שופטים, פרק ג׳, פסוק י״ז

The delivery of a tribute to the King of Moab sets off a highly dramatic sequence of events. The physical description of the king is not merely a passing detail, but an essential key to understanding the encounter that immediately follows. Eglon is understood to be an exceptionally heavy and fleshy man [רש״י]. This extreme physical size is a point of broad agreement among commentators [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם].

Highlighting his weight serves a dual purpose in the unfolding plot. First, it sets the stage for the moment when the assassin's blade is completely swallowed by the fat of the king's belly [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Second, his abnormal proportions are the practical cause of his downfall. Because of his immense bulk, the simple act of rising from his throne was a difficult struggle that required significant effort. This physical clumsiness distracted him, leaving him unable to guard himself or put up a proper defense against Ehud when the fatal strike occurred [מצודת דוד].