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Bible Encyclopedias
Shamgar
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
1. Biblical Account:
One of the judges, son of Anath (
2. Critical Hypotheses:
Several writers have challenged the Biblical account on the following grounds: that in Judges 5 no mention is made of any deliverance; that the name "Shamgar" resembles the name of a Hittite king and the name "Anath" that of a Syrian goddess; that the deed recorded in Judges 3:31 is analogous to that of Samson ( Judges 15:15 ), and that of Shammah, son of Agee (2 Samuel 23:11 f); and lastly, that in a group of Greek manuscripts and other versions this verse is inserted after the account of Samson's exploits. None of these is necessarily inconsistent with the traditional account. Neverthelesss, they have been used as a basis not only for overthrowing the tradition, but also for constructive theories such as that which makes Shamgar a foreign oppressor and not a judge, and even the father of Sisera. There is, of course, no limit to which this kind of interesting speculation cannot lead.
(For a complete account of these views see Moore, "Judges," in
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Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. Entry for 'Shamgar'. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​isb/​s/shamgar.html. 1915.