Judges 15:16

Then Samson said: "With the jawbone of a donkey I have piled them into heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men."

Study Bible

Then Samson said
This phrase introduces a direct speech from Samson, one of the most enigmatic and powerful judges of Israel. The Hebrew root for "said" is אָמַר (amar), which is often used to denote not just speaking, but declaring or proclaiming something significant. In the context of Judges, Samson's words often carry weight and reflect his role as a divinely appointed judge and deliverer of Israel. Historically, Samson's life is set during a time of Philistine oppression, and his actions are seen as part of God's plan to deliver Israel from their enemies.

With the jawbone of a donkey
The jawbone of a donkey is an unusual weapon, highlighting the unconventional means by which God delivers His people. The Hebrew word for "jawbone" is לְחִי (lechi), and its use here emphasizes the miraculous nature of Samson's victory. Archaeologically, donkey bones have been found in ancient Near Eastern sites, underscoring their commonality and the everyday nature of the object Samson used. This phrase reminds us that God can use the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary.

I have slain a thousand men
This phrase underscores the magnitude of Samson's victory. The Hebrew word for "slain" is הִכָּה (hikkah), which means to strike or smite. The number "thousand" (אֶלֶף, eleph) is often used in the Bible to signify a large, complete number, indicating the totality of the victory. Historically, this event demonstrates the power of God working through Samson, despite his personal flaws, to deliver Israel from their enemies. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and ability to achieve His purposes through human agents.

With the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men
This repetition of the earlier phrase serves to emphasize the miraculous nature of the event. In Hebrew narrative, repetition is a literary device used to highlight important themes or events. Here, it underscores the divine empowerment of Samson and the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Israel. The repetition also serves to inspire faith in God's ability to use unlikely means and people to accomplish His will, encouraging believers to trust in His providence and power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God. His life is marked by feats of strength and a complex relationship with the Philistines.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges. They often oppressed the Israelites, leading to conflicts like the one described in this passage.

3. Jawbone of a Donkey
The unconventional weapon used by Samson to defeat a large number of Philistines. This highlights God's ability to use unexpected means to achieve His purposes.

4. Lehi
The place where this event occurred. The name "Lehi" means "jawbone," which is fitting given the context of the battle.

5. Battle
The event where Samson, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, defeats a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, demonstrating God's deliverance through His chosen judge.

Teaching Points

God's Strength in Weakness
Samson's victory with a simple jawbone reminds us that God often uses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the strong and wise. We should rely on God's strength rather than our own.

Divine Empowerment
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, enabling him to achieve what was humanly impossible. As believers, we should seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in our daily lives.

Unconventional Means
God can use unexpected and unconventional means to accomplish His purposes. We should remain open to God's leading, even when it defies our expectations.

Faith and Obedience
Samson's account encourages us to act in faith and obedience, trusting that God can use us despite our imperfections.

Consequences of Disobedience
While Samson was used by God, his life also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and personal failings.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's use of the jawbone of a donkey demonstrate God's power and sovereignty in seemingly impossible situations?

2. In what ways can we see parallels between Samson's victory and other biblical accounts of God using unlikely heroes or means to achieve His purposes?

3. How can we apply the lesson of divine empowerment in our own lives, particularly when facing challenges that seem insurmountable?

4. What are some "jawbones" in our lives—unexpected resources or talents—that God might use for His glory?

5. Reflecting on Samson's life, what can we learn about the importance of faithfulness and the potential consequences of straying from God's path?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 14-16
These chapters provide the broader account of Samson's life, including his birth, exploits, and eventual downfall. They highlight the cyclical nature of Israel's sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath, where God uses another unlikely hero and unconventional means (a sling and a stone) to defeat a formidable enemy, showcasing His power and sovereignty.

Hebrews 11:32-34
Samson is mentioned in the "Hall of Faith," where his acts of faith, despite his flaws, are recognized as part of God's redemptive history.