שופטים, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ט״ו

In the sudden rush of conflict, an everyday object can quickly become an instrument of survival. Searching for any available weapon, a simple animal bone is repurposed to deliver a deadly and powerful strike. This specific object is a jawbone from the head [מצודת ציון], belonging to the remains of a donkey [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

A crucial detail of this improvised weapon is its physical condition. The primary approach among commentators is that the bone was still moist and fresh [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רד״ק]. This dampness carried great practical importance for the battle. Because the bone was fresh rather than old and dry, it maintained its original shape and remained entirely solid. This structural integrity allowed it to fit comfortably and securely in the hand. Reaching out to grip the jawbone tightly, the fighter used this natural advantage to wield the bone as a highly effective weapon, ultimately striking down a thousand Philistines [ביאור שטיינזלץ].