The answer is: A cattle prod

Jdg 3:31 - The jawbone of the donkey, although also unusual, was the weapon of choice for Samson who slew 1,000 men. The "ox goad" (as written in many versions) was a long wooden pole with a metal point used for prodding the oxen to drive them.

Shamgar’s tale is indeed one of the colorful highlights in the Book of Judges! Just imagine wielding a cattle prod to battle 600 Philistines—definitely not the standard choice for warfare. This ox goad wasn’t just a farming tool; it represented resourcefulness and courage in a time when Israel was under significant threat. Per Judge's account, Shamgar is depicted as a quirky yet fierce hero who stepped up at a critical moment.

There’s something fascinating about these types of weapons showing up in biblical stories. It reflects the theme of unconventional heroism—using day-to-day items to triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. For instance, while Shamgar lucked out with an ox goad, Samson, as mentioned, wielded a jawbone during his own confrontation, emphasizing a similar message: God can work through any tool, no matter how unorthodox!

Interestingly, the mention of Philistines—a group recurrent in the narrative—serves to remind readers of the cultural and religious conflicts prevalent at the time. The Bible often revives themes of oppression and liberation through unconventional means, which gives us further insight into the resilience of the Israelite community. From the riveting Shofar sounds to miraculous divide of the sea, the text is replete with eclectic heroes rising to the challenge, who remind us that even the underprepared can have a monumental impact. Wouldn't you agree this adds a whole new layer of intrigue to those Sunday readings?