2. Minor judge, major achievement (3:31)

Shamgar’s ox goad has made him the patron saint of those who do their best with what they have. In three ways this notice adds to the atmosphere of triumph pervading 3:12-5:31. (1) Shamgar comes after Ehud, but no apostasy intervenes, implying restraint of Israel’s apostasy; (2) he defeats the Philistines, anticipating David’s victory; and (3) he save[s] Israel.