Anath עֲנָת
Father of Shamgar, a judge of Israel
Who is Anath in the Bible?
Anath was the father of Shamgar, one of Israel's judges during the period of the Judges. Shamgar, described as "the son of Anath," achieved fame by striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, a farming tool, thereby delivering Israel from enemy oppression (Judges 3:31). The Song of Deborah also references this era, noting that "in the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, the highways were abandoned" (Judges 5:6), indicating a time of widespread danger and insecurity in the land. Though Anath himself is not described directly, his mention in scripture underscores the challenging period of judges when individual leaders rose to deliver Israel from oppression through extraordinary acts of courage.
Biography
Anath is mentioned in the book of Judges as the father of Shamgar, one of the judges who delivered Israel from their enemies. Shamgar, the son of Anath, is described as having killed six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad, which was a farming implement used to guide and control oxen. This heroic act brought deliverance to Israel during a time of oppression. Anath is also mentioned in the Song of Deborah, where it is stated that in the days of Shamgar, son of Anath, the highways were abandoned, and travelers had to take winding paths, indicating a time of insecurity and danger in Israel.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookJudges 2 verses
- Judges 3:31
"After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath. And he too saved Israel, striking down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad."
- Judges 5:6
"In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲנָת |
Anath
ped in Egypt. She is mentioned in monuments of the 18th Dynasty, coupled with the war- goddess Astart (Moore, Judges, 105-896; DB; EB).
a-nath'-e-ma (anathema): This word occurs only once in the King James Version, namely, in the phrase "Let him be anathema. Maranatha" (1Co 16:22); elsewhere the King James Versio