This verse begins with an important marker in Hebrew, wayehi (literally “And it was”), which is rendered And. As noted earlier, this expression often signals the opening of a new episode. However, here it seems to mark a high point in the story. A new paragraph can begin here ( NET Bible).
When Ehud had finished presenting the tribute: This temporal clause repeats already known information and thus slows down the story and heightens the suspense. For presenting the tribute, see verse 3.17.
He sent away the people that carried the tribute: The pronoun he refers to Ehud, but it is only at this point that readers are informed that Ehud was not alone on his journey to Moab. He had people with him who helped carry the tribute to the king. Sent away translates once again the Hebrew verb (shalach) seen in verse 1.25 used frequently throughout this book. It does not mean that he chased these people away, but rather that he dismissed them or asked them to leave. This clause shows that Ehud is the person in charge of this mission, with authority over those carrying the tribute. Most scholars think Ehud accompanied these men a certain part of the return journey before turning back, a fact that is confirmed in verse 3.19. Indeed in many cultures, this “showing the road” is a very common practice.
The people that carried the tribute uses the Hebrew word for people (ʿam) that regularly refers to the people of Israel (see verse 2.4). Though there is no indication concerning the number or identity of the people who accompanied Ehud, it is very likely they were Israelites, even of his tribe. That carried renders a Hebrew participle, which may be translated “who helped to bring,” “who helped to carry,” or “who transported.” For tribute see verse 3.15.
Good News Translation provides a good model for this verse. Another possible one is:
• When Ehud had finished handing over the gifts, he sent on the men who had carried them.
Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .