Topical Bible: Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass

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In the biblical narrative, water is often depicted as a symbol of life, sustenance, and divine provision. One of the remarkable miracles involving water is the account of water being brought forth from the jawbone of a donkey, a testament to God's provision and power in times of dire need.

This miracle is recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in the account of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. Samson, known for his extraordinary strength, was a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth. His life was marked by numerous feats against the Philistines, who were oppressors of Israel at the time.

The specific event involving the jawbone occurs after Samson's victory over the Philistines at Lehi. In Judges 15:14-17 , it is recounted that Samson, empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, struck down a thousand Philistine men using the fresh jawbone of a donkey. Following this exhausting battle, Samson found himself in desperate need of water, expressing his distress to the Lord:

"And he was very thirsty, so he cried out to the LORD, 'You have accomplished this great deliverance through Your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?' So God split open the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. That is why he named it En-hakkore, and it remains in Lehi to this day." (Judges 15:18-19)

This miraculous provision of water from the jawbone, or more accurately, from the hollow place at Lehi, underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative:

1. Divine Provision: The miracle highlights God's ability to provide for His people in unexpected ways. Despite the unconventional source, God met Samson's immediate physical need, demonstrating His care and provision.

2. God's Sovereignty: The event illustrates God's sovereignty over creation. By bringing forth water from a seemingly lifeless object, God shows His power to manipulate the natural world to fulfill His purposes.

3. Faith and Dependence: Samson's cry to the Lord reflects a moment of faith and dependence on God. Despite his physical prowess, Samson recognized his need for divine intervention, a reminder of the importance of relying on God in times of need.

4. Symbolism of Water: Water, as a life-giving element, symbolizes spiritual refreshment and renewal. Just as Samson's physical strength was restored, the provision of water can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual sustenance provided by God.

The naming of the place as En-hakkore, meaning "Spring of the Caller," serves as a lasting testament to God's response to Samson's plea. This miracle, while unique in its circumstances, fits within the broader biblical theme of God's miraculous provision of water, as seen in other accounts such as Moses striking the rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:6) and the provision of water in the wilderness (Numbers 20:11).

In summary, the miracle of water from the jawbone of a donkey is a powerful reminder of God's provision, sovereignty, and the necessity of faith, illustrating how God meets the needs of His people in extraordinary ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 15:19
But God split an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water out of there; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: why he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which is in Lehi to this day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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