Left-Handed Craziness

Judges 3

Have you ever wondered what was your purpose was on this earth? I also wondered that because I was left handed. You know it is hard being left-handed in a right handed world. Left handers smudge the ink when they write. They can not just pick up a mitt and play some baseball unless for some reason there happened to be a left handed mitt (A rare specialty). As a left-handed person you actually had to buy left handed scissors. Spiral bound notebooks were not very fun because the spiral would be in the way when you write on the right page. Even to play the guitar you need a left-handed guitar which costs double the price of a right handed one. Man oh man, I wondered why was I left handed. Today, I figure out that I am left-handed because left-handed people are better looking, smarter, and funnier than those that are right-handed (this may not be true but at least I think it). 

Today we are going to read about a couple of the first Judges that delivered Israel in the time of suppression from the different surrounding nations. 

Othniel

This man was raised up by God for the deliverance of the people of Israel. The reason why the people of Israel were in need of deliverance was because they did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They served after Baal, and Asheroth (idols of the Canaanites). Because of this, king of Mesopotamia reigned over them for 8 years. They cried out to God for help and he raised up Othniel who was a relative of Caleb (see Numbers 14; 32:12; and Joshua 14:6) Through God using Othniel they were delivered from the king. He made war on the king and they were set free.

Ehud

The same cycle as before took place. All of Israel did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. The Lord allowed King Eglon, who was king over Moab to take over Israel. Again the people cried out for help and God raised up Ehud who was a left handed man. Ehud knew the trouble of being left-handed. Ehud was like an Israeli ninja because he assassinated King Eglon in his chamber and fled without being caught. He rallied all of Israel to make war on Moab and God was with them. 

Shamgar

Not much is said about this judge but that he killed 600 Philistines with an ox-goad. An ox-goad was about 10 feet long and about 6 inches around. It had a sharp metal tip and was used to prod and turn oxen. The other end was flat and had curved blade for cleaning a plow. With this farm tool, he killed 600 Philistines. The other part we see is that he served Israel. He was a good leader as he wanted to serve his country and not himself.

These men were raised by God at the right time to deliver the people from the hands of the enemy. You may be thinking what am I here for or what is my purpose and I wish I could tell you each in detail what you will be doing in a specific way. The only think I can tell you is to seek after the Lord with all your heart. When you do, you will see what your purpose is for. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”