Lexical Summary Ramath Lechiy: Ramath Lehi Original Word: רָמַת לֶחִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ramath-lehi From ramah and lchiy; height of a jaw-bone; Ramath-Lechi, a place in Palestine -- Ramath-lehi. see HEBREW ramah see HEBREW lchiy Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning “Ramath Lehi” means “Jawbone Hill” or “Height of the Jawbone,” a memorial title assigned by Samson after his single-handed victory over the Philistines. Biblical Context Judges 15 recounts Samson’s conflict with the Philistines after they burned his wife and her father. Using an unlikely weapon—the fresh jawbone of a donkey—Samson struck down about one thousand men (Judges 15:15). Verse 17 records, “When Samson finished speaking, he threw the jawbone from his hand; and he named the place Ramath-lehi” (Berean Standard Bible). The naming serves both to commemorate the victory and to mark the spot where divine empowerment was displayed through the weakest of instruments. Geographical Considerations The exact location is uncertain, but the narrative places it in the Shephelah of Judah, between the territory of the tribe of Judah and the Philistine plain. The proximity to Lehi (“jawbone”) and later to the spring called En-hakkore (Judges 15:19) suggests an area of limestone hills with natural rock cavities. Archaeologists have proposed sites south-west of Zorah and Eshtaol, yet none is definitively confirmed, preserving the hill’s anonymity and its theological rather than topographical importance. Historical Significance Ramath Lehi became a standing reminder that Israel’s deliverance does not depend on conventional strength or weaponry. The victory occurred during the early Iron Age when Philistine oppression was heavy. By recalling the event, later generations could see a pattern: the Lord “raises up saviors” (Judges 2:16) who defeat foes in unexpected ways, highlighting divine sovereignty in Israel’s history. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Divine Enablement: Samson’s feat affirms that “the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him” (Judges 15:14). Ministry rests not in human adequacy but in God’s power (Zechariah 4:6). Typological Echoes Samson’s thirst and the water that flowed from the rock-like hollow evoke Moses striking the rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:6) and prefigure Jesus Christ, the spiritual Rock who gives “living water” (John 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:4). Ramath Lehi thus foreshadows redemptive themes fulfilled in the New Covenant. Practical Applications for Believers • Engage spiritual battles with confidence in God’s empowerment (Ephesians 6:10-11). Related References Judges 15:14-20 – Immediate narrative context Judges 2:16; Hebrews 11:32-34 – Pattern of deliverers Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11 – Water from the rock 1 Corinthians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 12:9 – Power perfected in weakness John 4:10; Revelation 7:17 – Living water motif See Also Lehi; En-hakkore; Samson; Philistine Oppression; Memorial Stones Forms and Transliterations לֶֽחִי׃ לחי׃ le·ḥî Lechi leḥîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 15:17 HEB: הַה֖וּא רָ֥מַת לֶֽחִי׃ NAS: and he named that place Ramath-lehi. KJV: and called that place Ramathlehi. INT: place he Ramath-lehi |
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