“And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramath-lehi.”
Context:This verse is part of the narrative about Samson, one of the judges of Israel. Samson was a man of great strength and was chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Philistines. This particular event takes place after Samson had killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.
The source of Samson’s strength:Samson’s strength was a result of God’s empowerment upon him. Throughout his life, he demonstrated incredible physical strength, which was a sign of God’s presence and blessing upon him. The jawbone of a donkey became an instrument of victory in Samson’s hands because of God’s anointing on his life.
The significance of Samson’s victory:The victory over the Philistines using a simple jawbone symbolises God’s power to accomplish great things through unlikely means. Samson’s triumph reminds us that God can work through ordinary people and unconventional methods to achieve His purposes. It underscores the truth that our reliance should be on God, not on our own strength or the conventional wisdom of the world.
The act of casting away the jawbone:When Samson finished using the jawbone as a weapon, he cast it away. This action serves as a powerful symbol of Samson’s recognition that the victory was not his alone, but a result of God’s intervention. It displays his humility and acknowledgment of God’s sovereign role in his accomplishments.
The naming of the place as Ramath-lehi:After casting away the jawbone, Samson named that place Ramath-lehi, which means “Jawbone Hill” or “Hill of the Jawbone.” This act of naming signifies the significance of the event and serves as a memorial for future generations. It highlights the power of God displayed through Samson’s exploits and serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and deliverance.
Lessons for believers:
- Dependence on God:Samson’s story teaches us the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than our own abilities. We should recognise that true victory comes from God alone.
- Humility and gratitude:Like Samson, we should cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude, acknowledging that any success or accomplishment we experience is ultimately due to God’s grace and power.
- God’s unconventional ways:The story of Samson demonstrates that God can use unconventional means to accomplish His purposes. We should be open to God’s leading and not limit Him by our preconceived notions of how He should work.
- Leaving a memorial:Just as Samson named the place, we should remember and commemorate the works of God in our lives. Sharing our testimonies and God’s faithfulness serves as a reminder to ourselves and an encouragement to others.
