Judges 16:3
Samson, who served as one of Israel’s judges around the late 12th century BC, finds himself in Gaza, a major Philistine city located in the southwest region near today’s Mediterranean Coast. The Scripture depicts him in a precarious setting, stating: *“Now Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two posts and pulled them up along with the bars” (v.3)*. Historically, Gaza was one of five principal Philistine centers, well fortified to secure the flow of trade and military movement. Samson, bold and physically gifted, spends his night in this fortified location, apparently unconcerned about the threat posed by the Philistines.
In a remarkable show of extraordinary strength and defiance, the verse continues: *“…then he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron” (v.3)*. Hebron itself is in the hill country of Judea, an area of significant historical resonance for Israel, dating back to the time of Abraham. The act of uprooting and carrying the city gate—an expression of the city’s security—demonstrates a symbolic victory over the Philistines. God had endowed Samson with this supernatural power, reflecting how the Lord can accomplish His purposes through chosen vessels, even when their decisions or circumstances seem at odds with His calling (Judges 13:5, NASB-95). This foreshadows the New Testament principle that even flawed individuals can serve divine plans (Romans 9:17, NASB-95).
Samson’s actions here set the stage for the unfolding events that lead to his eventual downfall and triumph, highlighting the tension between his God-given calling and his personal weaknesses. *“…took hold of the doors of the city gate…” (v.3)* showcases both Samson’s readiness for confrontation and the Philistines’ vulnerability. Even though he was alone in enemy territory, Samson’s deliverance in this moment points to God’s overarching sovereignty, reminiscent of how the Creator protects and empowers those He calls (Philippians 4:13, NASB-95).
Samson breaks the Philistines’ sense of security by removing the entire gate of their city in a single midnight act.
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 1:16-21 meaning. The descendants of the Kenite join the tribe of Judah in their territory. Despite the Lord’s presence, Judah fails to drive out the inhabitants of the valley, beginning to show the start of their failures. Caleb is given Hebron and drives out the Anakim, but the tribe of Benjamin also fails in their war efforts.
- Judges 3:15-25 meaning. In response to Israel’s cry for help, God raises up Ehud, a Benjamite, as a deliverer. Using a clever and daring strategy, Ehud assassinates Eglon, the oppressive king of Moab, motivating Israel’s return to the Lord.
- Judges 3:1-6 meaning. God allows certain nations in Canaan to continue to exist. This is an opportunity for Israel to grow in its faithfulness and learn how to defend itself. But these nations become a snare to Israel as they intermarry with the Canaanites and adopt their idolatrous practices.