigue and cleverness, Ehud showed bravery when a group of nations from east of the Jordan invaded the hill country of Ephraim and Benjamin. The story uses a familiar pattern and emphasizes the people's repeated turning away from their faith.

• left-handed (literally restricted in the right hand): This trait allowed Ehud to hide his weapon on his right hip. The Greek Old Testament translates this phrase as “ambidextrous.” The term is linked to the tribe of Benjamin (“son of my right hand,” Genesis 35:18; see Judges 20:16) and is associated with heroic military skills (compare 1 Chronicles 12:1–2).

• The tribute money was either pieces of metal or, more likely, agricultural goods that needed a team of bearers (Judges 3:18).

A knife for cutting has a single blade. This double-edged dagger is designed to easily stab a victim.

Gilgal became the Israelites' first base after they crossed the Jordan River. It was the site of key events during their conquest (Joshua 4–6). The stone idols might have been a pagan shrine made from the twelve stones Joshua set up (Joshua 4:20). Later, Gilgal remained an important center for both the faithful (1 Samuel 7:16) and idol worshippers (Hosea 4:15; 9:15; 12:11; Amos 4:4; 5:5).

The message needed to be secret so Ehud could be alone with the king. It had to be from God to make sure the plan worked. Eglon likely stood up because he expected a message from the Lord, which he did receive.

The cool upstairs room was likely a rooftop chamber, often used for summer meetings in hot countries.

went out through the porch: The latrine (porch) might have been like those in medieval Europe. It was common for a latrine to extend from a building wall, with an external chute similar to today's laundry or chimney ash chutes.

As the king's servants hesitated over how to handle a king with bowel issues, Ehud made his escape.

Seirah is not well-known, but it was reachable from the hill country. Ephraim and Benjamin could gather there.

blew the ram’s horn: The trumpet sound and the call "Follow me" came with a promise of victory from God through the chosen rescuer.

• Shamgar is not specifically identified as an Israelite or a judge (see Judges 5:6–7).

• Son of Anath: Anath might have been a Canaanite goddess or shrine (compare Judges 1:33, “Beth-anath”). Some ancient texts suggest he was part of a Canaanite warrior class.