שופטים, פרק ט״ו, פסוק י״ט

A moment of desperate thirst quickly turns into a miraculous rescue, showing the direct connection between a human cry for help and the Divine response. Following a massive military victory, Samson suddenly faces the threat of dying from dehydration. In response to his distress, God intervenes by instantly creating a new source of water.

Commentators offer different perspectives on the exact origin of this water. One approach suggests the spring emerges directly from the very donkey's jawbone Samson just used in battle. In this view, the water flows from the hollow socket where a tooth sits, a cavity shaped much like a mortar used for crushing spices [רש"י, מצודת ציון, רד"ק]. Miraculously, a spring forms beneath this socket, and water bursts right through a crack in the bone [מצודת דוד]. Conversely, another perspective explains that the water does not come from an animal's bone, but rather from the surrounding geographic region where the battle took place. God splits open a natural depression or a jagged, mortar-shaped rock in the landscape to release the hidden water [רלב"ג, מלבי"ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד"ק].

Upon drinking, Samson's spirit returns and he is revived. The dramatic description of him coming back to life is an intentional exaggeration. He is so utterly exhausted that it appears as though his soul has left his body, making his recovery feel like a literal return to the living [מצודת דוד].

Following the rescue, Samson gives the new spring a name to commemorate the event [מצודת ציון]. The primary approach among commentators is that this title reflects how the water flows specifically because of the prayer and outcry of the one who called out to God [רש"י, מצודת דוד, רד"ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another interpretation suggests the name also hints at God's eye and careful watchfulness, showing that His attention is directly focused on the person calling out to Him [רלב"ג].

Naming the site serves as a lasting memorial for future generations, proving that God answers those who call upon Him. Originally, the area was named to commemorate the great military victory. The specific title for the spring is then added to remember the miracle of the water. This ensures that anyone passing through the region will recognize both distinct miracles and offer a blessing for them [מלבי"ם].