Judges 14:19

Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father's house,

Study Bible

Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him
This phrase signifies a divine empowerment that is characteristic of the judges in Israel. The Hebrew word for "Spirit" is "Ruach," which can mean breath, wind, or spirit, indicating a force that is both life-giving and dynamic. The phrase "came powerfully upon him" suggests an overwhelming influence, a divine intervention that enables Samson to perform feats beyond human capability. This empowerment is not a permanent indwelling but a temporary endowment for a specific purpose, reflecting the Old Testament pattern of the Spirit's work.

and he went down to Ashkelon
Ashkelon was one of the five major Philistine cities, located on the coastal plain of what is now modern-day Israel. Archaeological findings reveal it as a significant urban center during the time of the Judges. Samson's journey to Ashkelon is both geographical and symbolic, representing a confrontation with the Philistine oppressors. The act of going "down" may also imply a descent into enemy territory, highlighting the boldness and audacity of Samson's actions under divine influence.

struck down thirty of their men
The act of striking down thirty men is a demonstration of Samson's physical strength, which is a recurring theme in his narrative. The Hebrew verb used here, "nakah," often implies a decisive and forceful action. This act of violence is not merely personal vengeance but is seen within the context of Israel's struggle against Philistine domination. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between God's chosen people and their oppressors.

took their apparel
In ancient times, clothing was a valuable commodity, often used as a form of wealth or barter. By taking the apparel of the slain men, Samson is not only fulfilling his obligation to provide garments for those who solved his riddle but is also symbolically stripping the Philistines of their dignity and status. This act can be seen as a form of divine retribution, where the oppressors are humiliated and their resources are appropriated for God's purposes.

and gave the changes of clothes to those who had explained the riddle
This phrase highlights the fulfillment of a vow or promise, even under duress. Samson's adherence to his word, despite the circumstances, reflects a complex character who is bound by his commitments. The "changes of clothes" are a tangible representation of the wager he made, and their delivery signifies the completion of a transaction, albeit one that was manipulated by deceit.

Burning with anger
The phrase "burning with anger" captures the intense emotional state of Samson. The Hebrew word "charah" conveys a sense of heat or burning, indicating a deep-seated rage. This anger is not only personal but also reflects the broader tension between Israel and the Philistines. It serves as a catalyst for Samson's subsequent actions and decisions, driving the narrative forward in the unfolding drama of his life.

he returned to his father’s house
Returning to his father's house signifies a retreat from the immediate conflict and a return to familial roots. It suggests a moment of reflection and regrouping after the intense events in Ashkelon. This return can also be seen as a temporary withdrawal from the public sphere into the private, familial domain, where Samson can reassess his mission and purpose. It underscores the cyclical nature of his journey, moving between confrontation and retreat, action and reflection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life was marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines.

2. Ashkelon
A Philistine city where Samson went to fulfill his vow after losing a bet. It was one of the five major cities of the Philistines, known for its wealth and strategic importance.

3. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges. They were known for their advanced military technology and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.

4. Spirit of the LORD
Refers to the divine empowerment that came upon Samson, enabling him to perform extraordinary feats. This indicates God's direct intervention in the events of Samson's life.

5. Thirty men
Philistine men whom Samson struck down in Ashkelon to fulfill his obligation of providing thirty sets of garments as a result of losing a wager.

Teaching Points

Divine Empowerment
The Spirit of the LORD empowers believers for God's purposes. Just as Samson was empowered to confront the Philistines, we too can rely on the Holy Spirit for strength in our spiritual battles.

Consequences of Anger
Samson's actions were driven by anger and personal vendetta. Believers are called to manage their emotions and seek God's guidance rather than acting impulsively.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Samson's flaws, God used him to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us that God can work through imperfect people to accomplish His divine plans.

Fulfillment of Vows
Samson's journey to Ashkelon to fulfill his vow highlights the importance of integrity and keeping one's promises, even when it is difficult.

Conflict with the World
Samson's conflict with the Philistines symbolizes the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and worldly influences. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD in Judges 14:19 compare to the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

2. What can we learn from Samson's response to losing the wager, and how can we apply this to handling conflicts in our own lives?

3. In what ways does God's use of Samson, despite his flaws, encourage us about God's ability to use us for His purposes?

4. How does the account of Samson in Ashkelon challenge us to consider the importance of fulfilling our commitments and vows?

5. What lessons can we draw from Samson's life about the dangers of acting out of anger and the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD in Judges 14:19 can be connected to other instances in the Old Testament where the Spirit comes upon individuals to enable them for specific tasks, such as Gideon in Judges 6 and David in 1 Samuel 16.

The concept of divine retribution and justice is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are reminded that vengeance belongs to the Lord, as seen in Romans 12.

Samson's actions can be compared to other biblical figures who acted out of anger or impulse, such as Moses striking the rock in Numbers 20.