Overview
Judges 15 continues the saga of Samson, focusing on his acts of revenge against the Philistines and the subsequent cycle of violence. This chapter is characterized by Samson's extraordinary feats of strength and the escalating conflict between him and the Philistines. Key aspects include:
Samson’s Attempt to Reconcile with His Wife: Samson returns to Timnah with a young goat, hoping to reconcile with his wife, only to learn that she has been given to someone else. Her father offers her younger sister instead, which angers Samson.
Samson’s Act of Revenge: In retaliation, Samson catches 300 foxes, ties their tails together in pairs, fastens torches to them, and releases them in the Philistine fields, burning down their crops, vineyards, and olive groves.
Philistines’ Retaliation: The Philistines respond by burning Samson's wife and her father to death. Samson vows more revenge, attacking and slaughtering many Philistines.
Samson’s Capture Attempt by Judah: The Philistines threaten to attack Judah. In response, 3,000 men from Judah go to the cave in the rock of Etam, where Samson is hiding, and ask him to surrender. Samson allows himself to be bound with two new ropes and handed over to the Philistines.
Samson Defeats the Philistines: As the Philistines approach him, the Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon Samson. He breaks the ropes and finds a fresh jawbone of a donkey, using it to strike down a thousand Philistines.
Samson’s Cry for Water: After the battle, Samson is very thirsty and cries out to the LORD, who provides water from a hollow place in Lehi, reviving him. This place is then called En Hakkore.
Duration of Samson’s Leadership: The chapter concludes by noting that Samson led Israel for twenty years during the time of the Philistines.
Judges 15 illustrates the cycle of revenge and the personal vendetta between Samson and the Philistines. It showcases Samson’s physical strength and his impulsive nature, which often leads to violent outcomes. The chapter also reflects the LORD’s ongoing involvement in Samson's life, empowering him in moments of need despite his personal flaws and the complexity of his actions.