### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רָמַת לֶחִי (Râmath Lechîy), Strong's H7437, is a compound proper noun derived from two distinct elements: רָמָה (ramah) `{{H7413}}`, meaning "height" or "high place," and לְחִי (lechi) `{{H3895}}`, meaning "jawbone" or "cheek." Therefore, the literal and primary meaning of Râmath Lechîy is "Height of a Jawbone." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific geographical location, serving as a memorial name. The component רָמָה often signifies an elevated position, both literally as a topographical feature and sometimes metaphorically as a place of prominence or a high point. לְחִי refers specifically to the skeletal structure of the jaw, and in the biblical context of its naming, it refers to the jawbone of an animal, specifically a donkey.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Râmath Lechîy appears exclusively in the book of Judges, specifically in the narrative concerning Samson's extraordinary feat against the Philistines.
* [[Judges 15:17]]: "And when he had finished speaking, he threw the jawbone from his hand, and he called that place Ramath-Lehi."
The context is crucial. Samson, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, uses the fresh jawbone of a donkey to strike down a thousand Philistine men after they had bound him and delivered him to their enemies. This act of divine enablement through an unconventional and seemingly weak instrument culminates in the naming of the place. The naming serves as a permanent memorial to this miraculous victory. Immediately following this event, Samson experiences extreme thirst, and God miraculously provides water from a hollow place in Lehi (the same location), which Samson then names En-hakkore, "the spring of the caller" ([[Judges 15:19]]). Thus, the place "Lehi" becomes doubly significant, not only as the site of a great victory achieved by a jawbone but also as the site of divine provision of water. The "height" in "Ramath-Lehi" could signify both the literal elevation of the place and the "height" or magnitude of Samson's divinely assisted triumph.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Râmath Lechîy is enriched by examining its constituent parts and associated concepts:
* **רָמָה (ramah) `{{H7413}}`**: As a noun, it signifies "height" or "high place," often related to the verb רוּם (rum) `{{H7311}}`, "to be high, exalted." This connection subtly points to the exaltation of God's power manifest in Samson's victory, even as it denotes a geographical feature.
* **לְחִי (lechi) `{{H3895}}`**: This word for "jawbone" or "cheek" is central to the narrative. Its use as the instrument of Samson's victory underscores the theme of God using the weak things of the world to shame the strong ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]).
* **Samson's Name שֶׁמֶשׁ (Shemesh) `{{H8121}}`**: Meaning "sun," Samson's name is often associated with his strength. However, the use of a humble jawbone highlights that his strength was not inherent but divinely bestowed and directed.
* **עַיִן הַקֹּרֵא (En-hakkore) `{{H5879}}`**: "Spring of the Caller." This spring, also named by Samson at the same location, further emphasizes God's immediate and gracious provision for His servant, reinforcing the theme of divine care that accompanies divine empowerment.
* **Divine Empowerment**: The entire episode at Ramath-Lehi is a testament to God's ability to empower individuals for His purposes, even through seemingly inadequate means.
* **Memorialization**: The naming of the place serves as a lasting memorial, a common practice in ancient Israel to commemorate significant events of divine intervention.
### Theological Significance
The naming of Râmath Lechîy carries profound theological significance. It stands as a powerful testament to:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power**: The most striking theological implication is the demonstration of God's absolute power and sovereignty. Victory over a thousand armed men was achieved not by conventional weapons or a mighty army, but by a single individual using a discarded animal jawbone. This underscores that God is not limited by human means or strength, but can accomplish His will through the most unlikely instruments, thereby ensuring that the glory redounds to Him alone. It is a vivid illustration of God's capacity to bring about great deliverance through humble means.
2. **God's Provision and Faithfulness**: Immediately following the arduous battle and the naming of Ramath-Lehi, God provides water for Samson, preventing his death from thirst. This act of divine provision highlights God's faithfulness to sustain His chosen instruments. The place, therefore, memorializes not only a victory but also God's compassionate care for His servant.
3. **Humiliation of the Enemy**: The "height" (Ramath) of the jawbone could subtly allude to the "height" of the humiliation inflicted upon the Philistines. Their defeat by a single, unarmed man using such a crude weapon would have been a profound disgrace, magnifying the power of the God of Israel.
4. **A Sign for Israel**: In the chaotic period of the Judges, when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([[Judges 21:25]]), the events at Ramath-Lehi served as a powerful reminder to Israel of God's continued presence, power, and willingness to deliver His people, even when they were disobedient. It was a tangible sign of divine intervention and a call to remember God's mighty acts.
### Summary
Râmath Lechîy, meaning "Height of a Jawbone," is a unique place name found in the book of Judges. It commemorates Samson's divinely empowered victory over a thousand Philistines using only the jawbone of a donkey ([[Judges 15:17]]). This location serves as a perpetual memorial to God's extraordinary power and His ability to achieve great deliverance through seemingly insignificant means. Furthermore, the subsequent provision of water at this very spot reinforces the theme of God's faithful care and provision for His servants. Theologically, Râmath Lechîy stands as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty, His ability to use the weak to confound the strong, and His unwavering commitment to His people, even in times of great need and national apostasy. It is a testament to the truth that true strength and victory come from the Lord.
TRV