1 But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.
2 And her father said, I verily thought that thou hadst utterly hated her; therefore I gave her to thy companion: [is] not her younger sister fairer than she? take her, I pray thee, instead of her.
3 And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.
4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.
5 And when he had set the brands on fire, he let [them] go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards [and] olives.
6 Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire.
7 And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.
8 And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam.
9 Then the Philistines went up, and pitched in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi.
10 And the men of Judah said, Why are ye come up against us? And they answered, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to him as he hath done to us.
11 Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines [are] rulers over us? what [is] this [that] thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.
12 And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.
13 And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock.
14 [And] when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that [were] upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
15 And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.
16 And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.
17 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi.
18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
19 But God clave an hollow place that [was] in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which [is] in Lehi unto this day.
20 And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.
Summary of Judges Chapter 15
Judges Chapter 15 recounts the events surrounding the life of Samson, focusing on his conflicts with the Philistines and his personal struggles. This chapter highlights themes of revenge, betrayal, and the complexities of divine purpose.
Key Events
- Samson’s Revenge on the Philistines
After his marriage to a Philistine woman, Samson returns to her only to find that she has been given to another man. In his anger, he seeks revenge against the Philistines.
- The Burning of the Philistine Crops
Samson captures 300 foxes, ties their tails together, and sets them on fire to destroy the Philistine crops, demonstrating his cleverness and rage.
- The Philistines’ Retaliation
The Philistines retaliate by burning Samson’s former wife and her father, showcasing the cycle of violence and revenge.
- Samson’s Defiance
Samson confronts the Philistines and declares that he will take vengeance on them for their actions, indicating his commitment to avenging his wrongs.
- Samson’s Capture and Escape
The men of Judah capture Samson to deliver him to the Philistines, but he breaks free from his bonds and defeats a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.
- Samson’s Cry for Water
After his victory, Samson feels exhausted and cries out to God for water, illustrating his dependence on divine assistance even after his triumph.
Thematic Analysis
- Revenge and Retribution
The chapter illustrates the destructive nature of revenge, as Samson’s actions lead to a cycle of violence that affects not only him but also innocent parties, such as his former wife.
- Divine Empowerment
Samson’s feats of strength are attributed to the Spirit of the Lord, emphasizing the theme of divine empowerment in fulfilling God’s purposes despite human flaws.
- Isolation and Betrayal
Samson’s relationships with the Philistines and his own people reveal a sense of isolation and betrayal, as he is caught between two worlds and ultimately rejected by both.
- Human Weakness and Dependence on God
Samson’s cry for water after his victory highlights human vulnerability and the need for divine sustenance, reminding readers that even the strongest individuals require help.
Character Analysis
- Samson
Samson is portrayed as a complex character—a man of great strength yet plagued by personal weaknesses and impulsive decisions. His actions reflect a struggle between his divine calling and his human flaws.
- The Philistines
The Philistines are depicted as antagonists, representing oppression and conflict against Israel. Their retaliation against Samson’s actions illustrates the ongoing tension between the two groups.
- The Men of Judah
The men of Judah’s willingness to bind Samson and deliver him to the Philistines speaks to their fear and lack of faith in God’s ability to protect them, showcasing the internal strife within Israel.
Conclusion
Judges Chapter 15 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Samson, encapsulating the themes of revenge, divine empowerment, and human frailty. It illustrates the consequences of personal vendettas and the complexities of divine purpose in the midst of human conflict.
