Judges 3 28

Judges 3:28 kjv

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.

Judges 3:28 nkjv

Then he said to them, "Follow me, for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand." So they went down after him, seized the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross over.

Judges 3:28 niv

"Follow me," he ordered, "for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands." So they followed him down and took possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab; they allowed no one to cross over.

Judges 3:28 esv

And he said to them, "Follow after me, for the LORD has given your enemies the Moabites into your hand." So they went down after him and seized the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites and did not allow anyone to pass over.

Judges 3:28 nlt

"Follow me," he said, "for the LORD has given you victory over Moab your enemy." So they followed him. And the Israelites took control of the shallow crossings of the Jordan River across from Moab, preventing anyone from crossing.

Judges 3 verses

Judges 3 28 Meaning

Ehud, having assassinated Eglon, called the Israelites to follow him, declaring that the LORD had already delivered their Moabite enemies into their hand. Responding obediently, the Israelites moved swiftly with Ehud to seize the strategic Jordan River fords, preventing any Moabite escape back across the river. This act effectively trapped the Moabite occupation force, setting the stage for their complete destruction.

Judges 3 28 Context

Judges chapter 3 begins by recounting Israel's continued apostasy after the death of Joshua, leading to oppression by surrounding nations as a divine judgment for their disobedience. The narrative of Ehud (Judges 3:12-30) details the oppression under Eglon, the fat king of Moab, for eighteen years. Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, is raised up by God as a deliverer (judge). His initial act involves cunningly assassinating Eglon in his palace, securing himself and then fleeing. Verse 28 describes Ehud's return from Eglon's palace to the Ephraimite hill country, where he blew a trumpet to rally the Israelite forces. His urgent declaration that the LORD had already delivered their enemies into their hand served as the critical impetus for the subsequent unified and strategic military action described in the latter half of the verse, leading to a decisive victory and eighty years of peace for Israel. Historically, the fords of the Jordan were vital crossing points, making their capture a crucial strategic move to trap the Moabite forces and prevent their retreat.

Judges 3 28 Word analysis

• And he said unto them,: This introduces Ehud's rallying cry and his emerging leadership. His previous stealth operation is now replaced by open command.
• Follow after me: Hebrew "רִדְפ֣וּ אַחֲרָ֑י" (ridp̄ū 'aḥărāy). The verb "רָדַף" (radaph) means "to pursue, chase, follow eagerly." It denotes urgent, military pursuit and not merely accompanying him. It signifies an immediate call to action and battle, indicative of a divinely appointed leader.
• for the LORD: Hebrew "כִּֽי־נָתַ֨ן יְהוָ֤ה" (kî-nātan YHWH). "YHWH" (the Tetragrammaton) identifies the covenant God of Israel. Ehud immediately attributes the coming victory not to his cunning or their strength, but to the sovereign God who is acting on their behalf. This underscores a core biblical principle of divine warfare.
• hath delivered: Hebrew "נָתַן" (nātan), meaning "to give, put, set, deliver." The perfect tense in Hebrew here signifies a completed action, implying that God's act of delivering is already a done deal in His divine plan. This confidence instills faith and courage in the people to act.
• your enemies: Hebrew "אוֹיֵב" ('oyēḇ), meaning "enemy, adversary." Specifically referring to the Moabite oppressors who held dominion over Israel for 18 years.
• into your hand: Hebrew "בְּיֶדְכֶֽם" (bəyeḏəḵem). "יד" (yad), literally "hand," functions as an idiom for power, control, authority, or possession. To deliver into one's hand means to grant victory or complete control over. It's a common declaration of divine favor in battle.
• And they went down after him,: Hebrew "וַיֵּרְד֣וּ אַחֲרָ֗יו" (wayyērədū 'aḥărāw). "יָרַד" (yarad) means "to go down." This implies descending from the hill country of Ephraim where Ehud rallied them, towards the Jordan Valley. It indicates swift obedience and a unified military movement.
• and took the fords of Jordan: Hebrew "וַֽיִּלְכְּד֤וּ אֶת־מַעְבְּרוֹת֙ הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן" (wayyilkkedū 'et-maʿəḇərôt hayyardēn). "לָכַד" (lakad) means "to capture, seize, take control." "מַעְבְּרָה" (maʿăḇərâ) refers to a "ford" or "crossing place," specifically points in the Jordan River where it was shallow enough to cross. These were critical strategic choke-points for both invasion and retreat.
• toward Moab,: This specifies the geographical direction crucial for blocking the retreating Moabites, who would naturally try to cross back to their territory east of the Jordan.
• and suffered not a man to pass over: Hebrew "וְלֹא־נָתְנ֣וּ אִ֔ישׁ לַֽעֲבֹֽור" (wəlō'-nātənū 'îš laʿăḇōr). "לא נתן" (lo' natan) meaning "not allowed, prevented." "אִישׁ" ('îš) means "man." This phrase signifies the absolute completeness of their tactical blockade; no Moabite soldier or officer was permitted to escape, ensuring their utter defeat.

• "Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies into your hand.": This powerful exhortation demonstrates Ehud's role as a Spirit-led leader who understands the theological basis of Israel's victory. The call to human action ("Follow me") is predicated upon and driven by God's completed divine act of deliverance ("LORD hath delivered"). This declaration would ignite faith and motivate the fearful Israelites, turning their focus from their oppression to God's promised victory.
• "And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.": This sequence describes the swift, decisive, and successful execution of Ehud's plan based on divine assurance. Their unified obedience ("they went down after him") is pivotal. The capture of the "fords of Jordan toward Moab" demonstrates acute strategic insight, ensuring the Moabite forces were completely cut off. The complete prevention of escape underscores the total victory achieved.

Judges 3 28 Bonus section

The immediate obedience of the Israelites ("And they went down after him") after 18 years of oppression highlights the compelling power of God's Word through His appointed leader. Ehud's strategy was brilliant: crippling the enemy's leadership, then cutting off their escape route, demonstrating that spiritual wisdom can translate into highly effective military tactics. This chapter serves as a theological statement about the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God (sin, oppression, cry, deliverance) and affirms that even through seemingly unlikely or flawed leaders, God fulfills His redemptive purposes for His people. The "left-handedness" of Ehud (not mentioned in this specific verse, but relevant to his character) emphasizes how God uses unconventional means and instruments to achieve His will, further demonstrating that victory belongs to the LORD, not human prowess.

Judges 3 28 Commentary

Judges 3:28 serves as the bridge between Ehud's covert act and Israel's full liberation. It showcases the immediate and direct impact of faith-driven leadership. Ehud doesn't just call the people to battle; he grounds their action in God's completed work of deliverance. The command "Follow after me" embodies assertive, God-given authority, and the theological declaration "the LORD hath delivered your enemies into your hand" is the spiritual and psychological pivot point for the discouraged Israelites. This powerful statement affirms God's sovereignty over battles, transforming what would be mere human strategy into divinely sanctioned warfare. The immediate and strategic seizure of the Jordan fords demonstrates effective military action taken in alignment with divine purpose, ensuring the enemy's total defeat. The verse beautifully illustrates that God uses human instruments and actions, but ultimate victory flows from His predetermined will and power. This led to an overwhelming victory for Israel and an extended period of peace.