For other uses, see Ehud (given name).

Judges in the Bible
In the Book of Joshua: Joshua In the Book of Judges: Othniel • Ehud • Shamgar • Deborah • Barak† • Gideon • Abimelech† • Tola • Jair •Jephthah • Ibzan • Elon • Abdon • Samson In First Samuel: Eli • Samuel †Not explicitly described as a judge This box: view • talk • edit

Ehud ben‑Gera (Hebrew: אֵהוּד בֶּן‑גֵּרָא‎, Standard Ehud ben‑Gera Tiberian ʾĒhûḏ ben‑Gērāʾ; in the Biblical Book of Judges (3:12–4:1) was the judge who fought against the Moabites, which were ruled by King Eglon. Ehud had made a short double-edged sword about a foot and a half long useful for a stabbing thrust. He then hid the sword by strapping it to his right thigh under his clothing and met the king under the pretense of giving him tribute. Being left-handed, he could conceal the sword on the side where it was not expected.

Ehud then tricked Eglon by saying he had a secret message intended for the king. Eglon sent all of his attendants away to hear the message, and Ehud drew his sword, saying, "I have a message from God for you", and stabbed the king. Eglon was eviscerated by the blow, which punctured his intestines: "and the dirt came out." ("Dirt" here euphemistically refers to excrement; NOAB, Judges 3:21–22, footnote.)

After killing Eglon, Ehud locked the doors to the king's chamber and left. Eglon's assistants came back to check on the king but when they found the doors locked they assumed the king was relieving himself. They "waited to the point of embarrassment" until they finally unlocked the door and went in, where they found their king dead. Ehud escaped during this time and made it to the town of Seriah. He then led the tribe of Ephraim to seize the fords of the Jordan River, where they killed about 10,000 Moabite soldiers.

After the death of Eglon, king of Moab, there was peace in the land for 80 years.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Name 3 See also 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Etymology

The etymology is unknown. According to Amos Chacham medieval rabbis favored one of two explanations. Some, like the Vilna Gaon claimed that the original name was אחוד (Eḥud) and that the ḥet became a he. חוד relates to "unity". Others claimed that the name is related to hod הוד, "glory". Since Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, when he revived modern Hebrew, could not find a Biblical root, he searched for an Arabic cognate and settled on "hawadah", to treat with indulgence or kindness. Israelis often identify the word with beloved, support, or friend. None of these claims are accepted by contemporary linguists as legitimate etymologies or translations.^[1]

[edit] Name

The name "Ehud" is not attested as a first name among Jews until the 20th Century. However, Zionism—as part of its nation-building process—strongly encouraged using the names of Jewish heroes and warriors of ancient times, including that of Ehud. As a result, it has become a common name in contemporary Israel.

Two Prime Ministers of Israel have had the first name Ehud: Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert.

Israelis named Ehud are often nicknamed "Udi".

[edit] See also

• Biblical judges
• Book of Judges

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.balashon.com/2007/01/ohad-and-ehud.html

[edit] External links

• Articles:
  • Book of Judges article (Jewish Encyclopedia)

Ehud Tribe of Ephraim
Preceded by Othniel	Judge of Israel	Succeeded by Shamgar