Left-Handed Leader

Judges 3:12–15 KJV 1900

12 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord. 13 And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees. 14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years. 15 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.

Outline

I. Leading in Crisis (Judges 3:12-14)

II. Leading by Calling (Judges 3:15-19)

III. Leading by Courage (Judges 3:20-30). 

Message Synopsis: God forms leaders in the furnace of crisis, calls them in the flow of intercession, and proves them in the field of courage. Ehud is unlikely by human standards, yet he is God’s chosen instrument with Spirit-given strategy for a nation under Moabite oppression. The text shows another example of God’s gracious response to the nation’s rebellion by calling a leader during a crisis, who leads by God’s calling, and shows Godly courage. 

Main Idea: God uses painful moments and unpredictable leaders to show His sovereign power, despite our failures. 

Introduction:

Picture this: 1941, a 22-year-old high school coach named Eddie Robinson walks into a tiny, under-resourced HBCU program. There are no assistants. He does not have an equipment budget. He mowed the field, taped ankles, even wrote the game stories for the local paper. That first year they went 3-5. But the very next season he led Grambling to an undefeated campaign. He did not start with flash; he started with standards, discipline, detail, doing the small things right, and the culture began to turn. 

Now watch the long arc: Robinson built Grambling into a national name. Across 55+ seasons he won 408 games, with 17 SWAC titles and 9 Black College National Championships, over time he became the gold-standard for college coaches. He sent well over 200 players to the professional ranks and showcased HBCU excellence on big stages from the Superdome to Yankee Stadium. He was the right leader, at the right time, for the right turnaround. 

Here comes Ehud, whose name means where is the glory. Israel is eighteen years deep into their losing streak. Morale is low, momentum is gone and Moab owns the field. Then Scripture says, “But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer, Ehud” (Judges 3:15). God sends a left-handed leader into a right-handed world and flips the game. Ehud reads the crises, receives the call, and responds with courage. He walks into a losing locker room called Israel and, by the Lord’s hand, turns it around. 

There are too many similarities to number with our world today. Some of our homes need a turn around. Our ministries need a turn around. And hearts feel like that bad team; with a tired record, thin hope, empty stands. But our God still raises leaders at the right time. He’ll use a mother at her table, a teacher in a classroom, a deacon praying at the altar, a student with a yes.

If God could use Ehud, God can use you. So lean in, today we will look at Leading in Crisis, Leading by Calling, and Leading by Courage….and we will watch the Coach of all creation change the culture, call the play, and claim the victory. 

Pattern of Judges

Rebellion — Israel forsakes the Lord for idols.

Retribution — God allows enemies to oppress them.

Repentance — Israel cries out to the Lord in distress.

Rescue and Redemption — God raises up a judge as a political and military leader to deliver His chosen people.

Context and Structure of the Passage

Problem of Apostasy (Judges 3:12)

Payment for their Apostasy (Judges 3:13-14)

Present for Eglon (Judges 3:15-19)

Piercing of Eglon (Judges 3:20-26)

Prevailing Over the Enemy (Judges 3:27-30)

I. Leading in Crisis (Judges 3:12-14)

A. Crisis of Rebellion (Judges 3:12)

Judges 3:12 “12 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord: and the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord.”

“And the children of Israel did evil again…” - The crisis does not begin when Moab marches; it begins when Israel minimizes the importance of following their vows to God. The Bible says they did evil again.” This is relapse religion, warmed by grace, when wandering from God.

“In the sight of the Lord…” - And notice where the sin lands, “in the sight of the Lord.” Sin is first vertical before it comes horizontal. David confessed, “Against thee, thee only, have I sinned” (Psalm 51:4). Righteousness lifts a people; while sin shames them (Proverbs 14:34). Leaders must start with theological diagnosis; not “What is wrong with Moab?” but, “What is wrong with us?”

Now watch the sovereignty: “the Lord strengthened Eglon.” The enemy is not sovereign, but God is. He sometimes uses hard rulers to humble hard hearts. “He changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21). In Judges 2:14-15, the Lord’s anger delivers Israel to the oppressors so they will return. This is love with a rod: “Whome the Lord loveth he chasteneth” Hebrews 12:6). Better a painful providence that wakes us up than a pleasant path that walks us off a cliff.

Theologically, this is covenant discipline, not cosmic chaos. God’s people breached boundaries, and the Covenant Lord kept His holy word (Deuteronomy 28:15). Leaders help people read pain through a promise, not apart from it. Our God is not absent; He is addressing us.

Illustration:

A smoke alarm screeches at 2:00 a.m. You can rip out the battery to silence the sound, but the fire will still burn. Israel tried to hush the symptoms; God aimed at the source. Leadership does not smash alarms; it fights the fire.

