Judges 3:31

KJV

¶ And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} him was Shamgar {H8044} the son {H1121} of Anath {H6067}, which slew {H5221} of the Philistines {H6430} six {H8337} hundred {H3967} men {H376} with an ox {H1241} goad {H4451}: and he also delivered {H3467} Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After Ehud came Shamgar the son of 'Anat, who killed 600 P'lishtim with an oxgoad; and he too rescued Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath. And he too saved Israel, striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad.

American Standard Version

And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who smote of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox-goad: and he also saved Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 3:31 introduces Shamgar, son of Anath, a concise but potent figure in Israel's early history. Following Ehud's deliverance, Shamgar rises to confront the Philistines, a persistent threat. His remarkable act involves slaying six hundred Philistine men using an ordinary ox goad, an agricultural tool, rather than a conventional weapon. This brief account powerfully illustrates God's sovereign ability to raise up unexpected individuals and employ unconventional means to secure the deliverance of His people, highlighting that divine power is not limited by human resources or military might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 3:31 serves as a remarkably brief interlude within the larger narrative cycle of the book of Judges. It immediately follows the extended account of Ehud's deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression ([Judges 3:12-30](/judges/3-12 "Ehud's Deliverance of Israel")) and precedes the much longer and more detailed narrative of Deborah and Barak's victory over the Canaanites ([Judges 4](/judges/4 "Deborah and Barak Deliver Israel")). Shamgar's appearance is almost parenthetical, a single verse that summarizes his entire contribution, yet it firmly places him within the established pattern of divine deliverance. His brevity might suggest a localized or temporary relief, or perhaps simply that the author chose to highlight the unconventional nature of his victory over a detailed biography. Regardless, his inclusion reinforces the overarching theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when their own faithfulness wavers, by continually raising up deliverers in response to their cries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1375-1050 BC) was a tumultuous time for Israel, marked by a lack of central authority and frequent incursions from surrounding nations. The Philistines, a formidable "Sea People" who settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan (the Philistine Plain), were a significant and recurring threat to Israel's security and sovereignty, particularly in the later period of the Judges and into the early monarchy. They were technologically advanced, possessing iron weaponry, which gave them a distinct military advantage over the Israelites, who were largely still in the Bronze Age. The "ox goad" (Hebrew: _malmad habbāqār_) was a common agricultural implement, typically a long wooden pole (8-10 feet) with a sharp metal point at one end for prodding oxen and a flattened spade-like tip at the other for clearing the plowshare. Its use as a weapon against 600 armed men underscores the extraordinary nature of Shamgar's feat and the divine empowerment behind it, contrasting sharply with the Philistines' superior military technology.
* **Key Themes:** Shamgar's concise story contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance through Unlikely Means**. Shamgar is not presented as a military leader or a man of war, yet God uses him and an ordinary farming tool to achieve a great victory, echoing the later story of David and Goliath ([1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "David and Goliath")). This highlights God's **Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating that His ability to save is not dependent on human strength, conventional weaponry, or strategic advantage, but on His own omnipotence (cf. [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Not by Might, Nor by Power")). The account also subtly introduces the recurring conflict with the Philistines, setting the stage for more extensive confrontations later in Judges and during the time of Samuel and Saul (e.g., [Judges 10:6-7](/judges/10-6 "Israel Oppressed by Philistines and Ammonites")). Finally, it reiterates the **Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance** that defines the book, where Israel's oppression leads to a cry for help, and God, in His mercy, raises up a deliverer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shamgar (Hebrew, _shamgar'_):** The name "Shamgar" is of uncertain etymology, possibly Hurrian or Hittite, which has led some scholars to suggest he might not have been of pure Israelite descent, or perhaps was a resident alien. Regardless of his ethnic background, his inclusion in the list of judges underscores that God's choice of deliverers transcended conventional tribal or social boundaries. His brief mention emphasizes the divine initiative in raising up leaders, irrespective of their origin or perceived status, to fulfill His purposes.
* **Ox Goad (Hebrew, מַלְמַד הַבָּקָר, _malmad habbāqār'_):** This term refers to a long, heavy stick used by farmers to guide and prod oxen while plowing. It typically had a sharp metal point for urging the animals and a flat, spade-like end for clearing mud from the plowshare. Its significance here lies in its ordinariness and its stark contrast to military weapons. Shamgar's use of an ox goad to slay 600 Philistines highlights the extraordinary power of God working through humble and unconventional means, demonstrating that victory is not achieved by human might or sophisticated weaponry, but by divine enablement.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, יָשַׁע, _yasha'_):** The verb _yasha'_ is a foundational term in the Old Testament, meaning "to save," "to deliver," or "to bring salvation." It is frequently used to describe God's acts of rescue for His people from their enemies or from distress. In Shamgar's case, his action is explicitly attributed as an act of deliverance for Israel, aligning him with the other judges who were raised up by God to bring temporary salvation. The term itself points beyond mere military victory to a divinely orchestrated rescue, emphasizing God as the ultimate source of salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath,"**: This phrase immediately places Shamgar's ministry in chronological succession to Ehud's. The "son of Anath" is a unique patronymic. "Anath" was a Canaanite goddess of war, which could imply a non-Israelite background for Shamgar's family or perhaps a geographical connection to a place associated with this deity. The brevity of this introduction sets the tone for his entire account, focusing on his action rather than his lineage or personal history.
* **"which slew of the Philistines six hundred men"**: This clause details the extraordinary scale of Shamgar's achievement. Slaying 600 men, a significant military force, by a single individual, marks him as a divinely empowered hero. The mention of "Philistines" identifies the specific enemy, highlighting the ongoing threat they posed to Israel and setting the stage for future conflicts detailed in Judges and Samuel.
* **"with an ox goad:"**: This is the most striking detail of the verse, specifying the unconventional weapon used. The ox goad, an agricultural tool, transforms Shamgar's act from a mere military skirmish into a profound theological statement. It underscores the principle that God is not limited by human resources or conventional warfare. His power is perfectly displayed through seemingly weak or inadequate means, ensuring that all glory redounds to Him alone.
* **"and he also delivered Israel."**: This concluding clause confirms Shamgar's role as a "judge" or deliverer in the divinely appointed sense. His act was not merely a personal feat of strength but had a direct redemptive impact on the nation, bringing a measure of relief and security from Philistine oppression. The word "also" connects his deliverance to those provided by previous judges, affirming his place within the cycle of God's intervention on behalf of His people.

