Judges 15:18

And being very thirsty, Samson cried out to the LORD, "You have accomplished this great deliverance through Your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?"

Study Bible

And he was very thirsty
This phrase captures the intense physical need of Samson after his exertion in battle. The Hebrew word for "thirsty" (צָמֵא, tsame) conveys a deep craving for water, symbolizing human vulnerability and dependence on God for sustenance. In a spiritual sense, this thirst can be seen as a metaphor for the soul's longing for God, reminiscent of Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God."

and he cried out to the LORD
Samson's cry to the LORD signifies a moment of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty. The Hebrew verb "cried out" (זָעַק, za'aq) often denotes a desperate plea for help. This reflects a turning point where Samson acknowledges his need for divine intervention, reminding us of the importance of prayer and reliance on God in times of distress.

You have accomplished this great deliverance
Here, Samson acknowledges that the victory over the Philistines was not by his own strength but by God's power. The word "deliverance" (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshuah) is often associated with salvation and rescue, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate deliverer. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and might, encouraging believers to give glory to God for their victories.

by the hand of Your servant
Samson refers to himself as God's "servant" (עֶבֶד, ebed), a term denoting submission and service to a higher authority. This reflects a moment of humility and recognition of his role in God's plan. It is a reminder that believers are called to be servants of God, fulfilling His purposes through their lives.

Must I now die of thirst
This rhetorical question highlights Samson's desperation and the human tendency to doubt God's provision in times of need. It echoes the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness (Exodus 17:3), serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ingratitude and lack of faith.

and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?
The term "uncircumcised" refers to the Philistines, who were outside the covenant community of Israel. This phrase underscores the cultural and religious divide between Israel and its enemies. It also reflects Samson's fear of being defeated by those who do not know God, emphasizing the importance of remaining faithful and trusting in God's protection against adversaries.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the source of Samson's strength and deliverance.

3. The Philistines
The uncircumcised enemies of Israel, whom Samson was divinely empowered to fight against.

4. Lehi
The place where Samson defeated a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, leading to his intense thirst.

5. The Deliverance
The miraculous victory God granted Samson over the Philistines, showcasing God's power and faithfulness.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God
Samson's cry to God in his moment of need highlights the importance of recognizing our dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance.

God's Faithfulness
Despite Samson's flaws, God remains faithful to deliver and provide for him, reminding us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His people.

Prayer in Desperation
Samson's prayer teaches us to turn to God in our moments of desperation, trusting in His ability to provide for our needs.

Acknowledging God's Work
Samson acknowledges God's role in his victory, reminding us to give credit to God for the successes and deliverances in our lives.

Spiritual Thirst
Just as Samson experienced physical thirst, we are reminded of our need to seek God to satisfy our spiritual thirst.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's prayer in Judges 15:18 reflect his relationship with God, and what can we learn from it about our own prayer life?

2. In what ways does God's provision for Samson's thirst parallel His provision for the Israelites in the wilderness? How does this encourage us in our own times of need?

3. How can we apply the concept of spiritual thirst in our daily walk with God, and what steps can we take to ensure we are seeking Him to quench that thirst?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "great deliverance" in your life. How did you acknowledge God's role in that situation, and how can you continue to give Him credit?

5. Considering the connection between physical and spiritual needs, how can we better prioritize our spiritual health in the midst of life's challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 17:1-7
Similar to Samson's thirst, the Israelites experienced thirst in the wilderness, leading to God's provision of water from the rock.

Psalm 63:1
David expresses a deep spiritual thirst for God, paralleling Samson's physical thirst and dependence on God for sustenance.

John 4:13-14
Jesus speaks of the living water He provides, which quenches spiritual thirst, drawing a parallel to God's provision for Samson's physical need.