Eglon, a biblical figure, was a king of Moab who oppressed the Israelites for 18 years. According to the Book of Judges, Eglon’s reign of oppression began after the Israelites sinned against God and were subsequently punished (Judges 3:12-14).
Eglon formed an alliance with the Ammonites and the Amalekites, and together they attacked the Israelites, capturing the City of Palm Trees. The Israelites were forced to serve Eglon, and this period of oppression lasted for 18 years.
The Israelites eventually cried out to God for deliverance, and God raised up Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. Ehud tricked Eglon by presenting him with a gift, pretending to have a secret message from God. Ehud then used a dagger to stab Eglon, killing him in his private chamber (Judges 3:15-23).
After Eglon’s death, the Moabites were defeated, and the Israelites were delivered from their oppression. Ehud led the Israelites to victory, killing 10,000 Moabites, and the land had rest for 80 years (Judges 3:24-30).
Eglon’s story serves as a reminder of the cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance that characterizes the period of the judges in Israel’s history. His death at the hands of Ehud highlights the theme of God’s deliverance and the role of leaders in Israel’s history.
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