An oxgoad belonged with cattle, yet in Shamgar’s hands it became a weapon against the Philistines. Judges records that he killed six hundred men with it and delivered Israel. The account is brief, but that unlikely tool is worth remembering. We can spend so much time noticing what we lack that we dismiss what we have: a useful skill, a little time, an opportunity to help. Shamgar’s oxgoad gives us reason to reconsider what seems inadequate. We cannot promise ourselves his extraordinary victory, but we can put what we have to faithful use instead of waiting for something more impressive. An ordinary tool does not set the limits of an almighty God.
“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 3:31
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