10
When the LORD's Spirit came over him, he became the judge of Israel. He went out to war. The LORD handed King Cushan Rishathaim of Aram Naharaim over to him, and Othniel overpowered him.
11
So there was finally peace in the land for 40 years. Then Othniel, son of Kenaz, died.
12
Once again, the people of Israel did what the LORD considered evil. So the LORD made King Eglon of Moab stronger than Israel, because Israel did what the LORD considered evil.
13
Eglon got the Ammonites and the Amalekites to help him, and they defeated the Israelites and occupied the City of Palms.
14
The Israelites served King Eglon of Moab for 18 years.
15
Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help. The LORD sent a savior to rescue them. It was Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. (Ehud was the son of Gera.) The people sent him with their tax payment to King Eglon of Moab.
16
Ehud made a two-edged dagger for himself. He fastened it to his right side under his clothes.
17
Then he brought the tax payment to King Eglon. (Eglon was a very fat man.)
18
When Ehud had finished delivering the payment, he sent back the men who had carried it.
19
However, Ehud turned around at the stone idols near Gilgal [and returned to Eglon]. He said, "Your Majesty, I have a secret message for you." The king replied, "Keep quiet!" Then all his advisers left the room.
20
Ehud came up to him as he sat alone in his room on the roof. He said to the king, "I have a message from God for you." As the king rose from his throne,