Judges 16:24

And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: "Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead."

Study Bible

When the people saw him
This phrase sets the scene for a public spectacle. The "people" refers to the Philistines, who were gathered to celebrate their victory over Samson. Historically, the Philistines were a seafaring people known for their conflicts with the Israelites. The act of "seeing" Samson, now blinded and humiliated, would have been a powerful symbol of triumph for them. In a spiritual sense, this moment reflects the consequences of Samson's disobedience to God, serving as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness.

they praised their god
The Philistines worshiped Dagon, a deity often associated with grain and fertility. The act of praising their god highlights the religious and cultural context of the time, where victories in battle were attributed to divine favor. This moment underscores the spiritual battle between the God of Israel and the false gods of the surrounding nations. It serves as a reminder of the first commandment, emphasizing the importance of worshiping the one true God.

saying 'Our god has delivered into our hands
The phrase "delivered into our hands" suggests a belief in divine intervention. The Philistines attributed their success to Dagon, believing that their god had granted them victory over Samson. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern belief that gods were directly involved in the affairs of men. For the conservative Christian, this serves as a contrast to the sovereignty of the God of Israel, who alone is the true deliverer.

our enemy, the destroyer of our land
Samson is referred to as "our enemy" and "the destroyer of our land," highlighting the personal and national animosity between him and the Philistines. Historically, Samson had caused significant destruction to the Philistines, including burning their crops and defeating their armies. This enmity is a reflection of the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines, symbolizing the broader conflict between God's people and the forces opposed to them.

who has multiplied our dead
This phrase emphasizes the extent of Samson's impact on the Philistines. The term "multiplied our dead" indicates the significant loss of life they suffered due to his actions. In a spiritual context, this can be seen as a representation of the consequences of sin and disobedience. Samson's life, marked by both great strength and great failure, serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of living in accordance with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was derived from his Nazirite vow to God. He was betrayed by Delilah and captured by the Philistines.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel. They worshiped the god Dagon and were often in conflict with the Israelites.

3. Dagon
The god of the Philistines, often associated with fertility and grain. The Philistines attributed their victory over Samson to Dagon.

4. Temple of Dagon
The place where the Philistines gathered to celebrate their victory over Samson, which ultimately became the site of their downfall.

5. Delilah
A woman who was used by the Philistines to discover the secret of Samson's strength, leading to his capture.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
The Philistines' praise of Dagon highlights the futility of idolatry. Believers are reminded to guard against modern forms of idolatry, placing anything above God in their lives.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Samson's failures and the Philistines' temporary victory, God remains in control. This encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty over all circumstances.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Samson's capture is a direct result of his disobedience and breaking of his Nazirite vow. This serves as a warning to believers about the consequences of straying from God's commands.

Redemption and Restoration
Samson's account, despite his failures, ends with a redemptive act. This illustrates God's willingness to use imperfect people for His purposes and offers hope for restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Philistines' reaction to Samson's capture reflect their understanding of power and victory? How does this contrast with a biblical understanding of God's power?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the trap of idolatry, and how can we guard against it in our daily lives?

3. How does the account of Samson illustrate the consequences of disobedience, and what lessons can we learn about maintaining our commitments to God?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's sovereignty in a situation that seemed hopeless. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How can Samson's inclusion in Hebrews 11 encourage believers who feel they have failed in their walk with God? What steps can we take to seek redemption and restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 5
The account of the Ark of the Covenant in the temple of Dagon, where Dagon falls before the Ark, showing the superiority of the God of Israel over the Philistine god.

Hebrews 11:32-34
Samson is mentioned in the "Hall of Faith," highlighting his faith despite his failures, showing God's grace and redemption.

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandment against idolatry, which contrasts the Philistines' worship of Dagon with the Israelites' call to worship the one true God.