Judges 15 Commentary

Samson’s father-in-law prevents Samson from reconciling with his estranged wife.

This verse demonstrates how one misunderstanding set the stage for conflict and God’s sovereign plan through Samson.

Samson sees his upcoming actions as fully justified, believing his service to God and Israel absolves him of guilt.

Samson sets fire to the Philistines’ crops by using 300 foxes, cunningly joining them in pairs with torches fastened between their tails to maximize destruction.

Samson burned Philistine grain to enact vengeance, destroying vital resources, and his action sparked continued conflict between him and the Philistines.

Samson’s vengeance against the Philistines prompted their own escalated retaliation toward his wife and her father, illustrating how cycles of retribution can spiral out of control.

Samson vows to respond to injustice with decisive force and then desist, expressing both the complexity of human vengeance and God’s use of imperfect instruments to fulfill His purpose.

Samson leverages divinely granted strength to subdue the Philistines, then seeks temporary refuge in the rocky heights of Etam, illustrating God’s power to equip and protect His chosen instruments.

This verse underscores the relentless pressure exerted by the Philistines on the people of Israel, signaling that only divine intervention could secure lasting peace.

The Philistines come to Judah seeking Samson, exposing the deeper issue of whether Israel will rely on God’s deliverance or yield to fearful compromise.

Samson’s response shows that God can begin deliverance even through one man’s personal motives.

This verse shows how fear of a powerful enemy can cause God’s people to act in faithless ways.

Samson’s own people allied with their oppressors and bound him, underscoring themes of fear and divided loyalties in the Book of Judges.

Samson, divinely empowered, overcame the Philistines to demonstrate God’s unmatched ability to set His people free.

Samson used a donkey’s jawbone to defeat a thousand Philistines, showing that God’s power can accomplish remarkable victories.

Samson’s bold victory demonstrates that God can use the most unexpected means to overcome formidable opposition in His people’s lives.

Samson memorialized his victory as Ramath-lehi, illustrating God’s powerful deliverance through extraordinary means.

Samson experiences divine deliverance, but the pressing reality of thirst swiftly brings him to anchor his hope once again in the LORD.

God’s miraculous provision for Samson reminds us of His faithful care and our need for His sustaining presence.

Samson led Israel as judge for two decades under ongoing Philistine pressure.