One of the things I find fascinating about Scripture are the people who only get a passing mention: The individuals who appear in only a couple of verses, yet can still offer so much. Understanding the stories of these men and women requires some informed imagination, and an understanding of the context within Scripture.
Take for example Shamgar. He appears in exactly two verses of the book of Judges:
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed 600 of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also saved Israel. – Judges 3:31
In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were abandoned, and travelers kept to the byways. – Judges 5:6
From a cursory reading of these verses, we already understand that there was a guy named Shamgar who killed a bunch of Philistines, who had taken control of the highways, with an oxgoad. That in and of itself is a cool story. However, it becomes much more alive as we dig into the details.
The story of Shamgar takes place during the time of the judges. This period of time was tumultuous for the Israelites, they had just recently conquered the promised land. However as their leader Joshua died, they turned away to other gods. And so God punished them by having their enemies conquer them. When they had learned their lesson God would send a judge to save them. A few good years would pass until the next generation turned away from God, then the cycle would repeat itself. Shamgar was the third of these judges, and yet so little is known about him. He did not become a political leader like many of the other judges, and he barley has any story.
However the placement of Shamgar’s narrative is interesting. All but two of the judges lead Israel politically for 40 years. Shamgar’s predecessor, Ehud, ruled for 80, and Shamgar didn’t lead at all. Either Shamgar’s judgement was built on Ehud’s extended reign, or Ehud was given credit for Shamgar’s reign. There could be an interesting reason for this, and we find this reason in Shamgar’s name.
Names hold a special significance in the Bible. there are many people who’s names carry meanings, that mimic the personality of the individual, and many of which are easily translatable from Hebrew in the Old Testament or Greek in the New Testament. Shamgar’s name however is not easily translatable, partially because it isn’t a Hebrew name, and may be Canaanite in origin, which would explain why Shamgar was not given credit as a ruler of Israel.
If we try to look into the meaning behind Shamgar, things get even more interesting. The Exhaustive Dictionary of Bible Names lists some possible meanings of Shamgar as Destroyer, Stranger, and Surprise, and mentions him as the son of Anath (who’s name means an answer to prayer). So the text could literally read the Stranger/Destroyer/Surprise, the child of an answered prayer, killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad. This does not sound like a real name for a real person. More likely Shamgar Ben-Anath was the name the Philistines and Hebrews used for this unknown man who fought the Philistines.
During the time of Shamgar the Philistines had taken full control over the major roadways, cutting off much of the travel between cities in Israel. It is not a great leap to assume that Shamgar attacked the Philistines who were guarding these roadways, trying to open up travel again. While the text mentions that Shamgar killed 600 Philistines, it may not have all been at once, or at least not his only battle with them. It is likely that Shamgar was an ambush attacker attacking smaller unsuspecting groups of Philistines as they patrolled the road, perhaps even yelling “Shamgar” (Surprise) as he jumped out to attack them, earning his misnomer. This was a strategic maneuver in which he was able to win back the highways little by little.
His weapon was a oxgoad, a long pointed stick designed to make an ox go. This tool sometimes featured a sharpened metal hook that allowed it to be used as a weapon. Shamgar was apparently proficient with this ancient cattle prod, and put it to good use. As a point of comparison, strong man Samson was able to kill a thousand men with a donkey’s jawbone, which at least resembles a club. Shamgar killed 600 men with a stick.
So with just an extra few minutes of effort, we have gone from a cool passing story in the Bible about a guy fighting a bunch of Philistines, to a strategic, secretive, ambush fighter, who may not have even been an Israelite, remembered for clearing Philistines from the roadways, and reopening travel between cities. What can we learn from such an individual?
1. Take action. There is a reason Shamgar is named in the Bible during these two verses, it is because he was the only one doing something that would matter in the long run. He was apparently the only person who fought back against the Philistines. When you come across problems or issues and think you may be able to help, go for it.
2. Think strategically. Shamgar likely did not attack the Philistines where they were strongest, rather he likely found where they would be weakest, taking the little victories which added up over time. Don’t be afraid to fight the small but important battles to make thing easier later on.
3. Be humble. Shamgar did not take credit for his victories, but rather chose to remain anonymous (remember Shamgar probably wasn’t his real name). He also chose not to take political power after his victory, something that all the other judges did. While there is nothing wrong with accepting credit for your triumphs, remember that it is God who gave them to you. Thank Him for giving you the ability to succeed.
Shamgar was just one of many people who are barely mentioned in Scripture, yet have amazing stories to share with all of us. In time I hope to be able to share more of their stories with you.