#### Literary Devices
The account of Shamgar in Judges 3:31 is remarkably concise, yet it employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Irony**, specifically situational irony, where an ordinary, non-military agricultural tool (the ox goad) is used to achieve an extraordinary military victory against a formidable enemy. This stark contrast highlights the divine power at work, subverting expectations and demonstrating that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. Furthermore, the brevity of the account itself is a **literary device**, drawing immediate attention to the central, astonishing detail of the ox goad. This **conciseness** emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event over the personality of the deliverer, ensuring that the focus remains on God's action. There is also an element of **Symbolism**, where the ox goad symbolizes God's ability to use the humble, the weak, and the unexpected to accomplish His mighty purposes, a theme echoed throughout biblical narrative. Finally, the verse serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of future deliverers, particularly those who would operate outside conventional military might, such as David, and ultimately, the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Shamgar's brief but impactful story profoundly reinforces the biblical truth that God's power is not contingent upon human strength, conventional resources, or impressive status. His choice of an individual wielding an agricultural tool against a formidable enemy like the Philistines echoes a consistent divine pattern: God delights in using the weak, the foolish, and the overlooked to confound the strong and wise, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. This narrative underscores God's active sovereignty in the affairs of His people, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to deliver them, even when their own faithfulness is intermittent. It's a testament to the fact that divine deliverance often comes through unexpected channels, reminding us that true victory is rooted in God's power, not human might.

* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God Chooses the Foolish Things")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Not by Might, Nor by Power")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalm/33-16 "Salvation Not by Strength")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Shamgar's story, though short, offers a potent and enduring message for believers today. It challenges our often-human-centric view of capability and success, reminding us that God's criteria for usefulness are vastly different from our own. We often feel inadequate, lacking the "right" skills, resources, or connections to make a significant impact. Yet, Shamgar, with his simple ox goad, demonstrates that God can take our ordinary lives, our everyday tools, and our perceived weaknesses, and transform them into instruments of extraordinary divine purpose. The key is not the magnitude of our gifts or resources, but our availability and willingness to be used by God. His story calls us to courageously step out in faith with what we have, trusting that God's power will be perfected in our weakness, enabling us to participate in His ongoing work of deliverance and transformation in the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ox goads" – ordinary skills, resources, or positions – has God placed in my hands that I might be overlooking as potential instruments for His kingdom?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own strength or conventional wisdom, rather than trusting in God's unconventional power to work through my perceived weaknesses?**
* **How does Shamgar's brief but impactful story encourage me to act with courage and faith in situations where I feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped?**

### FAQ

**Who was Shamgar, and why is his story so brief?**

Answer: Shamgar, son of Anath, was one of the judges of Israel, mentioned very briefly in [Judges 3:31](/judges/3-31 "Shamgar Delivers Israel") and again in [Judges 5:6](/judges/5-6 "In the Days of Shamgar"). His story is exceptionally concise, comprising only a single verse detailing his deliverance of Israel from the Philistines by slaying 600 men with an ox goad. The brevity might indicate a localized or temporary period of relief, or it could be a deliberate literary choice to emphasize the extraordinary nature of his feat and God's unconventional methods, rather than focusing on the judge's personal history. His inclusion, despite the brevity, highlights that God continually raised up deliverers throughout this tumultuous period, even those whose full narratives are not extensively recorded.

**What was an ox goad, and why is its use significant?**

Answer: An ox goad was a common agricultural tool, typically a long wooden pole (around 8-10 feet) used by farmers to guide and prod oxen while plowing. It usually had a sharp metal point on one end for urging the animals and a flat, spade-like tip on the other for clearing mud from the plowshare. Its use by Shamgar to slay 600 Philistine warriors, as recorded in [Judges 3:31](/judges/3-31 "Shamgar Delivers Israel"), is highly significant because it was not a weapon of war. This detail powerfully underscores the theme that God's power is not limited by human resources, military might, or sophisticated weaponry. Instead, God often chooses the weak, the ordinary, and the unconventional to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27 "God Chooses the Foolish Things")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Shamgar's temporary deliverance of Israel with an ordinary ox goad serves as a powerful, albeit subtle, foreshadowing of the ultimate and eternal deliverance wrought by Jesus Christ. Just as Shamgar, an unlikely figure with an unconventional weapon, brought salvation to his people, so too did Christ accomplish the greatest salvation through means that appeared weak and foolish to the world: His sacrificial death on the cross. The cross, like the ox goad, was an instrument of common use, a symbol of shame and weakness, yet it became the very means by which the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Shamgar's victory was a physical one, freeing Israel from Philistine oppression, but Christ's victory is spiritual and cosmic, freeing humanity from the bondage of sin and eternal death ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He is the true deliverer, the Son of David, who did not come with an army or conventional weapons, but with divine authority and sacrificial love, fulfilling all the temporary deliverances of the judges and ushering in an everlasting kingdom of peace and righteousness ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 5:6

¶ In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways.

1 Samuel 17:47

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle [is] the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.

1 Corinthians 1:17

¶ For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1 Samuel 17:50

So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David.

1 Samuel 13:19

Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make [them] swords or spears:

1 Samuel 13:22

So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that [were] with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.

Judges 2:16

Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.