And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.
After him came Shamgar, son of Anath, who killed six hundred Philistines with an ox goad, and he also rescued Israel.
This verse tells us that Shamgar, using only a farming tool, defeated 600 enemy soldiers and delivered his people from oppression.
📚 Historical Context
This brief account occurs during the period of the Judges (around 1200-1050 BC), when Israel repeatedly fell into cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance. An ox goad was a long wooden stick with a metal point used to drive cattle, making Shamgar's victory with such a simple farm tool all the more remarkable. The Philistines were one of Israel's primary enemies during this period, often raiding and oppressing the Israelites.
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