שופטים, פרק ג׳, פסוק כ״ז

Following the assassination of the Moabite king, the resistance transforms from a solitary, covert mission into a public military campaign. The immediate goal is to capitalize on the enemy's shock and completely break the chains of oppression. Returning from Moabite-controlled territory, Ehud crosses the Jordan River westward back into the borders of Israel [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The moment he arrives, he sounds a horn. This serves as a prearranged signal to call the nation to arms and gather them for battle [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The timing of this call is critical. The strategy relies on striking the Moabite forces while they are still panicked and confused by the sudden death of their ruler [רלב״ג, אברבנאל].

The assembly takes place in the region of Mount Ephraim, a choice driven by the military and geographic realities of the time. Although the homeland of Moab was situated east of the Jordan River, Moabite forces had previously crossed westward to conquer the area of Jericho. They had established their officers and rulers in this territory to dominate the Israelites [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. By rallying his troops in the western heights of Mount Ephraim, Ehud executes a calculated maneuver. His plan is to descend rapidly from the mountains and seize the river crossings. This tactical move effectively traps the Moabite forces stationed within Israel, cutting off their escape route and preventing them from fleeing back across the river to their own land [רלב״ג].

The Israelites respond with swift mobilization, pouring down from the mountains with Ehud marching at their head as their military commander. His leadership in this moment is remarkable. Though he originally hails from the tribe of Benjamin, he rises above regional loyalties. He successfully unites members of other tribes behind him, forging a fractured people into a cohesive force for a shared national campaign [ביאור שטיינזלץ].