Judges 15:15
And he found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put out his hand and took it, and with it he struck 1,000 men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text calls it a "fresh" jawbone, which might suggest it was still pliable and strong, not dry and brittle. This detail hints at God's specific provision, preparing the perfect, albeit humble, weapon for Samson's impossible feat.
The translators wrestled with the word "new" here, with some suggesting it meant "moist" or even "putrid," hinting that Samson may have found a carcass. This detail, whether fresh or decaying, suggests divine providence in placing this unlikely weapon right at his fingertips for the astonishing feat to come.
Samson didn't have a sword, a spear, or even a well-made weapon. He grabbed what was lying around – a donkey's jawbone. How can God use something so ordinary to accomplish extraordinary feats?
This story isn't just about Samson's muscles; it's about God's power flowing through a willing (and divinely empowered) vessel.
More Than Muscle
The text emphasizes that this wasn't just Samson's strength. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him powerfully. This means the incredible feat was fueled by God's intervention, not just Samson's natural abilities.
The 'New' Jawbone
Commentators discuss whether 'new' means 'recently dead' and therefore tougher, or 'moist' and pliable. Regardless, the point is that this wasn't a pre-prepared weapon. It was an unexpected find, readily available. God equipped Samson with what he had at hand.
Divine Strategy
God often uses the weak and unexpected to show His strength. This moment highlights that God's power can transform the most common objects into instruments of victory. It's a reminder that our limitations aren't God's limitations.
We read about Samson and immediately think of incredible physical strength. But what was the real source of his power, especially in this moment of triumph?
The narrative in Judges makes it clear that Samson's victories weren't solely his own doing. Divine empowerment was the key ingredient.
The Spirit's Presence
The book of Judges repeatedly mentions the Spirit of the Lord coming upon Samson. This wasn't a passive anointing but an active, empowering force that enabled him to perform superhuman feats. In Judges 15:14, it explicitly states, 'the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily.'
A Weapon Fit for God's Purpose
Understand the original words
nakah · Hebrew Verb
The act of striking or smiting, often used in a military context to signify victory in battle through divine or human force.
This event showcases Samson's extraordinary strength, divinely empowered for the liberation of Israel. The 'fresh' jawbone, though a humble tool, highlights how God uses seemingly weak instruments to achieve mighty victories, echoing His power through the Gospel.
c. 1100 BC
Philistine Oppression of Israel
Following periods of Israelite apostasy, the Philistines rose to prominence, dominating Israel and engaging in frequent conflict. This era saw significant Philistine military power.
c. 1100 BC
Samson's Birth and Nazarite Vow
Samson was born to Manoah and his wife in Zorah, miraculously conceived and dedicated to God as a lifelong Nazarite, setting him apart for a special purpose.
c. 1080 BC
Samson's Early Exploits
Before his major confrontation in the text, Samson began his ministry by carrying away the gates of Gaza and later tearing apart a lion.
c. 1075 BC
Samson's Marriage and Vengeance
Samson's desire to marry a Philistine woman led to a series of disputes, including the burning of Philistine crops and retaliatory killings.
This passage directly links military success to obedience, stating 'one of you shall chase a thousand.' Samson's feat with the jawbone is a powerful, albeit violent, illustration of this divine promise when God's champion acts.
Deuteronomy 32:30This verse speaks of how 'one shall chase a thousand, and two shall put ten thousand to flight' when their Rock and enemy delivers them. It echoes the same principle of divine enablement for Israel's champions, highlighting God's hand in Samson's victory.
1 Samuel 17:48-51David's victory over Goliath with just a sling and stone parallels Samson's triumph with an unlikely weapon. Both stories emphasize how God uses humble means and individuals to achieve extraordinary victories against formidable enemies.
1 Chronicles 11:10-14This passage lists David's mighty warriors and their incredible feats, such as one who slew 300 men. It provides context for Samson's astonishing accomplishment, showing that while Samson's feat was unparalleled, God did empower individuals for remarkable acts of strength and courage.
Judges 3:31Shamgar's victory over 600 Philistines with an ox goad is a striking parallel to Samson's use of a jawbone. Both accounts demonstrate God empowering individuals with ordinary, even crude, implements to achieve impossible victories.
clarkeJudges 15:15: "And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith."
He found a new jaw-bone of an ass - I rather think that the word טריה teriyah, which we translate new, and the margin moist, should be understood as signifying the tabia or putrid state of the ass from which this jawbone was taken. He found there a dead ass in a state of putrefaction; on which account he could the more easily separate the jaw from its integuments; this…
bensonJudges 15:15: "And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith."
Jdg 15:15 . He found a new jaw-bone of an ass — New, and therefore more tough and strong; and slew a thousand men therewith — Some, to account partly for this wonderful achievement, have observed that these Philistines were, probably, unarmed, and that they were struck with a great panic, thinking that the three thousand men of Judah would aid Samson. But doubtless it is…
The text calls it a "fresh" jawbone, which might suggest it was still pliable and strong, not dry and brittle. This detail hints at God's specific provision, preparing the perfect, albeit humble, weapon for Samson's impossible feat.
The translators wrestled with the word "new" here, with some suggesting it meant "moist" or even "putrid," hinting that Samson may have found a carcass. This detail, whether fresh or decaying, suggests divine providence in placing this unlikely weapon right at his fingertips for the astonishing feat to come.
The translators wrestled with the word "new" here, with some suggesting it meant "moist" or even "putrid," hinting that Samson may have found a carcass. This detail, whether fresh or decaying, suggests divine providence in placing this unlikely weapon right at his fingertips for the astonishing feat to come.
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While the jawbone was a crude weapon, it became devastating in Samson's hand because he was filled with God's Spirit. The text doesn't suggest Samson was a skilled warrior with a donkey's jawbone; it implies God's Spirit directed his every blow, making that simple bone an instrument of divine judgment against the Philistines.
Contrast with Natural Ability
This stands in contrast to human strength or skill alone. Even the strongest human can only do so much. Samson's ability to defeat 1,000 armed men with a jawbone points beyond himself to the supernatural power God provided.
c. 1075 BC— this verse
Philistine Army Mobilizes Against Samson
Following Samson's destructive acts, 3,000 Philistines from Judah came to capture him, leading to his temporary capture and subsequent miraculous escape.
c. 1075 BC
Samson's Victory at Lehi
After breaking free from his bonds and empowered by the Spirit of God, Samson seized a fresh donkey's jawbone and struck down a thousand Philistines.
"And he found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put out his hand and took it, and with it he struck 1,000 men." — The text calls it a "fresh" jawbone, which might suggest it was still pliable and strong, not dry and brittle. This detail hints at God's specific provision, preparing the perfect, albeit humble, wea…
