Judges 15:13

"No," they answered, "we will not kill you, but we will tie you up securely and hand you over to them." So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock.

Study Bible

As you say
This phrase indicates agreement and compliance with the request made by Samson. The Hebrew root here is "כַּאֲשֶׁר" (ka'asher), which means "as" or "according to." This reflects the Philistines' willingness to adhere to Samson's terms, showing a momentary submission to his conditions. Historically, this demonstrates the Philistines' recognition of Samson's strength and their desire to avoid direct conflict with him, highlighting the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines during this period.

they replied
The Philistines' response is crucial in understanding the dynamics of power and negotiation. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) is used here, meaning "to say" or "to speak." This indicates a formal acknowledgment of Samson's terms. In the broader scriptural context, this dialogue reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and their oppressors, with Samson as a divinely appointed judge and deliverer.

we will not kill you
This promise is significant in the narrative, as it shows the Philistines' intent to capture Samson without taking his life. The Hebrew word "מוּת" (muth) means "to die" or "to kill." This assurance might have been given to placate Samson and ensure his cooperation. It also underscores the Philistines' strategic approach, aiming to subdue Samson without inciting further violence or retaliation from the Israelites.

but we will tie you up
The act of binding Samson is symbolic of the Philistines' attempt to control and neutralize his threat. The Hebrew verb "אָסַר" (asar) means "to bind" or "to tie." This reflects their understanding of Samson's physical prowess and their belief that restraining him would render him powerless. This phrase also foreshadows the miraculous events that follow, where Samson's strength, given by God, overcomes human constraints.

and hand you over to them
The Philistines' plan to deliver Samson to their leaders illustrates their desire to maintain order and demonstrate their control over the situation. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (natan) means "to give" or "to deliver." This act of handing over signifies a transfer of responsibility and power, intending to humiliate Samson and assert Philistine dominance. In the broader biblical narrative, this moment sets the stage for God's intervention and the demonstration of His power through Samson.

So they bound him with two new ropes
The use of "two new ropes" is significant, as it emphasizes the Philistines' determination to ensure Samson's captivity. The Hebrew word "חֶבֶל" (chevel) means "rope" or "cord." The detail of the ropes being "new" suggests an extra measure of security, as new ropes would be stronger and less likely to break. This detail highlights the Philistines' fear and respect for Samson's strength, as well as their ignorance of the divine empowerment that Samson possessed.

and led him up from the rock
This final phrase in the verse describes the Philistines' action of moving Samson from his place of refuge. The Hebrew verb "עָלָה" (alah) means "to go up" or "to ascend." The "rock" symbolizes a place of strength and protection, and leading Samson away from it signifies his temporary vulnerability. This movement away from the rock foreshadows the impending divine deliverance, as God uses Samson's circumstances to bring about His purposes and demonstrate His sovereignty over Israel's enemies.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth.

2. The Men of Judah
Fellow Israelites who, out of fear of the Philistines, agreed to bind Samson and hand him over to their enemies.

3. The Philistines
The oppressors of Israel during this period. They were a constant threat and enemy to the Israelites.

4. The Rock of Etam
A location where Samson took refuge before being handed over to the Philistines.

5. New Ropes
Symbolic of the fresh attempts to bind and control Samson, representing the ongoing struggle between Israel and their oppressors.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
Despite human fear and compromise, God’s plans for deliverance prevail. Samson’s account reminds us that God can use flawed individuals to achieve His purposes.

The Danger of Compromise
The men of Judah chose to compromise with the Philistines rather than trust in God’s deliverance. This serves as a warning against compromising our faith out of fear.

Strength in Weakness
Samson’s physical strength was a gift from God, but his true strength lay in his calling and purpose. We must recognize that our abilities are from God and should be used for His glory.

Faith Amidst Fear
The Israelites’ fear of the Philistines led them to act against one of their own. This challenges us to trust God even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's willingness to be bound by his own people reflect on his character and trust in God?

2. In what ways do we see the theme of compromise with the world in our own lives, and how can we address it biblically?

3. How does the account of Samson encourage us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Israelites' fear of the Philistines and our own fears today? How does Scripture guide us to overcome these fears?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Samson’s life to our own spiritual battles and the call to stand firm in faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 16
The continuation of Samson's account, where his strength is ultimately compromised due to his relationship with Delilah.

Hebrews 11
Samson is mentioned in the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlighting his role as a deliverer of Israel despite his personal flaws.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath, another instance of God using an individual to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

Exodus 2
The Israelites' fear and compromise with their oppressors can be compared to the Israelites' initial reluctance to leave Egypt.