What Was En-hakkore in the Bible?
En-hakkore, which means “spring of him who called” in Hebrew, is a place mentioned in the Bible in Judges 15:19. This location is significant because it is where God miraculously provided water for Samson when he was desperately thirsty. The event occurred near Beth-shemesh, a city in ancient Israel. The story of En-hakkore is a powerful example of God’s provision and response to prayer, demonstrating His care for His people even in times of physical need.
The Story of Samson and En-hakkore
In the narrative found in Judges 15, Samson had just achieved a great victory over the Philistines using the jawbone of a donkey. After the battle, Samson was extremely thirsty and cried out to the Lord for help, fearing that he might die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised Philistines. In response to Samson’s prayer, God miraculously provided water by opening a spring, which Samson named En-hakkore. This event highlights God’s immediate response to the needs of His people and His power to provide sustenance in miraculous ways.
God’s Provision and Faithfulness
The story of En-hakkore is a testament to God’s faithfulness in answering the prayers of His people. Samson’s experience serves as a reminder that even in times of physical weakness and desperation, God is attentive to the cries of His children. The provision of water at En-hakkore symbolizes God’s ability to sustain and refresh His people, both physically and spiritually. It also emphasizes the importance of turning to God in prayer and trusting in His provision.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The account of En-hakkore provides several important lessons for modern Christians:
The Power of Prayer
Samson’s cry for help at En-hakkore illustrates the power of prayer. Despite his physical exhaustion and dire situation, Samson turned to God for assistance. This act of prayer was a demonstration of faith and dependence on God’s power. For Christians today, this story encourages a reliance on prayer as a means of seeking God’s help and guidance in all circumstances. James 5:16 reminds us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective,” underscoring the importance of prayer in the life of a believer.
Trusting in God’s Provision
The miraculous provision of water at En-hakkore highlights God’s ability to meet the needs of His people. Just as God provided for Samson in his time of need, He continues to provide for His children today. This includes not only physical needs but also spiritual and emotional needs. Philippians 4:19 assures us that “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Christians are encouraged to trust in God’s provision and faithfulness, knowing that He cares for their well-being.
Recognizing God’s Faithfulness
En-hakkore serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout history. The story demonstrates that God is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in the lives of His people. He hears their cries and responds with compassion and provision. This understanding of God’s faithfulness can strengthen believers’ faith and trust in His promises, even in challenging times. Lamentations 3:22-23 declares, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Connection to a Loving God
The narrative of En-hakkore underscores the compassionate nature of God. His response to Samson’s plea reveals His loving character and willingness to provide for His people. This love is not limited to physical provision but extends to all aspects of life, including spiritual and emotional support. God’s love is evident throughout Scripture, and the story of En-hakkore is a tangible demonstration of this divine love and care. Believers are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that He is a loving Father who delights in meeting their needs.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The provision of water at En-hakkore can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the living water offered by Jesus Christ. In John 4:13-14, Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, saying, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” This spiritual water represents the eternal life and sustenance that Jesus provides to all who believe in Him. Just as Samson was physically revived by the water at En-hakkore, believers are spiritually revived and sustained by the living water of Christ.
Conclusion
En-hakkore is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, provision, and the power of prayer. The story of Samson’s miraculous provision at this spring underscores the importance of turning to God in times of need and trusting in His care. It also highlights the compassionate nature of God, who hears and responds to the cries of His people. For modern Christians, En-hakkore serves as an encouragement to rely on God’s provision and to seek the living water offered through Jesus Christ, who meets all our needs and provides eternal life.