Introduction:
Samson, a judge of Israel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, known for his extraordinary strength and complex relationship with the Philistines. His acts of vengeance against the Philistines are pivotal in the narrative of Israel's struggle against their oppressors. Samson's life is marked by a Nazirite vow, which includes abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair, as outlined in Judges 13:5.

Context:
The account of Samson's vengeance is set during a time when the Israelites were under Philistine domination. The Philistines were a powerful sea-faring people who frequently clashed with the Israelites. Samson's birth was foretold by an angel to Manoah and his wife, indicating that he would "begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines" (Judges 13:5).

The Wedding Feast and Riddle:
Samson's first act of vengeance is rooted in his marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah. During the wedding feast, Samson poses a riddle to thirty Philistine companions, wagering thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. When the Philistines coerce his wife into revealing the answer, Samson responds with anger. Judges 14:19 states, "Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, took their belongings, and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle." This act of retribution marks the beginning of his conflict with the Philistines.

The Foxes and the Fields:
Samson's vengeance escalates after his wife is given to another man. In retaliation, he captures 300 foxes, ties their tails together in pairs with torches, and releases them into the Philistine grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, setting them ablaze (Judges 15:4-5). This act of destruction provokes the Philistines to burn his wife and her father, further fueling Samson's wrath.

The Jawbone of a Donkey:
In response to the Philistines' actions, Samson strikes them "hip and thigh with a great slaughter" (Judges 15:8). When the Philistines come to Judah to capture him, the men of Judah bind Samson and deliver him to the Philistines. However, the Spirit of the LORD empowers him once more, and he breaks free of his bonds. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he slays a thousand Philistine men (Judges 15:14-15). This victory is commemorated by naming the place Ramath-lehi, meaning "Jawbone Hill."

The Gates of Gaza:
Samson's exploits continue with his visit to Gaza, where he is trapped by the Philistines. In a display of strength and defiance, he tears out the city gates, along with their posts and bar, and carries them to the top of a hill facing Hebron (Judges 16:3). This act symbolizes his dominance over the Philistines and foreshadows his ultimate confrontation with them.

The Final Act of Vengeance:
Samson's final act of vengeance occurs after he is betrayed by Delilah, who discovers the secret of his strength—his uncut hair. Captured and blinded by the Philistines, Samson is brought to their temple to entertain them. In a final prayer, he asks God to strengthen him once more. Judges 16:30 records his last words: "Let me die with the Philistines." With renewed strength, he pulls down the temple pillars, killing himself and thousands of Philistines, thus achieving a significant victory for Israel even in death.

Significance:
Samson's acts of vengeance against the Philistines are integral to his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. His life illustrates the complexities of divine empowerment, human weakness, and the consequences of personal vendettas. Despite his flaws, Samson is remembered in Hebrews 11:32 as a man of faith, whose actions contributed to the deliverance of God's people.