The answer is: A jawbone

Judges 15:15 - Samson used the jawbone of a donkey as an improvised weapon to kill a thousand Philistines, demonstrating the extraordinary strength that God had granted him to deliver Israel from its enemies.

In a story that combines both hilarity and heaviness, we have Samson's unsung heroism with a rather mundane utensil: the jawbone of a donkey! It paints a vivid image, right? Other warriors through history wielded swords or spears, but Samson has arguably one of the strangest “weapons” on record. This tale, found in Judges 15, isn't just about brute strength; it also underscores the notion that divine assistance can come in unpredictable forms.

Did you know that donkeys have a reputation for being stubborn? Perhaps that's a foreshadowing clue into the wisdom at play here. Despite the noise of conflict and celebrating their own stubbornness, the Philistines ultimately face defeat at the hands of a guy with a jawbone.

There’s value in Samson’s story that extends beyond resurrection through physical might. For instance, notice how he identifies not with the weapon as a tool of destruction but as a surprising means for justice. This reflects numbers from ancient warfare stories—when armies, at times, were outnumbered, strategy and unconventional wisdom led to remarkable victories.

Samson does more than crush foes; he embodies themes of liberation and reliance on often-overlooked resources. And in our own lives, may we ask not just about the strength at hand, but what ordinary, unexpected items might serve us in more powerful ways when united with courage and conviction? Life really can be a field full of jawbone moments!