Bible Figure
Shamgar
biblical character (Judges)
Shamgar son of Anath was an early deliverer of Israel who killed six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad.
Biography
Judges 3:31 gives only a single verse to Shamgar, stating that after Ehud he struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad and saved Israel. Deborah's song in Judges 5 also mentions the days of Shamgar son of Anath as a time when major roads were abandoned and travelers used winding paths, suggesting insecurity in the land. Scripture supplies no genealogy, length of judgeship, or additional biography.
Biblical Significance
Shamgar shows that even a briefly mentioned figure could be used by God to deliver Israel. His unconventional weapon fits Judges' repeated theme of victory coming through unexpected instruments rather than conventional strength.