Eglon
maleJudgesMeaning: “Calf-like; circle”
The very fat Moabite king who oppressed Israel eighteen years and was assassinated by the judge Ehud.
Biography
Eglon was the king of Moab who, allied with Ammon and Amalek, conquered Israel's territory around "the city of palm trees" (Jericho) and oppressed Israel for eighteen years (Judges 3:12–14). Scripture notes that he was "a very fat man" (Judges 3:17).
Assassinated by Ehud
The left-handed judge Ehud gained a private audience with Eglon on the pretext of a secret message from God, then thrust a hidden dagger into the king's belly and escaped through the porch, locking the doors behind him (Judges 3:20–23). Eglon's death triggered Israel's deliverance and eighty years of rest under Ehud.
Life Timeline
Oppresses Israel for eighteen years from Jericho
Assassinated by Ehud
On the Bible timeline
Eglon belongs to the Conquest & the Judges era (c. 1400 – 1050 BC).
- c. 1375 – 1050 BCThe Age of the Judges
Themes & lessons from Eglon
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Eglon appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 bookJudges4 verses
Judges 3:12
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
Judges 3:14
So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab. a Benjamite: or, the son of Jemini lefthanded: Heb. shut of his right hand
Judges 3:17
And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.
Frequently asked about Eglon
Who was Eglon in the Bible?
The very fat Moabite king who oppressed Israel eighteen years and was assassinated by the judge Ehud.
What does the name Eglon mean?
The name Eglon means “Calf-like; circle”.
What did Eglon do in the Bible?
Eglon served as king of moab.
Where does Eglon appear in the Bible?
Eglon is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: Judges.
What can we learn from Eglon?
The story of Eglon touches on themes of presents, ammonites, dagger, regicide — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Eglon's life.
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