Judges 3:13

Verse

After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.

American Standard Version (1901)

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek; and he went and smote Israel, and they possessed the city of palm-trees.

Bible in Basic English

And Eglon got together the people of Ammon and Amalek, and they went and overcame Israel and took the town of palm-trees.

Free Bible Version

Eglon had the Ammonites and the Amalekite join him, and then attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.

Geneva Bible 1599

And he gathered vnto him the children of Ammon, and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and they possessed the citie of palme trees.

King James (Authorized) Version

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.

Translation for Translators

Eglon persuaded the leaders of the Ammon and Amalek people-groups to join their armies with his army to attack Israel. They captured Jericho, which was called ‘The City of Palm Trees’.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Eglon joined with the Ammonites and the Amalekites and they went and defeated Israel, and they took possession of the City of Palms.

Noah Webster Bible

And he gathered to him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm-trees.

World English Bible

He gathered the children of Ammon and Amalek to himself; and he went and struck Israel, and they possessed the city of palm trees.

Young's Literal Translation

and he gathereth unto him the Bene-Ammon and Amalek, and goeth and smiteth Israel, and they possess the city of palms;

Context

Ehud

¹²Once again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD. So He gave Eglon king of Moab power over Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD. ¹³After enlisting the Ammonites and Amalekites to join forces with him, Eglon attacked and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.

Sermons

What Happened?

K.P. Yohannan

Summary

This verse describes how the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help after being oppressed by the king of Moab for eighteen years. In response to their cry, God raised up a deliverer named Ehud, who was left-handed. Ehud's unique skill with his left hand allowed him to successfully carry out a mission to assassinate Eglon, the Moabite king, freeing the Israelites from their oppressor. This passage highlights God's faithfulness in hearing the prayers of His people and His ability to use unexpected individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek,.... Either the Lord gathered them to Eglon, inclined them to enter into a confederacy with him, to assist in the war against Israel; or the king of Moab got them to join with him in it, they being his neighbours, and enemies to Israel, and especially Amalek: and went and smote Israel; first the two tribes and a half, which lay on that side Jordan Moab did, whom it is reasonable to suppose he would attack first; and having defeated them, he came over Jordan: and possessed the city of the palm trees; Jericho, as the Targum, which was set with palm trees; see Deu 34:3; not the city itself, for that was destroyed by Joshua, and not rebuilt until the time of Ahab; but the country, about it, or, as Abarbinel thinks, a city that was near it; here Josephus says (t) he had his royal palace; it is probable he built a fort or garrison here, to secure the fords of Jordan, and his own retreat; as well as to keep up a communication with his own people, and prevent the tribes of the other side giving any assistance to their brethren, if able and disposed to do it. (t) Antiqu. l. 5. c. 4. sect. 1.