Derek Thomas

He didn't see Ehud as a threat.

And what does that tell you?

This king thought that there was going to be something of value, something to gain, maybe a compromise or something like that.

But then suddenly, verse 21 says, Ehud reached with his left hand.

He's got a sword strapped to his right thigh, so he would reach with his left hand and bring out this dagger, and he stabs him in the stomach.

And the description is very graphic.

He plunges this 18-inch dagger, including the handle.

And his hand goes right into his belly.

And the dung came out.

Well, why does the Bible tell us this awful story?

Because it's the story that Ehud told.

He's alone.

There are no witnesses, but he would have told this story.

And it's important because of what happens next.

Eglon is lying on the floor.

There's dung.

And it smells.

And Ehud locks the door and manages to escape.

And when the servants come, well, they can smell it from the other side of the door.

And they think he's on the privy, and he's having a really bad time of it.