? In Judges 3: a Scatological Reading

Abstract

This paper examines the biblical story of the Israelite Judge, Ehud, in Judges 3. It posits a new translation of the phrase traditionally understood as King Eglon's 'cool roof chamber'. The author argues that both literary and archaeological evi dence lead to an understanding of the phrase as Eglon's royal toilet. The literary evidence comes from Deuteronomy 23, Leviticus 15, the Mishna, and Judges 3 itself. The archaeological evidence comes primarily from Iron-Age Jerusalem. This scatological translation fits well within what has already been understood as a humorous, scatological story and it implies that while the story may illuminate real cultural attitudes that existed at the time of its composition, it has limited historical value.