Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, jawbones are most notably referenced in the context of the account of Samson, a judge of Israel, whose exploits are recorded in the Book of Judges. The jawbone, specifically of a donkey, becomes a symbol of divine empowerment and deliverance in the narrative of Samson's battles against the Philistines.Samson and the Jawbone of a Donkey The most prominent mention of a jawbone occurs in Judges 15:15-17. After being bound by the men of Judah and handed over to the Philistines, the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon Samson. He breaks free from his bonds and finds a fresh jawbone of a donkey. With it, he strikes down a thousand Philistine men. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows: "He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men. 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.' When Samson finished speaking, he cast the jawbone from his hand; and he named that place Ramath-lehi." (Judges 15:15-17) This passage highlights the miraculous nature of Samson's strength, which is attributed to the Spirit of the Lord. The jawbone, an unlikely weapon, becomes an instrument of God's deliverance, showcasing that victory comes not by conventional means but through divine intervention. Symbolism and Interpretation The jawbone of a donkey, an ordinary and seemingly insignificant object, is transformed into a powerful weapon in the hands of Samson. This transformation underscores a recurring biblical theme: God often uses the weak and the humble to achieve His purposes, confounding the mighty and the wise. The jawbone serves as a testament to God's ability to use the unexpected to fulfill His plans. In the broader context of Scripture, the account of Samson and the jawbone can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). It also reflects the idea that God equips those He calls, providing them with the necessary tools to accomplish His will, even if those tools appear inadequate by human standards. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern culture, the jawbone of a donkey would have been considered an unusual choice for a weapon. Typically, warriors would have used swords, spears, or other conventional armaments. The use of a jawbone highlights the improvisational nature of Samson's battle and the extraordinary circumstances under which he operated. The location where this event took place, Ramath-lehi, meaning "Hill of the Jawbone," serves as a geographical marker commemorating the victory. It stands as a reminder of God's deliverance and the unexpected means by which He can achieve His purposes. Conclusion The account of Samson and the jawbone of a donkey remains a powerful narrative within the biblical canon, illustrating themes of divine empowerment, the subversion of human expectations, and the fulfillment of God's purposes through unconventional means. Concordance Jawbones (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 18:3 Thesaurus Jawbones (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Jawbones (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 18:3 And this shall be the priest's due from the people, from them ... /j/jawbones.htm - 6k Jaws (12 Occurrences) Jaw-bone (3 Occurrences) Cheek (9 Occurrences) Cheekbone (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |