Judges 3:31

¶ 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.

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}.

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

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

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

Judges 3:31 introduces us to Shamgar, a brief but impactful figure in the early history of Israel. Following the deliverance provided by Ehud, Shamgar steps onto the scene to confront the Philistines, a formidable and recurring enemy of Israel. His story is remarkable not just for the number of men he slew (six hundred), but for the unconventional weapon he used: an ox goad. This verse highlights God's ability to use unexpected individuals and means to bring about His purposes of deliverance for His people.

Context

The book of Judges details a turbulent period in Israel's history after the death of Joshua, characterized by a cyclical pattern: Israel's disobedience to God, followed by oppression from surrounding nations, their cry for help, and God raising up a "judge" or deliverer. Shamgar's appearance is concise, almost a parenthetical note between the longer narratives of Ehud and Deborah. He delivered Israel during a time when the Philistines, an uncircumcised people residing in the coastal plain, were exerting significant pressure. This brief account fits within the larger cycle of God raising up deliverers in the book of Judges, showcasing His continued faithfulness despite Israel's wavering loyalty.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance through Unlikely Means: Shamgar was not a trained soldier, nor did he possess conventional weaponry. His victory with an ox goad underscores that God's power is not limited by human resources or military might.
  • God's Sovereignty: This verse is a testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, raising up individuals as He wills to execute His plans of salvation.
  • Individual Courage and Faith: Though briefly mentioned, Shamgar's action demonstrates remarkable personal courage and a willingness to act on behalf of his people, likely empowered by divine anointing.
  • The Nature of a 'Judge': Like other judges, Shamgar served as a military leader and deliverer, not primarily a legal arbiter, bringing temporary relief and peace to Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ox goad" (Hebrew: malmad habbāqār) refers to a long stick, typically 8-10 feet in length, used by farmers to prod oxen while plowing. It often had a sharp metal point on one end for urging the animals and a flattened, spade-like tip on the other for clearing mud from the plowshare. It was an everyday agricultural tool, not a weapon of war. Shamgar's choice and effective use of this implement emphasize the extraordinary nature of his feat, highlighting that God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise, demonstrating His power through humble instruments.

Practical Application

Shamgar's story offers powerful encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God Can Use Anyone: Your background, resources, or perceived limitations do not hinder God's ability to use you for His purposes. He looks for availability and a willing heart.
  • Ordinary Tools, Extraordinary Impact: The "ox goads" in our lives — our everyday skills, jobs, or simple resources — can become powerful instruments in God's hands when surrendered to Him.
  • Faith in Action: Shamgar didn't wait for a grand army or sophisticated weapons; he acted with what he had. Our faith is often demonstrated by taking courageous steps with the resources God has already given us.
  • God's Power Perfected in Weakness: This narrative echoes the principle that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, ensuring that the glory goes to Him alone.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 5:6 (6 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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