Application: Recognize (call sin what God calls it), Repent (turn decisively, not defensively), Return (run toward obedience, not excuses).

Psalm 51:4 “4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, And done this evil in thy sight: That thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, And be clear when thou judgest.”

Deuteronomy 28:15 “15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:”

Daniel 2:21 “21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, And knowledge to them that know understanding:”

KJV Cross-Refs: Ps. 51:4; Prov. 14:34; Judg. 2:14–15; Heb. 12:6–11; Deut. 28:15; Dan. 2:21.

B. Crisis of Repayment (Judges 3:13-14)

Judges 3:13–14 “13 And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees. 14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.”

“And went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees…” Sin sends a bill. Eglon gathers allies (Ammon and amalek), grinds Israel in battle, and grabs the “city of palm trees,” Jericho (Deuteronomy 34:3). The place of past victory becomes the site of present defeat. Rebellion reverses testimonies. “He gave them into the hand of the heathen…Their enemies also oppressed them” (Psalm 106:41-41). What we refuse to correct in obedience, God will correct through opposition.

“So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.” - Eighteen years of servitude is Galatians 6:7 in slow motion: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The covenant had warned, “because though servedst not the Lord… therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies” (Deuteronomy 28:47-48). Bondage is not only political; it is Spiritual: “Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34).

Crisis is not God’s last word; it is God’s loud word: an alarm that invites us back to Him.

Illustration: Plant thistles, reap thorns. Plant corn, reap ears. No farmer is shocked by his field. Israel is harvesting what it seeded. Leaders help the people pull weeds and re-seed with righteousness.

Application: Remember (how God once gave Jericho), Realign (submit again to God’s order), Rebuild (use the hard season to rebuild worship and ways).

Deuteronomy 34:3 “3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.”

Psalm 106:41–43 “41 And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; And they that hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them, And they were brought into subjection under their hand. 43 Many times did he deliver them; But they provoked him with their counsel, And were brought low for their iniquity.”

Galatians 6:7–8 “7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

KJV Cross-Refs: Deut. 34:3; Ps. 106:41–43; Gal. 6:7–8; Deut. 28:47–48; John 8:34.

II. Leading by Calling (Judges 3:15-19)

A. Selected by the Sovereign Lord (Judges 3:15)

Judges 3:15 “15 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 left-handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.”

“But when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord,…” Before we see the leaders, we hear the lament, “they cried unto the Lord.” Heaven answers their request with a human, “the Lord raised….Ehud.” Calling is God’s initiative, not man’s invitation. God’s mercy answers the appeal of His people when they cry.

“the Lord raised them up a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left-handed…” Israel did not hold a caucus; God chose a leader. And the paradox preaches: a left-handed Benjamite (“son of the right hand) becomes God’s right man. The tribe of Benjamin is an unlikely group from which a leader would come, because their numbers have been decimated by conflict with their brethren. They are a small group that is often overlooked. Then even more unusual is a left-handed leader that comes from a group whose name means son of the right-hand. It is rare to find a left-handed person. Interestingly there have only been a few left-handed Presidents of the United States (James A. Garfield, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama). So it is unusual to see a leader from Benjamin, and also a left-handed one.

Ehud being left-handed probably means he is ambidextrous and able to use both hands, especially in battle. He is likely a member of a special group that can use a sling shot with both hands, from a small tribe that is unlikely to produce a leader. God is moving through unusual methods.

“God hath chosen the foolish things…that no flesh should glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29. It is not him that willeth…but God that sehewth mercy” (Romans 9:16).

Illustration: Try cutting with right-handed scissors in the left hand, it feels wrong, but in the right assignment, the “wrong” hand becomes an advantage. God specializes in turning our limitation into His leverage.

Application: Sovereignty (trust God’s initiative), Suitability (believe God can use your difference), Surrender (say yes now).

Psalm 16:9 “9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: My flesh also shall rest in hope.”

Romans 9:16 “16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 “27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.”

KJV Cross-Refs: 1 Cor. 1:26–29; Rom. 9:16; Ex. 3:10–12; Jer. 1:5–8; Ps. 37:23; Prov. 16:9.

B. Strategized by the Spirit (Judges 3:16-19)

Judges 3:16–19 “16 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. 17 And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man. 18 And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present. 19 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.”

“But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges…” The God who calls also counsels. Ehud’s left hand and right-thigh dagger are prudence under God’s providence. Security checks the left thigh of a right-handed men; Ehud hides the blade where no guard expects it. He rides with the tribute, gains access, dismisses the carriers, turns back near the quarries of Gilgal (likely idols), and requests a private audience. This is not carnality; this is sanctified strategy. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5). Jesus said, “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Strategy remains servant to Scripture. We do not deceive for selfish ends; we deploy wisdom for holy ends. “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). The timing belongs to God: “To every thing there is a season” (Ecclesiastes 3:1); “Thought it tarry , wait for it” (Habakkuk 2:3). Prepare the horse for battle, but know “safety is the Lord” (Proverbs 21:31).

