What does the Bible say about Samson’s jawbone of a donkey?

The account of Samson using a jawbone to strike down his enemies is found in Judges 15:9–17. This event reveals God’s power working through Samson to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

After Samson burned the Philistine grain fields in retaliation for his wife being given to another man, the Philistines came up to attack Judah. The men of Judah bound Samson and brought him to the Philistines to avoid conflict (Judges 15:11–13). When Samson arrived at Lehi, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the ropes binding him became as flax burned with fire.

Finding the fresh jawbone of a donkey, Samson took it and killed a thousand Philistines with it (Judges 15:15). He then said, “With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men!” (Judges 15:16). This place was named Ramath Lehi, meaning “Jawbone Hill.”

After the battle, Samson became very thirsty and cried out to the Lord, acknowledging that the victory was by God’s hand and asking not to die of thirst. God split a hollow place in the jaw, and water came out, reviving Samson’s spirit (Judges 15:18–19). This was called En Hakkore, meaning “the spring of the caller.”

This episode emphasizes that God empowered Samson to accomplish extraordinary feats, despite his flaws. The jawbone, an unlikely weapon, demonstrates how the Lord can use the weak things of the world to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27). It also shows Samson’s dependence on God, even in physical strength, and God’s readiness to hear and answer the cries of His servant.

Help Support The Ministry:

________________

 

MORE ANSWERS TO BIBLE QUESTIONS:

________________

________________

 

BIBLE STUDIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:

________________