Ehud's Clever Plan for Israel's Freedom

Today's Verse

"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. But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh. And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him. And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God unto thee. And he arose out of his seat. And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out. Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them. When he was gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber. And they tarried till they were ashamed: and, behold, he opened not the doors of the parlour; therefore they took a key, and opened them: and, behold, their lord was fallen down dead on the earth. And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath. And it came to pass, when he was come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount, and he before them. And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man. So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years."

Reflection

Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, ingeniously delivered Israel from Moabite oppression. By crafting a double-edged dagger and using his unique strength, Ehud executed a bold plan, leading Israel to victory and peace for eighty years. In our lives, we often face challenges that require thinking outside the box. Whether in a work project or resolving a family conflict, God equips us with creativity to find new paths to freedom and rest.

Creative problem solving can lead to unexpected victories.

1-Minute Study: Understanding Creative Problem Solving

Creative problem solving involves looking at challenges from different angles and using unique strengths to find solutions. Ehud, left-handed and clever, crafted a plan that leveraged his distinct abilities. Similarly, David used a sling to defeat Goliath, and Jesus fed thousands with five loaves and two fish. Each story shows how God provides the means to solve problems creatively. In our daily lives, embracing our unique talents and thinking creatively can transform obstacles into opportunities for peace and progress.

Cross References: 1 Samuel 17:49 • John 6:9-13 • Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayer of the Day

Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of Ehud and his creative courage. Help us recognize and use our unique gifts to face challenges. May we trust in Your guidance as we seek innovative solutions. Amen.

Today's Challenge

Identify a current challenge you face and brainstorm three unconventional solutions.

Sacred Art Spotlight

Ehud conceals a dagger on his right thigh before meeting King Eglon.