Shamgar
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Shamgar in the Bible?
Shamgar, identified as the son of Anath, served as a judge of Israel and rescued the population from Philistine domination by employing an oxgoad as a weapon, as recorded in Judges 3:31 and Judges 5:6-7.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Shamgar's brief but impactful leadership clarifies the fragmented political landscape of early Israel and demonstrates how individual acts of resistance against Philistine hegemony contributed to the collective survival and identity of the Israelite tribes.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Shamgar reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shamgar in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shamgar clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Judges 3:31Judges 5:6-7
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Shamgar." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shamgar/