Judges 3: Group Study Handout

Overview

Yahweh left certain nations to test Israel, including the Philistines, Canaanites, Sidonians, and Hivites (vv. 1-4). The Israelites lived among these nations and intermarried, leading them to serve other gods (vv.

Key verse

“But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior for them, Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.”

Judges 3:15 (WEB)

Outline

1. Judges 3:1–4 Nations Left to Test Israel
2. Judges 3:5–7 Israel's Disobedience and Idolatry
3. Judges 3:8–11 Oppression by Cushan Rishathaim
4. Judges 3:12–14 Eglon of Moab Oppresses Israel
5. Judges 3:15–20 Ehud's Secret Message
6. Judges 3:21–26 Assassination of Eglon
7. Judges 3:27–31 Victory Over Moab

Discussion questions

1. In v6, what actions do the children of Israel take regarding their daughters and the gods of the Canaanites?
2. What does Yahweh do in v9 when the children of Israel cry out for help?
3. In v12, why does Yahweh strengthen Eglon king of Moab against Israel?
4. Ehud's left-handedness in v15: how does it play a role in the story's unfolding?
5. When have you felt the need to seek help like Israel did in v9 after years of oppression?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Judges 3: Joshua 23, Judges 2, Judges 6.

Before next time: read Judges 4.