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Judges 14:19

Samson receives a divine empowerment in these words: *“Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.”* (v.19). This dramatic moment underscores that Samson’s strength does not come from his own abilities, but rather from the Spirit of the LORD moving through him. Historically, Samson served as a judge of Israel around the late 11th century BC, during the time before Israel had a king. When Scripture describes the Spirit coming upon him, it highlights a unique empowerment God often granted Judges to rescue His people (see also Judges 3:10 NASB-95).

The verse also mentions the city of Ashkelon, located in the southwestern coastal region of ancient Canaan (modern-day Israel) near the Mediterranean Sea. In those days, Ashkelon belonged to the Philistines, a group frequently at odds with the Israelites. The text recounts how Samson kills thirty men and appropriates their belongings to satisfy the wager from his earlier riddle (Judges 14:12-13 NASB-95). Though victorious, Samson is driven by anger, indicating that his actions—while enabled by the Spirit—were also fueled by personal grievance and a demand for justice on his own terms.

Samson’s subsequent retreat to his father’s house suggests a tumultuous relationship with both the Philistine city and his own destiny as a judge of Israel. While God used Samson’s gifts to confront Israel’s enemies, Samson’s anger reminds us that humanity’s flaws remain even in moments of divine empowerment. This balance points forward in Scripture to the ultimate hope for complete redemption through Christ, whose power transforms hearts and tempers righteous zeal with love (John 15:12 NASB-95).

Samson’s anger and triumphant strength illustrate the complexity of divinely bestowed power and the responsibility that accompanies it.

This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Judges 5:19-23 meaning. In the final part of the song of Deborah and Barak, they continue to celebrate Israel's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. The narrative shifts to a poetic description of the battle and the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph.
  • Genesis 19:1-3 meaning. Two angels appear to Lot in Sodom. Lot urges them to spend the night in his house and he prepares a feast for them.
  • Judges 1:11-15 meaning. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully captures the city and marries Achsah. Achsah then asks Caleb for a field and additional water resources, and Caleb grants her the upper and lower springs.

Judges 14:19