“But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day.”– Judges 15:19 (KJV)
“But God made a stream of water pour out of the hollow place in the jawbone, and when Samson drank, his strength returned, and he revived. So he named that place, The Spring of the One Who Cried Out; and it is still in Lehi to this day.”– Judges 15:19 (NLT)
“But God opened up a spring right there in the jawbone, and Samson drank from it; he felt revived. He named the place ‘Jawbone Spring.’ It’s still there at Lehi.”– Judges 15:19 (MSG)
What Does Judges 15:19 Mean?
The verse in Judges 15:19 tells a remarkable story of God’s provision in a time of need. Here, we see Samson, who was an Israelite judge and known for his extraordinary strength, faced with a dire situation after a fierce battle. After defeating a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, Samson felt exhausted and in desperate need of water. At this moment, he cried out to God for help, and God intervened in an amazing way by providing him with water from an unexpected source – the hollow place in the jawbone.
This shows us how God listens to our cries and provides for us in our times of need. Samson was at the point of physical collapse, and God responded to his call with an act of mercy and support. This miracle serves as a reminder that God cares for us even in our most difficult moments, and He can provide what we need in unlikely ways. Whether we are physically drained, like Samson, or spiritually thirsty, God’s provision is always there for us. It reinforces the idea that we should not hesitate to reach out in prayer when we are in distress.
Judges 15:19 Explanation and Commentary
In this commentary, we can explore the context surrounding Judges 15:19 more deeply. Before this verse, Samson had just employed the jawbone of a donkey as a weapon. This moment emphasizes that God works through imperfect situations. The jawbone, an object associated with death, was miraculously turned into a tool for victory. Here, we notice how God can use the most unlikely tools to achieve His purpose. This symbolism encourages us to rely on God’s might rather than our strength or understanding.
The act of God providing water from the jawbone speaks volumes to His power. He took an object representing defeat and transformed it into a source of life. It reminds us a lot about how God brings life out of barren situations. Just as the water refreshed and revived Samson, it symbolizes how Jesus offers us a living water that quenches our spiritual thirst (see John 4:14). Like Samson, when we allow ourselves to feel depleted and at the end of our own strength, we can find revival in our faith.
Our relationship with God should encourage us to believe that He can transform our situations too. We may feel like we are at the end of our rope, unable to continue, but God can open springs of hope and renewal even in the most barren times. Additionally, this desperate cry from Samson reminds us of our own need to come before God. We must lean into our faith and not shy away from asking God when we need support.
Furthermore, it’s important to see this act as an encouragement for community. Samson did not take credit for this miracle but acknowledged that it came from God. We too can take the time to acknowledge where our help and strength come from. Ultimately, Samson naming the spring ‘En-hakkore’ (meaning ‘The Spring of the One Who Cried Out’) is significant because it illustrates that God not only provides but also hears our cries.
Context of Judges 15:19
To fully appreciate the depth of Judges 15:19, we must look closely at the surrounding events in Samson’s life. Samson was raised as a Nazirite, set apart for God’s work. However, he continually wrestled with his commitments and desires, often leading him into conflict with the Philistines, who oppressed his people. His tumultuous relationship with Delilah also played a significant role in his story, leading to a dramatic downfall.
This chapter highlights a specific point in Samson’s life when he is compelled to confront the Philistines after they wronged him due to his marriage to a Philistine woman. Throughout his life, we see times where he acted out of anger or vengeance. The battle narrated here and the way God intervenes shows us a turning point, where Samson begins to realize the importance of seeking God’s help in his hardships.
In examining the deeper context, we also see that this moment of desperation leads to spiritual revelation. It moves Samson to call upon God, something that we may take for granted in our own lives. Samson’s initial strength often led him to act independently, but this moment of weakness yields to reverence for God’s power and provision. This is a profound reminder that in our weakest hours, we may find the strength to call out to God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Judges 15:19
Let’s break down the key elements of Judges 15:19 for better clarity. The narrative part that stands out is God’s provision at the time of need. When Samson cries out, God hears him, suggesting a relational aspect between God and humanity. God’s nature is to respond to those who seek Him; this quality is seen throughout scripture, not isolated to Samson’s story.
The physical act of providing water from the jawbone signifies both life and sustenance. Water is often a symbol of life and mercy throughout the Bible. Just as physical water quenches thirst and revives the body, spiritual water, or the Holy Spirit, revives our souls. Thus, in the context of our lives, we must seek the Living Water that Christ offers us through a relationship with Him.
Samson naming the location ‘En-hakkore’ is also noteworthy. This naming signifies a moment of reflection and acknowledgment of God’s intervention. By doing this, he memorializes the moment where God provided for him. Likewise, we ought to remember and celebrate the moments when God has provided for us in times of need, fostering gratitude in our hearts.
Lessons to Learn From Judges 15:19
From Judges 15:19, we learn several crucial lessons about our relationship with God. Firstly, we see that God is always responsive to our prayers and cries for help. When life becomes overwhelming, we might feel scarce and lacking, but we should approach God in those times without hesitation. He is always ready to provide and uplift us.
Secondly, God’s provision often comes in unexpected ways. Just as He provided water from a jawbone, we might overlook the resources that God places in our lives. We are called to open our eyes to the blessings around us, recognizing that they might not always come from the expected places. We can find comfort in knowing that God works within the challenges we face.
Another lesson we derive is the importance of acknowledging God’s work in our lives. When we see His hand in our accomplishments and victories, it should drive us to give credit to Him, just as Samson did. This consistent acknowledgment cultivates humility and deepens our relationship with God. It also positions us to be more receptive to His direction in our lives.
Lastly, the story teaches us about the power of testimony and remembrance. By naming the spring ‘En-hakkore,’ Samson marked a moment in time that was personally significant. This encourages us to create our markers, too; records of how we saw God’s hand in our lives. Sharing these moments can inspire others and strengthen our faith community.
Final Thoughts
Judges 15:19 holds powerful lessons that resonate even today. The reminder that God is always available and willing to help when we call puts our hearts at ease. We can reflect on our lives, consider the moments when we felt dry and in need, and recognize how God has graciously provided for us. Each of us can look to our own jawbones, those places in our lives that once seemed hollow yet became sources of strength through faith.
In retrospect, we may want to actively seek ways to acknowledge God’s provision in our lives. Let’s remember to express gratitude and share our testimonies, creating a culture where everyone feels encouraged in their faith journey. Should you feel led, explore more scriptures and continue deepening your understanding of God’s Word. We can strengthen ourselves together in this shared pursuit of faith.
For further insights, check out Joshua 9:21 or Joshua 8:97. Let us continue our quest for understanding and community!