11. So the land was at peace for 40 years. Then Othniel, the son of Kenaz, died.
12. Once again the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. Because they did that, the Lord gave Eglon power over Israel. Eglon was the king of Moab.
13. He got the Ammonites and Amalekites to join him. All of them came and attacked Israel. They took over Jericho. Jericho was also known as The City of Palm Trees.
14. For 18 years the people of Israel were under the rule of Eglon, the king of Moab.
15. Again the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. Then he gave them a man to save them. His name was Ehud, the son of Gera. Ehud was left-handed. He was from the tribe of Benjamin. The people of Israel sent Ehud to Eglon, the king of Moab. They sent him to give the king what he required them to bring him.
16. Ehud had made a sword that had two edges. It was about a foot and a half long. He tied it to his right leg under his clothes.
17. Eglon, the king of Moab, was a very fat man. Ehud gave him the gift he had brought.
18. After that, he sent away those who had carried it.
19. At the place where some statues of gods stood near Gilgal, Ehud turned back. He said, "King Eglon, I have a secret message for you." The king said, "I want everyone to be quiet." And all of his attendants left him.
20. Then Ehud approached him. King Eglon was sitting alone in the upstairs room of his summer palace. Ehud said, "I have a message from God for you." So the king got up from his seat.
21. Then Ehud reached out his left hand. He pulled out the sword that was tied to his right leg. He stuck it into the king's stomach.