Judges 15:19

An hollow place. Heb. maktesh, “mortar.” It was a circular depression perhaps in the ground that resembled a mortar in shape. In the Hebrew the word has the definite article; therefore we must translate it, “the hollow place.”

In the jaw. Heb. ballechi. Literally, either “in the jawbone,” or “in Lehi.” At first reading of the passage in the KJV one might think that the hollow place that God made was in the jawbone that Samson had used as a weapon. Many have so interpreted this passage. Evidently the translators of the KJV interpreted it that way. However, at the close of the verse the statement is made that the “hollow place” is “in Lehi [ballechi].” Since this Hebrew expression is identical with that which earlier in the verse is translated “in the jaw,” the choice of translation must be determined by the context. It seems more reasonable to adopt the reading that employs the proper name. The sentence would then be translated: “God clave the hollow place [or mortar] that was in Lehi.”

For similar instances of miraculous provisions of water in time of destitute need see Gen. 21:18, 19; Ex. 17:6; Isa. 41:17, 18.

There came water thereout. God performed a miracle by causing a rift in the bottom of the hollow place that was there, so that a spring issued out of it. The water from this spring refreshed Samson so that he was able to return home at once.

En-hakkore. Literally, “the spring of the caller.” Samson gave this name to the spring because it sprang up when in his great need he called on the Lord for water.