“And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.”
He presented the tribute to King Eglon of Moab. Now Eglon was a very fat man. — The physical characterization of Eglon 'a very fat man' (אִישׁ שְׁמֵן מְאֹד) suggests not merely obesity but a spiritual condition correlating with moral excess and self-indulgence. The mention of tribute presentation establishes the diplomatic context through which Ehud gained access to the king.
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a note on this verse