The answer is: Ehud

Judges 3:12,20-21

The story of Ehud is one of those gripping narratives you can’t help but remember, right? This tale unfolds during a turbulent time in Israel’s history—when the nation was frequently invaded by various oppressors. Moab, led by the portly King Eglon, ruled over the Israelites and treated them harshly. For the folks back then, this situation was more than just an inconvenience; it was life-altering.

Ehud serves as a notable figure, emphasizing the theme of deliverance that marks the Book of Judges. What’s particularly interesting about him is that he’s described as left-handed, a rarity that could have played a key role in his audacious plan. Imagine: he fashions a double-edged dagger and cunningly hides it on his right thigh for easy access. Why? Because guards would typically look for weapons on the left side of a right-handed person. Talk about clever!

The account wraps up dramatically as Ehud gets the chance to assassinate Eglon while he’s alone—showing us not only the dangers of overindulgence (Eglon's excessive weight is mentioned multiple times), but also how the unexpected can turn into a great act of liberation. John Wesley, the famous preacher, highlighted that God often employs the most unlikely candidates to achieve His important purposes. In the context of Judges, this teaches us about empowerment and the courage that can rise from how unconventional we appear. Who knew a left-handed hero would rise to take down a king?