Book of Judges - Chapter 3 - Verse 22

This verse comes from the Book of Judges in the Old Testament and describes a gruesome scene from the story of Ehud, one of the judges of Israel. In this particular verse, the assassin Ehud has just killed the Moabite king, Eglon, by stabbing him with a hidden dagger. The verse vividly portrays the graphic nature of the assassination, emphasizing the fact that the blade of the dagger became embedded in Eglon's belly, causing his fat to close around it and making it impossible to remove the dagger. The mention of dirt coming out adds to the gruesome imagery of the moment.

This verse is significant in the larger context of the story because it demonstrates Ehud's cunning and bravery in carrying out this daring act of rebellion against the oppressive Moabite rule. By successfully killing Eglon, Ehud paved the way for the deliverance of the Israelites from Moabite oppression. The verse helps to highlight the violent and brutal nature of the conflicts and struggles that characterized the period of the judges in Israel's history.

One theological interpretation of this verse centers around the concept of judgment and consequences for one's actions. The image of the dagger penetrating and getting stuck in a person's belly can be seen as a metaphor for the repercussions of sinful behavior. Just as the dagger cannot be pulled out, the individual in this scenario is unable to escape the consequences of their actions. In a spiritual sense, this can be viewed as a reminder that sin can have lasting effects and that we must be mindful of the choices we make. The mention of the dirt coming out further emphasizes the idea of purification and the need to cleanse oneself of impurity. This can be seen as a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of seeking forgiveness for our sins.