### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shamgar**, represented by `{{H8044}}`, identifies an Israelite judge. The word's derivation is uncertain. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, marking a brief but significant appearance in the biblical record.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Shamgar** `{{H8044}}` is introduced as the "son of Anath" `{{H1121}}` `{{H6067}}` who came "after" `{{H310}}` a previous judge [[Judges 3:31]]. His singular recorded act is a dramatic military victory where he "slew" `{{H5221}}` six hundred Philistine "men" `{{H376}}` using an "ox goad" `{{H4451}}` [[Judges 3:31]]. This feat resulted in him also having "delivered" `{{H3467}}` "Israel" `{{H3478}}`. His era is later described as a perilous time, mentioned in the same context as "Jael" `{{H3278}}`, when "the highways were unoccupied" `{{H2308}}` and travelers were forced onto "byways" `{{H6128}}` [[Judges 5:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context to the narrative of Shamgar:
* `{{H6067}}` **ʻĂnâth** (Anath): This identifies his father, providing his lineage in the account [[Judges 3:31]].
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to be safe, free or succor): This word describes his primary role as a judge who "delivered" or brought "salvation" to Israel from its oppressors [[Judges 3:31]].
* `{{H4451}}` **malmâd** (goad): This term identifies the unique and humble agricultural tool Shamgar used as a weapon, specifically an "ox goad" [[Judges 3:31]].
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (Philistine): This identifies the enemy group that Shamgar fought against to deliver Israel [[Judges 3:31]].
### Theological Significance
The brief account of `{{H8044}}` carries significant themes:
* **Unconventional Deliverance:** Shamgar's story is a prime example of God using an unexpected individual and an unconventional tool—an "ox goad" `{{H4451}}`—to achieve a great victory and "deliver" `{{H3467}}` his people from the "Philistines" `{{H6430}}` [[Judges 3:31]].
* **Leadership in Times of Chaos:** The reference in [[Judges 5:6]] to "highways" `{{H734}}` being "unoccupied" `{{H2308}}` paints a picture of societal breakdown. His actions, along with those of "Jael" `{{H3278}}`, stand out as courageous interventions in a period of danger where travelers had to walk "through byways" `{{H3212}}` `{{H6128}}`.
* **A Link in the Cycle of Judges:** He is explicitly noted as coming "after" `{{H310}}` the previous judge, serving as a figure in the ongoing cycle of Israel's oppression and divine rescue documented in the book of Judges [[Judges 3:31]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shamgar** `{{H8044}}` is a figure defined by a single, powerful act of deliverance. Though his story is contained in just two verses, it powerfully illustrates the theme of God using humble means to save "Israel" `{{H3478}}`. His use of an "ox goad" `{{H4451}}` and the chaotic state of the nation during his "days" `{{H3117}}` underscore the desperate need for and the surprising nature of the salvation he brought.
TRV