10. The Spirit of Adonai came upon him as he judged Israel. When he went out to war, Adonai gave King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram into his hand so that he had the upper hand over Cushan-rishathaim.
11. Then the land had peace 40 years. When Othniel son of Kenaz died,
12. Bnei-Yisrael again did what was evil in Adonai’s eyes. So Adonai strengthened King Eglon of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in Adonai’s eyes.
13. So he gathered to himself the people of Ammon and Amalek, then went and defeated Israel and took possession of the City of Palms.
14. Bnei-Yisrael became subject to King Eglon of Moab for 18 years.
15. But when Bnei-Yisrael cried out to Adonai, Adonai raised up a deliverer for them, Ehud son of Gera the Benjamite—a left-handed man. Now Bnei-Yisrael sent tribute with him to King Eglon of Moab.
16. Ehud made himself a double-edged sword, a cubit in length, which he girded on his right thigh under his cloak.
17. Then he presented the tribute to King Eglon of Moab. Eglon was a very fat man.
18. Now when Ehud had finished presenting the tribute, he dismissed the people who had carried the tribute,
19. but he himself turned back, at the idols that were near Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” “Keep silence!” he replied, so all his attendants left him.
20. Then Ehud approached him while he was sitting alone in a roof chamber where it was cool, and said, “I have a message from God for you,” so he arose from his throne.
21. Then Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh and thrust it into his belly.
22. Even the handle went in after the blade and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not withdraw the sword out of his belly—and the filth came out.
23. Then Ehud went out by the porch, shut the doors of the roof chamber on him, and locked them.
24. After he had gone out, his courtiers came and looked, but behold, the doors of the roof chamber were locked. So they said, “He is only relieving himself in the cool chamber.”
25. So they waited till they were embarrassed, but behold, he still did not open the doors of the roof chamber. So they took the key and opened them—and behold, their master was lying dead on the floor.