Who was Ehud in the Bible?

Ehud was a Benjamite, recorded as one of the sons of Bilhan in the genealogy of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:10). He is a relatively minor figure mentioned in a list of descendants, not to be confused with the more famous Judge Ehud.

What is the significance of Ehud son of Bilhan?

His significance lies in his place within the genealogical record, which was crucial for establishing lineage, tribal inheritance, and identity in ancient Israel. Being listed confirms his family's continuity within the tribe of Benjamin.

Are there any key events in the life of Ehud son of Bilhan?

The Bible does not record any specific events or stories about this Ehud; his mention is purely genealogical. His 'key event' is simply being named as a son in the official family record of his tribe.

Ehud

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

Ehud, a Benjamite, was one of the sons of Bilhan.

Ehud

Biography

This Ehud was a son of Bilhan within the tribe of Benjamin, listed in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 7:10. He appears in a section cataloging the descendants of Benjamin through Jediael and Bilhan, among whom are named Jeush, Benjamin, Ehud, Chenaanah, Zethan, Tarshish, and Ahishahar. The text notes that these sons of Bilhan were heads of their fathers' houses and mighty warriors, suggesting that this Ehud held a position of military or clan leadership within the Benjamite tribal structure. He should be distinguished from the more prominent Ehud the judge (Judges 3), though both share the same tribal heritage. His name, meaning "united" or "strong," reflects the warrior associations common in Benjamite genealogical lists.

Significance

While this Ehud is eclipsed in fame by his namesake the judge, his designation among the "mighty warriors" of Benjamin's genealogy in 1 Chronicles 7:11 holds its own significance. The Chronicler's identification of these Benjamite warriors served a practical purpose for the post-exilic community by establishing the military and communal heritage of a tribe that remained central to Israel's identity after the exile. Benjamin's reputation as a fighting tribe (Genesis 49:27; Judges 20) was an important part of Israel's self-understanding, and men like this Ehud sustained that identity across generations through their service as clan leaders and warriors in God's people.

Authority Records

Wikidata VIAF GND

FatherGeraChildAhijah

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 7:10

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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