Judges 3:31

After him was Shamgar, &c.— It is uncertain of what tribe Shamgar was, and when he commenced judge of Israel; nothing being mentioned concerning him, but this exploit against the Philistines, in which he slew six hundred men with an ox-goad; i.e. the instrument by which oxen are broken to the plough and managed. An observation of Mr. Maundrel will justify our version. He says, that in Palestine he observed them to use goads of an extraordinary size. "Upon measuring of several, I found them about eight feet long, and at the bigger end six inches in circumference. They were armed at the lesser end with a sharp prickle for driving the oxen, and at the other end with a small spade, or paddle of iron, strong and massy, for cleansing the plough from the clay that encumbers it in working. May we not from hence conjecture, that it was with such a goad as one of these that Shamgar made that prodigious slaughter related of him, Judges 3:31.? I am confident, that whoever should see one of these instruments would judge it to be a weapon, not less fit, perhaps fitter, than a sword for such an execution. Goads of this sort I saw always used hereabouts, and also in Syria; and the reason is, because the same single person both drives the oxen, and holds and manages the plough; which makes it necessary to use such a goad as is above described, to avoid the incumbrance of two instruments." See Journey from Aleppo, p. 110. One cannot help remarking, upon a view of this and the preceding Chapter s, how soon the Israelites forgot the wonders which God had done for them, revolted from his law, and fell into idolatry.

REFLECTIONS.—Far from being suitably affected by their late deliverance, after Othniel's death the long enjoyment of ease and affluence plunged them again into their old sins, and provoked God to give them up to new oppressors.

1. The king of Moab, who in vain, in former years, attempted to stand against them, now that God is no longer their defence, arises to war, strengthens himself by the forces of Ammon and Amalek, and prevails against them. The Israelites, unable to resist, are every where beaten, their strong-holds taken, and the city of palm-trees, a fort near Jericho, is garrisoned to keep them under the yoke. Eighteen years they endured this servitude, and paid tribute to their oppressors. Note; (1.) When we return to sin, we may expect that God will return to judgment. (2.) If lighter corrections are ineffectual, God will make them longer and heavier. (3.) No instrument so despicable, but God, whenever he pleases, can make it the rod of his anger.

2. Israel had again recourse to prayer; and, though their suffering was prolonged, at last God pities and delivers them by the hand of Ehud. Note; (1.) The greatest dangers do not intimidate, nor the greatest difficulties entangle, those whom God arms with holy courage, and supplies with the spirit of wisdom. (2.) It is a great mercy to have rest from our spiritual enemies; let us improve it by diligence to grow in grace, that we may be better prepared for their reception when they than renew their attacks.