Illustration: Chess, not checkers. In checkers, every piece moves the same; in chess, pieces move uniquely. Ehud plays the piece God made him to be, and the King directs the board.

Application: Conceive Spirit-led plans, Consult Scripture and counsel, Commit the plan to the Lord.

James 1:5 “5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Matthew 10:16 “16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”

Habakkuk 2:3 “3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, But at the end it shall speak, and not lie: Though it tarry, wait for it; Because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

KJV Cross-Refs: Jas. 1:5; Matt. 10:16; 1 Sam. 15:22; Acts 5:29; Eccl. 3:1; Hab. 2:3; Prov. 21:31; 2 Cor. 10:3–5.

III. Leading by Courage (Judges 3:20-30)

A. Private Boldness (Judges 3:20-23)

Judges 3:20 KJV 1900

20 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.

Before the trumpet ever sounds, there is quiet room. True leadership bows in private before it stands in public. “I have a message from God,” Ehud’s allegiance is settled. The room clears, the door shuts, and the servant obeys at cost. This is not vigilante violence; this is vocation under divine commission. “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Holy courage is birthed in holy places. “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Joshua heard it, “Be strong and of a good courage…for the Lord thy God is with thee” (Joshua 1:9). Jesus taught the secret place rhythm: “Enter into thy closet…pray to thy Father which is in secret” (Matthew 6:6). Private victories produce public victories.

Illustration: You do not bake with a cold oven. It must preheat. God preheats leaders in private, so when the moment opens, courage is ready.

Application: Purity (Settle motives before God), Prudence (move at God’s hour), Persistence (finish the assignment).

Acts 5:29 “29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Proverbs 28:1 “1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.”

Matthew 6:6 “6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

KJV Cross-Refs: Acts 5:29; 1 Sam. 15:22; Prov. 28:1; Josh. 1:9; Matt. 6:6; Ps. 139:1–2.

B. Public Bravery (Judges 3:27-30)

Judges 3:27–30 KJV 1900

27 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. 28 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. 29 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. 30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.

Private boldness now becomes public bravery. Ehud blows the trumpet in Ephraim, frames the fight with faith confession, “the Lord hath delivered,” then acts accordingly. Courage is contagious. Israel seizes the fords, cuts off retreat, and watches God seal what he has said. “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear” (Psalm 118:6). “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might…having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:10-13). “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Notice the divine-human partnership. God declares; people move. God delivers, and the people fight. That is not contradiction, it is cooperation. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Jehosophat modeled it: Ye shall not need to fight in this battle…believe” (2 Chronicles 20:17), yet they still took their positions. Leadership announces God’s promise, organizes God’s people, and advances in God’s power. Illustration: When a fire captain hits the scene, he does not describe flames; he directs crews, “You take the ladder, you pull the line, you secure the hydrant.” The captain’s voice gives shape to the chaos. Ehud’s trumpet gave shape to Israel’s courage.

Application: Announce (speak God’s promise), Advance (take the next obedient step), Anchor (hold the ground God gives).

Psalm 118:6 “6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?”

1 John 5:4 “4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

James 2:17 “17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

KJV Cross-Refs: Ps. 118:6; Eph. 6:10–13; 1 John 5:4; James 2:17; 2 Chr. 20:15–17; Judg. 3:28.

Closing

Eglon’s call to battle still resonates today, "And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the Lord hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand..."

If we would but follow, the Lord will deliver the victory….

Follow though anguished, the Lord will deliver….

Follow though burdened, the Lord will deliver…

Follow though crying, the Lord will deliver….

Follow though distressed, the Lord will deliver…

Follow though frightened, the Lord will deliver….

Follow though oppressed, the Lord will deliver…

Follow though pressured, the Lord will deliver…

Follow though troubled, the Lord will deliver…

Leading in crisis means we diagnose rebellion and own repentance. Leading by calling means we trust God’s sovereign selection and seek His strategic wisdom. Leading by courage means we win private battles and then blow the trumpet for public obedience. Bring God your limitations—watch Him make them His leverage. Offer Him your availability—watch Him supply the ability. Then expect God to write rest over your home, this church, and this city.

Crisis doesn’t begin when Moab marches; it begins when we minimize sin.

God’s calling is His initiative; our surrender is the invitation.

Private boldness births public bravery; the closet fuels the crowd.

Now, let’s lead. In crisis—discern. By calling—depend. With courage—declare: “The LORD hath delivered.”