Anath is a figure whose only mention in the Scriptures is through his son, Shamgar, one of the lesser-known but incredibly heroic Judges of Israel. The primary significance of the name is its connection to the powerful Philistine and Canaanite opposition faced by the Israelites during the period of the Judges.
🗡️ The Lineage of a Judge
The Book of Judges records the life of Shamgar, the son of Anath, as one of the deliverers raised up by the Lord to rescue Israel from the surrounding oppressors. His title is distinct, as he is not identified by his tribe, but solely by his father’s name.
“And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad: and he also delivered Israel.” (Judges 3:31, KJV)
The focus of the verse is entirely on Shamgar’s extraordinary feat and the humble nature of his weapon, the ox goad—a long stick with a sharp point used by farmers to drive cattle. This detail emphasizes that Shamgar’s strength came from the Lord, not from military training or conventional weaponry.
👑 The Canaanite Connection
The name Anath itself points to the strong Canaanite influence in the region. Anath was a highly prominent, fierce goddess of war and fertility in the Ugaritic pantheon, widely worshipped throughout Canaan.
The fact that Shamgar’s father bore this pagan name has led scholars to two primary interpretations:
- Philistine or Canaanite Descent: That Shamgar, despite his later role as a judge, may have been of Philistine or Canaanite descent, perhaps one who was assimilated into the Israelite faith. If so, he was a powerful testament to God using anyone, even those outside the traditional twelve tribes, to accomplish His will.
- The Town of Anathoth: The name may have been taken from the town of Anathoth (a Levitical city in Benjamin, the birthplace of the prophet Jeremiah). This suggests that Shamgar may have been from a family living near or associated with this village.
Regardless of his exact origin, the bold actions of Shamgar the son of Anath stand as a clear demonstration of the Lord’s power to deliver His people, even when their judge’s lineage suggested ties to their enemies.
The Town of Anathoth
The name is most famous today as the source of the prophetic town of Anathoth, which was the home of the prophet Jeremiah. This town was designated as one of the cities given to the priests (the sons of Aaron) in the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 21:18, KJV).