What is the meaning of Judges 15:17? And when Samson had finished speaking • The phrase follows Samson’s victory cry in Judges 15:16, where he credits the jawbone with slaying a thousand Philistines. • Scripture often records a moment of declaration after God grants triumph—see David’s words to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45–47 and Moses’ song in Exodus 15:1. • Samson’s pause to speak shows a pattern: God’s servants testify to His deliverance before moving on (Psalm 107:2; Acts 4:20). he cast the jawbone from his hand • By discarding the unconventional weapon, Samson signals the battle is finished and the instrument is no longer needed—similar to David laying down Goliath’s sword after the threat ended (1 Samuel 21:9). • The act prevents any temptation to idolize the object; victory rests in the Lord, not the jawbone (Psalm 44:6–8; 2 Corinthians 10:4). • It also underscores God’s pattern of using weak things to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27), then removing them so attention returns to Him alone. and he named that place Ramath-lehi • “Ramath-lehi” means “Jawbone Hill,” marking the location as a memorial to God’s power, much like Ebenezer in 1 Samuel 7:12 or Bethel in Genesis 28:19. • Naming places after divine intervention helps future generations remember and retell God’s deeds (Joshua 4:6–7; Psalm 78:4). • The memorial also serves as a warning to Israel’s enemies that God defends His people (Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 41:10–13). summary Samson’s post-battle actions highlight three truths: God’s victories deserve verbal testimony, the instruments He chooses must never eclipse His glory, and tangible memorials can anchor His people’s memory of deliverance. Judges 15:17 therefore invites us to speak of God’s help, set aside misplaced trust in means, and remember His mighty acts for future faithfulness. |
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