Shamgar
maleJudgesMeaning: “Sword; named a stranger”
A judge who struck down six hundred Philistines with an ox goad, delivering Israel.
Biography
Shamgar, the son of Anath, was a judge of Israel mentioned only briefly but memorably. In a single verse, Scripture records that "he slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel" (Judges 3:31) — using nothing more than a simple farmer's tool. He is remembered again in the Song of Deborah as belonging to a lawless, dangerous time when the highways were unsafe (Judges 5:6). His story stands as a testimony that God can deliver His people through unlikely means and humble instruments.
Life Timeline
Strikes down 600 Philistines with an ox goad
On the Bible timeline
Shamgar belongs to the Conquest & the Judges era (c. 1400 – 1050 BC).
- c. 1375 – 1050 BCThe Age of the Judges
Themes & lessons from Shamgar
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Shamgar appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookJudges2 verses
Judges 3:31
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.
Judges 5:6
In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travellers walked through byways. travellers: Heb. walkers of paths byways: Heb. crooked ways
Frequently asked about Shamgar
Who was Shamgar in the Bible?
A judge who struck down six hundred Philistines with an ox goad, delivering Israel.
What does the name Shamgar mean?
The name Shamgar means “Sword; named a stranger”.
What did Shamgar do in the Bible?
Shamgar served as judge of israel.
Where does Shamgar appear in the Bible?
Shamgar is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Judges.
What can we learn from Shamgar?
The story of Shamgar touches on themes of ox, the, philistines, travellers — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Shamgar's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Shamgar?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →