Ehud’s left-handedness would have surprised the readers. In the Bible, right hand
is used positively: God swears by his right hand, there are pleasures at his right hand, and his chosen One sits at his right hand (Isaiah 62:8–9; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 110:1). The right hand was a symbol of power. But Ehud was literally unable to use his right hand.
He is a surprising choice, especially after Othniel, the model judge. Yet Ehud is God’s choice.1
15 Then the people of Israel cried out to the LORD, and the LORD raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud, the son of Gera, the Benjaminite, a left-handed man. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.