Teaching Points
Samson's Return and RejectionSamson returns to visit his wife, only to find that she has been given to another man (
Judges 15:1-2). This highlights the personal betrayal and cultural customs of the time.
The Foxes and the FieldsIn response to this betrayal, Samson captures 300 foxes, ties their tails together with torches, and releases them into the Philistines' fields, causing widespread destruction (
Judges 15:4-5). This act of revenge demonstrates Samson's resourcefulness and the escalating conflict between him and the Philistines.
Philistine RetaliationThe Philistines retaliate by burning Samson's wife and her father (
Judges 15:6). This brutal act underscores the cycle of violence and retribution that characterizes this period in Israel's history.
Samson's VengeanceSamson strikes back with great slaughter, declaring, Since you have acted like this, I will not stop until I have taken revenge on you (
Judges 15:7). His actions reflect a personal vendetta rather than a divine mandate.
The Jawbone of a DonkeyEmpowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Samson defeats a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey (
Judges 15:14-16). This miraculous victory illustrates God's sovereignty and ability to use flawed individuals for His purposes.
Samson's Prayer and God's ProvisionAfter his victory, Samson is exhausted and cries out to God for water. God miraculously provides water from a hollow place, demonstrating His provision and care (
Judges 15:18-19).
Practical Applications
Seek God's GuidanceBefore acting on personal grievances, seek God's wisdom and guidance to ensure your actions align with His will.
Break the Cycle of RevengeRecognize the destructive nature of revenge and strive to break the cycle by responding with forgiveness and grace.
Trust in God's ProvisionIn times of need, trust that God will provide for you, just as He provided water for Samson.
Acknowledge God's SovereigntyUnderstand that God can work through imperfect people and situations to accomplish His divine purposes.
People
1.
SamsonThe central figure in
Judges 15, Samson is a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength. He is a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth, and his exploits against the Philistines are a significant part of his story. In this chapter, he seeks revenge against the Philistines for personal grievances and continues his conflict with them.
2.
Samson's WifeAlthough not named in this chapter, she is the woman from Timnah whom Samson married. Her actions in the previous chapter (Judges 14) lead to the events in
Judges 15, where her father gives her to another man, sparking Samson's anger.
3.
Samson's Father-in-lawThe father of Samson's wife, who gives her to another man, thinking Samson no longer wanted her. This act is a catalyst for Samson's subsequent actions against the Philistines.
4.
The PhilistinesThe primary antagonists in the narrative, the Philistines are a group of people who oppress Israel during the time of the judges. They are the targets of Samson's vengeance throughout the chapter.
5.
The Men of JudahThese are the Israelites from the tribe of Judah who confront Samson at the cave of Etam. They are pressured by the Philistines to capture Samson and hand him over, highlighting the tension between the Israelites and the Philistines.
6.
The Philistine Woman's CompanionReferred to indirectly, this is the man to whom Samson's wife was given by her father. His presence is part of the reason for Samson's anger and subsequent actions.
In the Berean Standard Bible, these characters are part of the unfolding drama in
Judges 15, where Samson's personal vendetta against the Philistines escalates into a larger conflict. The Hebrew roots of the text emphasize the cultural and historical context of these interactions, particularly the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines.
Places
1.
TimnahThis is where Samson went to visit his wife during the time of wheat harvest. Timnah is a town in the territory of the tribe of Dan, which was under Philistine control at the time. The Hebrew root for Timnah (תִּמְנָה) suggests a place that is "allotted" or "assigned."
2.
LehiThis is the place where Samson defeated a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. The name "Lehi" (לֶחִי) in Hebrew means "jawbone," which is significant given the events that transpired there. It is also where Samson named the spring "En Hakkore" after God provided water for him.
Events
1.
Samson Visits His WifeSamson goes to visit his wife, bringing a young goat as a gift, intending to go into her room. However, her father does not allow him to enter, explaining that he thought Samson hated her and thus gave her to his companion (
Judges 15:1-2).
2.
Samson's Anger and RevengeIn response to his wife being given away, Samson declares, "This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them" (
Judges 15:3). He catches 300 foxes, ties their tails together in pairs with torches, and releases them into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, setting them ablaze (
Judges 15:4-5).
3.
Philistines' RetaliationThe Philistines inquire about who caused the destruction, and upon learning it was Samson, they retaliate by burning his wife and her father to death (
Judges 15:6).
4.
Samson's Further RevengeSamson vows revenge for their actions and attacks the Philistines, slaughtering many of them. He then retreats to a cave in the rock of Etam (
Judges 15:7-8).
5.
Philistines' PursuitThe Philistines go up to Judah and camp near Lehi, prompting the men of Judah to confront Samson. They express their fear of the Philistines and agree to bind Samson to hand him over to them (
Judges 15:9-13).
6.
Samson's Victory with a JawboneAs Samson is brought to the Philistines, the Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon him. The ropes binding him become like charred flax, and he finds a fresh jawbone of a donkey, using it to kill a thousand Philistine men (
Judges 15:14-15).
7.
Samson's Prayer and God's ProvisionAfter his victory, Samson is very thirsty and cries out to the LORD, fearing he will die of thirst. God miraculously provides water from a hollow place in Lehi, reviving Samson's spirit (
Judges 15:18-19).
8.
Samson Judges IsraelThe chapter concludes by noting that Samson judged Israel for twenty years during the time of the Philistines (
Judges 15:20).
Connections to Additional Scriptures
Romans 12:19Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' This verse emphasizes the importance of leaving justice to God.
Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Jesus' teaching on loving enemies contrasts with the cycle of revenge seen in
Judges 15.
Philippians 4:19And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This promise of provision echoes God's response to Samson's need for water.
Prayer Points
Pray for wisdom and discernment in handling personal conflicts and grievances.
Ask God to help you break free from cycles of revenge and to respond with forgiveness.
Thank God for His provision and care in times of need.
Seek God's strength to trust in His sovereignty and purpose, even in challenging situations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Samson's reaction to his wife's betrayal reveal his character?
2. Compare and contrast the actions of the Philistines and the men of Judah. What does this tell you about their fear and their faith?
3. Samson managed to kill 1,000 men with a donkey's jawbone. What does this event suggest about the source of true power?
4. Why did Samson cry out to God after his victory over the Philistines? How does this show his dependence on God?
5. In what ways does God's provision of water for Samson demonstrate His care for His people?
6. How do you interpret the cycle of retribution present in this chapter? What does it reveal about the consequences of actions?
7. How would you apply the lessons from Samson's story to your life when faced with betrayal or injustice?
8. How does God's intervention in Samson's life encourage you in your personal journey?
9. How can we reconcile Samson's violent actions with his role as a judge of Israel?
10. How does Judges 15 challenge or confirm your understanding of God's character and His ways?
11. How would you handle a situation where you are wronged, similar to Samson's betrayal by his wife?
12. What does this chapter teach us about the consequences of anger and the desire for revenge?
13. How can we find strength in our faith during times of great trial as Samson did?
14. How would you respond if you were in the position of the men of Judah, caught between fear of the Philistines and loyalty to a fellow Israelite?
15. In what ways does Samson's journey reflect the larger story of the Israelites during this period?
16. What do Samson's actions reveal about his understanding of his divine calling?
17. How does God's provision of water from a rock reflect on His ability to provide for us in our current circumstances?
18. How does the story of Samson's supernatural strength encourage you in your own struggles?
19. In what ways can we see God's mercy in the midst of Samson's violent confrontations?
20. How does the narrative of Samson inform your understanding of God's involvement in the struggles of His people, and how can we apply this to our lives today?
