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PULPIT TODAY SERMON
Shamgar’s Oxgoad
Judges 3:31
by Robert D. Pace
Introduction
The Book of Judges is intriguing because it reveals the Superheroes of Israel. They were men of renown that God used, sometimes single-handedly, to deliver the Jewish nation from its enemies. You will find fifteen of these champions listed in Judges, and most appear with peculiar names. Names such as, Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Barak, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, Samson, Eli, and Samuel.
Scholars group these “judges” of Israel into three classifications: (1) Warrior-Judges, like Samson and Gideon; (2) Priestly-Judges, like Eli; and (3) Prophet-Judges, as distinguished by Samuel and Deborah. The dispensation of Israeli judges lasted for 350 years, beginning with Joshua’s death and continuing until King Saul ascended the throne.
In Joshua 3, the “man of the hour” was a farmer named Shamgar. Shamgar rose to prominence when 600 Philistines invaded his plowing field. The Jews had begun settling into the Promised Land and building cities. While most of the Canaanites had been overthrown, there remained enough to threaten Israel’s welfare. And God permitted this for a reason. Judges 3:1–4 says: “These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan . . . (4) [These nations] were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the Lord’s commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses.”
God permitted some enemies of Israel to survive in order to test their resolve to serve Him. It also explains why God doesn’t eliminate every enemy in our lives. When we wrestle against the forces of evil, doctrines of devils, and spiritual wickedness, it tests our resolve in keeping the faith; it builds our character; and it strengthens our relationship with Christ.
1 Peter 4:12 says: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. (13) But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Let me explain what that means, because it’s wonderful! When we leave this world and stand before our glorious Savior, He’s going to reveal all the painful and strange battles we faced in this life. But a moment later, the Lord will disclose the reward that will be yours forever and ever! Peter says we’re going to be overjoyed!
Peter then says in 5:10: “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
It’s often said that “Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.” Well, you can add one more “certainty” to that maxim: “Nothing in life is certain except death, taxes, and tests”! Everyone is tested and challenged! In 1962, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that government education could not include prayer in its daily activities. Since that time, I’ve noticed a fabulous bumper sticker. Paul Harvey called them “Bumper snickers.” The decal says this: “As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in schools.”
(Transition) Let’s return to Shamgar. There’s only one terse Scripture that dramatizes this incredible account of how God used this farmer with his oxgoad to overcome 600 Philistines. Nevertheless, there is nothing trivial about the message contained in this scant verse.
(Definition) For those wondering what an oxgoad is, it is an eight-foot stick that farmers used for plowing. At one end was an iron point, which was used to prod along a stubborn ox. At the other end was a chisel, used to dislodge clumps of wet dirt from the plow. This eight-foot stick, an oxgoad, is the weapon Shamgar used to fight those trained Philistine soldiers equipped with swords, clubs, and shields.
(Application) There is a deeper spiritual lesson to be learned from this brief battle between Shamgar and the Philistines. Shamgar teaches us the importance of being prepared to resist a sudden attack of the enemy. We must always stand ready to resist the devil.
(Transition) So let’s look closer at this riveting account of Shamgar’s conquest of these Philistines. It’s one of those episodes of the Bible that I wish video technology could have captured! It would be fascinating to witness Shamgar in action. Since video production wasn’t available in the OT, I’ll have to describe my depiction of this battle:
Shamgar’s Battle
Shamgar was plowing alone in his field when the Philistines invaded his territory. Scripture mentions nothing about his physical prowess or a notable pedigree in his genealogy. There’s only one person mentioned in Shamgar’s genealogy, and it was his father, Anath. It’s really peculiar that Shamgar’s father was named Anath, because that name is associated with a Canaanite goddess, and the Canaanites were the very people Israel was trying to uproot from it’s land. Shamgar was much like another figure that God chose to overpower Israel’s enemies. I’m talking about Gideon. Both Gideon and Shamgar were “nobodies.” They were of no social renown; they were simply common persons.
Perhaps Shamgar “saw his life pass before him” when he caught a glimpse of the Philistines. That’s a natural reaction. But while Shamgar was a commoner on the outside, he was altogether different on the inside. He was filled with faith and could believe God for great things. Moments after spotting the Philistines and hearing the rattle of their weapons, his mind raced through the miracles God had performed through Moses and Joshua. As he rehearsed those miracles, Shamgar knew God could work one through him. That’s why he “stood his ground.”
I can see the Captain of the Philistines commanding an infantryman to attack that poor plowboy. But when that Philistine walked within range of that eight-foot oxgoad, Shamgar whirled it around, and the enemy never knew what hit him. A nearby angel, who was recording this event, must’ve written these words: “One down, 599 to go”!
With the Philistine commander standing at a distance, he probably thought: “That was shear luck! But that farmer can’t handle my next man. But he too succumbed to the swat of the oxgoad! In fact, Shamgar swatted one soldier after another all day. So the Captain started sending them in pairs, but to no avail. The “swatting” continued all day long. By sunset, there was none left standing except God’s faith-filled farmer, Shamgar. Perhaps this is where the military devised the term “SWAT Team.”
Shamgar was an untrained soldier who was unfamiliar with swords and shields. But he didn’t need those instruments. Those weapons would have inhibited his style. Shamgar prevailed with a tool he was acquainted with—an oxgoad.
Can you tell how the morale of this story is shaping up? God calls His people to “fight the good fight of faith” just as Shamgar did. God wants you to use the gifts, talents, and spiritual weapons that He gave you. And the Lord wants you to utilize them regardless of how insignificant they appear. Is your oxgoad prayer, or faith, or an unshakable confidence in God’s Word? Your oxgoad is what brings you victory in life.
Some Christians are “givers of mercy,” while others are gifted as teachers. Some Christians are encouragers and always have a word in due season. Others break the yoke of Satan’s bondage through the gift of prophecy, or teaching, or singing. God has given everyone here a special “oxgoad” that will help you accomplish His purposes. And it doesn’t really matter which gifts and talents you possess; what’s necessary is this: just be willing to believe God and do your part. Like Shamgar, step forward and use the oxgoad that God placed in your hand.
And the Apostle Peter said this in 1 Peter 4:10—11. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (11) If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Romans 12:6 says: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; (7) if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; (8) if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, b do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (28) He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, (29) so that no one may boast before him.”
God uses all sorts of people. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Harvard graduate or a high school dropout. God uses anybody. But He specializes in using nobodies! The only person God can’t use is the faithless, unwilling person.
Gideon’s Battle
Let’s examine another Warrior-Judge from Scripture. Judges 7 discloses how Gideon marshaled 300 men against an uncountable Midianite army and destroyed them in the thick of night. Did you know that Israel’s troops numbered over 32,000 when the campaign began? But according to God, that was unfair:
Turn to Judges 7:2 and let’s read: “The LORD said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, (3) announce now to the people, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So, twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.”
After dismissing the 22,000 the Lord ordered Gideon to send home ten thousand more at the river. That left Gideon with 300 soldiers.
But now notice the principal weapons that God issued to these 300 men. If you thought an oxgoad was strange, notice this: It wasn’t rockets and grenades, swords or spears, bows, arrows, or shields. Judges 7:16 says the Lord provided them with lanterns and trumpets!
What weapons! But at God’s command, Gideon’s men shattered their pitchers, blew their trumpets, and God did the rest! You see, God doesn’t need high-tech weaponry to defeat the enemy. A mustard seed of faith and what’s in your hand is enough!
Samson used the jawbone of a donkey to fight the enemy, and with that, he defeated 1000 soldiers.
David used a slingshot. Ehud used a dagger. Jael used a rusty nail. Moses used a staff.
None of those instruments was state-of-the-art weaponry. They amounted to oxgoads! But these soldiers were willing to humble themselves and comply with Gideon’s command. Consequently, God vanquished their enemies! This is important to remember: It’s always God, and not us, who gets the victory. The Lord simply wants us to comply with His plan.
