12. Again the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so he strengthened Eglon, king of Moab, against Israel because they did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.
13. Taking the Ammonites and Amalek as allies, he went and defeated Israel, taking possession of the City of Palms.
14. So the Israelites served Eglon, king of Moab, for eighteen years.
15. But when the Israelites cried out to the Lord, he raised up for them a savior, Ehud, son of Gera, a Benjaminite who was left-handed. The Israelites would send their tribute to Eglon, king of Moab, by him.
16. Ehud made himself a two-edged dagger a foot long, and strapped it under his clothes on his right thigh.
17. He presented the tribute to Eglon, king of Moab; now Eglon was a very fat man.
18. When he had finished presenting the tribute, he dismissed the troops who had carried the tribute.
19. But he himself turned back at the sculptured stones near Gilgal, and said, “I have a secret message for you, O king.” And the king said, “Silence!” Then when all his attendants had left his presence,
20. Ehud went in to him where he sat alone in his cool upper room. Ehud said, “I have a word from God for you.” So the king rose from his throne.