The Colorful Story Ehud: The story of Ehud is perhaps one of the oldest in the book of Judges and one of the best, from the standpoint of sheer narrative artistry. In contrast to Othniel’s story, which was a bare, black-and-white etching, Ehud’s story is full of rich, colorful detail; we are almost blinded by the brilliant brushstrokes of its color.

Such accolades may come as a surprise to people who are at most embarrassed and at the least puzzled that the story is even in the Bible. They are put off by its graphic character. Its sanctioning of deception and murder stretches to the limit most modern Christian sensibilities regarding proper moral conduct. Despite its David-and-Goliath storyline, the story of Ehud has not found its way into many children’s Bible story books.

To appreciate the…