SHAMGAR is a man immensely to our liking. He slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox-goad. His weapon proves his peaceable calling, he was busy with the oxen, but the uncircumcised invaded the land, and if they conquered, Shamgar would have not an ox left I Now most men would say, "Give me a sword, and an armed following, and then I will go out against the enemy." Not so Shamgar. He used the implement that was in his hand, and fought and conquered. The Lord gave him the strength and the endurance, and Shamgar's name stands on the honorable roll of the deliverers of God's people—" He also delivered Israel." (Judg. 3:3131And 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 3:31).)
Now let the soldier of Christ pursue his peaceful calling, for however dexterous a man may be with the sword, if he be too often fighting he will cultivate too little soil. But let him use what weapon God may put in his hand, and what weapon he understands, when the enemy comes up against God's people. David knew how to use the sling, the sword he was not conversant with, and with the stone and the sling he conquered. Do not let young men, with little education, try quoting Greek to learned skeptics; let them be content with some humble weapon, with an implement they understand. It is wonderful what can be done for God by simple means. Samson used the jaw-bone of an ass and slew the enemy in heaps. God was his strength, and by the contemptuous bone he overcame. Use what you understand, or what God seems good to place in your way. Do not wait for the last new weapon issued, nor tarry for a following.
Shamgar had a work to do, and he did it. He was the man for the moment of difficulty. We do not read that he judged Israel—he delivered Israel. It is a pity that some who are great and brave for Christ in spiritual warfare should think that therefore they must control the minds of God's people. Let us learn from the Spirit's record of Shamgar to do what God calls us to do, and to do no more. There will ever be plenty to do—of that there is no question—but when our Shamgars try to become judges they do but cause evil instead of good amongst the people of God. The courage and the wisdom for offensive warfare is quite distinct from the patience and the wisdom of controlling the hearts and minds of believers.
It is well to return to our oxen and to plough the land after a victory—well to be nothing after the Lord has granted a season of overcoming—well to do what we may be called to do for Christ, and then not to be heard of again. May there be amongst our readers “deliverers of Israel," and may we all learn a lesson of faith and courage from Shamgar.