The Jawbone of a Donkey: A Lesson in God’s Sovereign Power and Our Duty to Obey

The Holy Bible, as the inerrant and inspired Word of God, is our ultimate authority and guide. Every account within its pages—from Genesis to Revelation—carries divine purpose, revealing God’s unchanging character, His righteous commands, and the eternal consequences of obedience or rebellion. In Judges 15:15-17, we find the true and literal account of Samson, a man chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This passage is not a mere story; it is a divine lesson, showing us God’s sovereign might, the power He grants to those who rely on Him, and the absolute necessity of living in submission to His will.

God’s Mighty Hand at Work

The Scripture in Judges 15:15-17 (KJV) declares:

"And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. 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 Ramathlehi."

Here, the Bible records a historical fact: Samson, surrounded by a thousand Philistine enemies, took up a donkey’s jawbone—an unlikely and humble tool—and struck down his foes. This was no human feat; it was the Almighty God working through Samson to fulfill His purpose. After the victory, Samson cast aside the jawbone and named the place Ramathlehi, meaning "hill of the jawbone," to mark God’s deliverance. This account stands as a testament to the Lord’s power and a call for us to honor Him.

Lessons from God’s Word

This passage, as with all Scripture, is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16, KJV). Here are the clear lessons it teaches:

1. God’s Sovereign Choice Prevails:  God, in His infinite wisdom, selected Samson—a man flawed by sin—to be His instrument. This reveals that the Lord’s purposes stand above human weakness. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV), "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise." Samson’s calling proves that God alone determines who will serve Him, and His will cannot be thwarted.
2. True Strength is from the Lord:  A jawbone is no weapon of war, yet God made it mighty in Samson’s hand. The victory belonged to God, not Samson or the tool he wielded. We, too, must depend wholly on God’s strength, for as Philippians 4:13 (KJV) says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Our battles—against sin, the flesh, and the devil—are won only by His power.
3. Obedience Brings Victory, Sin Brings Ruin:  In this moment, Samson prevailed because he acted as God’s chosen deliverer. Yet, his later life shows the wages of disobedience: pride and lust led to his capture and death. This is a solemn warning—God’s favor does not excuse rebellion. We must obey His commands fully, for "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23, KJV).
4. We Must Glorify God in All Things:  Samson named the place Ramathlehi to acknowledge God’s hand in his triumph. So must we give God all glory for every blessing and victory. Psalm 115:1 (KJV) commands, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory." To do otherwise is to rob God of the honor due Him.

A Warning Against Sin

Samson’s life is a double-edged sword: a display of God’s power and a cautionary tale of disobedience. His downfall came when he strayed from God’s law, chasing after sinful desires. Let this be a warning to us all—God is holy, and He will not be mocked. Galatians 6:7 (KJV) declares, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." We must flee sin and cling to righteousness, lest we face the judgment Samson endured.

Applying God’s Truth to Our Lives

The Word of God is not for idle reading; it demands action. Here’s how we must live out Judges 15:15-17:

• Trust in God’s Strength Alone: In every trial—be it temptation, persecution, or hardship—lean not on your own understanding or might, but on the Lord’s power.
• Use What God Provides: The jawbone was simple, yet God used it. Surrender your gifts, however small, to Him, and He will work wonders for His glory.
• Obey God Without Compromise: The Bible is clear—study it diligently, take it literally, and obey it completely. Partial obedience is disobedience.
• Honor God in Every Victory: When God delivers you, proclaim His goodness. Let your lips and life testify to His greatness.
• Repent and Return: If you’ve wandered into sin, repent now. God’s mercy is available, but His judgment awaits the unrepentant.

Conclusion

Judges 15:15-17 stands as a mighty declaration of God’s sovereignty and a call to faithful obedience. Through Samson’s victory with a jawbone, we see that God can use anyone and anything to accomplish His perfect will. Yet, through Samson’s life, we are warned that disobedience leads to destruction. As fundamentalist Christians, let us hold fast to the literal truth of Scripture, rely on God’s strength, and live in unwavering obedience. Give Him all glory, and stand ready for both His grace and His righteous judgment. May we be found faithful when He returns.

DMMC 7-27-25

dfaithful when He returns.