Ehud went to King Eglon, as he was sitting alone in the room above his summer palace. Ehud said, “I have a message from God for you.” As the king stood up from his chair,
Everyone should respect you, King of the nations; you deserve respect. Of all the wise people among the nations and in all the kingdoms, none of them is as wise as you.
It was the ninth month of the year, so King Jehoiakim was sitting in the winter apartment. There was a fire burning in a small firepot in front of him.
I will tear down the winter house, together with the summer house. The houses decorated with ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end,” says the Lord.
The voice of the Lord calls to the city, and the wise person honors him. So pay attention to the rod of punishment; pay attention to the One who threatens to punish.
When he passed the statues near Gilgal, he turned around and said to Eglon, “I have a secret message for you, King Eglon.” The king said, “Be quiet!” Then he sent all of his servants out of the room.