It’s amusing to hear the purveyors of liberal theology discredit the Bible’s miracles. One liberal commentator suggested that Shamgar led a regiment of farmers to combat the Philistines. I have studied the Bible long enough to know it’s always wrong to question its miracles. And I certainly do not believe this was a mere parable that’s meant to encourage us. I believe it was an actual account of Hebrew history. To deny the authenticity of this battle would strip away God’s sovereignty. What’s wrong with Christians believing that God miraculously intervenes for His people?
I believe Genesis 1:1 when it says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Perhaps no one today has seen remnants from Noah’s Ark, and though many scoff at the account of a global Flood, I believe the Genesis 6 account of Noah and the Flood.
I believe the Bible when it says the axe-head floated, Pharaoh’s army sank, and Elijah’s chariot ascended through the heavens.
I believe the Bible when it says a donkey talked and a lame man walked.
I believe the Bible when it says fire destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah but it couldn’t extinguish the lives of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
I believe in Daniel’s prophecies, Ezekiel’s visions, and John’s dreams.
And finally, I believe that a sovereign, but unseen, God controls everything. He will return to Earth, just as the Bible predicts. He will judge unbelievers, reward the righteous, and rule the universe as the King of Kings.
People who mock the Bible are doing no harm to God. They’re but alienating themselves from the God of infinite love and immense grace.
(Transition) Before we grab our oxgoad and head for the battlefield, let’s note one other aspect of Shamgar’s victory.
God on the Battlefield
You’ll need to unleash your imagination for this last point. Try to visualize that battlefield at the end of that remarkable day. Do you see the trenches littered with 600 dead Philistines? Do you see an exhausted, but victorious, Shamgar leaning against his oxgoad? I can envision that scene. Yet, there’s more. While there is a new hero with his oxgoad ready to be inducted into Israel’s Hall of Fame, there is something more significant to address. What is this? It’s something that could not be seen that day, yet was most certainly there. Yes, you heard me correctly. It’s something that was profoundly present, yet completely invisible on that battlefield. Without this unseen Presence, the entire battle would have been lost. I’m talking about the Holy Spirit! Without the Holy Spirit working through the Bible’s heroes, there wouldn’t be any victories. The same goes for Samson, Barak, Gideon, Deborah, and David. As Zechariah 4:6 says: “‘[It is] not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” God makes the difference on the battlefield.
(Quote) During my college studies, the Professor of the homiletics class invited a successful pastor to address the students. Someone asked him, “Pastor, what’s the most important aspect of ministry?” He responded without hesitation, “Stay anointed.” I agree that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is vital to our achievements. You should raise the white flag and surrender if you’re living without the Spirit’s blessing. He is the key to your successes:
Judges 3:10 says: “The Spirit of the LORD came upon . . . Othniel” to overpower the enemy.
Judges 6:34 says: “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon” to do his work of rallying the mighty men of Israel.
Judges 11:29 says: “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah . . . [to] advance against the Ammonites.”
The book of Judges repeatedly says, “The Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon Samson” to defend Israel and defeat her enemies.
That’s why facts, figures, and earthly calculations are inconsequential to God. Our victories don’t come through our “might,” “talents” or “genius.” God alone is our success factor.
That’s why Moses could chant in Leviticus 26:8: “Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.”
That’s why Deuteronomy 28:7 says: “The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.”
That’s why the Israelite women danced and sang in 1 Samuel 18:7: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
That’s why the Psalmist declared in Psalm 91:7: “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”
God doesn’t need a “show of force” to accomplish His purposes. What He needs is a Spirit-filled, Word-filled, faith-filled Christian, and nothing will be impossible. In fact, it’s inappropriate to seek for the world’s help before seeking God’s supernatural assistance. Notice Isaiah 31:1: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD.”
Conclusion
Saints of God, Scripture expresses God’s sovereignty over this planet. His power is irrepressible and, with or without us, His providence will prevail. That’s why it’s necessary to join His team. You want to be on the winning side. Today, I’m encouraging you to exercise your gifts, talents, and resources for God’s glory. Regardless of how insignificant your gift seems, it’s your oxgoad and God wants you to use it. Remember, “Little is much when God is in it.”
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