Judges 15
BSB1 Later on, at the time of the wheat harvest, Samson took a young goat and went to visit his wife. “I want to go to my wife in her room,” he said. But her father would not let him enter. 2 “I was sure that you thoroughly hated her,” said her father, “so I gave her to one of the men who accompanied you. Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her instead." 3 Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless in doing harm to the Philistines." 4 Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes. And he took torches, turned the foxes tail-to-tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails. 5 Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the piles of grain and the standing grain, as well as the vineyards and olive groves. 6 “Who did this?” the Philistines demanded. “It was Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite,” they were told. “For his wife was given to his companion.” So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death. 7 And Samson told them, “Because you have done this, I will not rest until I have taken vengeance upon you." 8 And he struck them ruthlessly with a great slaughter, and then went down and stayed in the cave at the rock of Etam. 9 Then the Philistines went up, camped in Judah, and deployed themselves near the town of Lehi. 10 “Why have you attacked us?” said the men of Judah. The Philistines replied, “We have come to arrest Samson and pay him back for what he has done to us." 11 In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied. 12 But they said to him, “We have come down to arrest you and hand you over to the Philistines.” Samson replied, “Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves." 13 “No,” they answered, “we will not kill you, but we will tie you up securely and hand you over to them.” So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock. 14 When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands. 15 He found the fresh jawbone of a donkey, reached out his hand and took it, and struck down a thousand men. 16 Then Samson said: “With the jawbone of a donkey I have piled them into heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey I have slain a thousand men." 17 And when Samson had finished speaking, he cast the jawbone from his hand; and he named that place Ramath-lehi. 18 And being very thirsty, Samson cried out to the LORD, “You have accomplished this great deliverance through Your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?" 19 So God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned, and he was revived. That is why he named it En-hakkore, and it remains in Lehi to this day. 20 And Samson judged Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines.
Study Notes — Judges 15
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Themes from Judges 15
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Judges 15
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Judges 15 begins with Samson visiting his wife, but her father refuses to let him see her, offering her younger sister instead. Samson then takes revenge by catching 300 foxes, tying them in pairs, and setting them loose in the Philistines' fields. The Philistines retaliate by burning Samson's wife and her father to death. In response, Samson kills many Philistines, and then goes to a rock in Etam, where he is pursued by the Philistines. He prays to God for water and receives it miraculously from a rock that God splits open. The chapter concludes with Samson judging Israel for 20 years.
Context for the Chapter
Judges 15 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which describes the cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance in Israel's history. The chapter follows Samson's earlier victories over the Philistines and sets the stage for his eventual downfall and the transition to other judges in Israel. In the broader biblical narrative, the story of Samson points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring ultimate deliverance and redemption to God's people.
Heart Application
As believers, we can learn from Samson's story the importance of relying on God for our strength and deliverance. We must also be mindful of our own flaws and weaknesses, seeking to live in obedience to God's Word and trusting in His power to overcome them.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Judges 15 tells the story of Samson, who takes revenge on the Philistines for burning his wife and her father to death. God provides for Samson's needs and empowers him to kill many Philistines. The chapter highlights God's power and Samson's flaws. As seen in Judges 15:18-19, Samson relies on God for strength and deliverance.
Voices from the Church
“The wells of salvation are deep, but the Lord can split the rock, and the waters of salvation shall flow forth to refresh the thirsty soul.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord, who is the fountain of all strength, has so ordained that we should be strengthened by His power, and not by our own.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Samson's Revenge (Judges 15:1-8) — Samson takes revenge on the Philistines by catching 300 foxes and burning their fields.
- The Philistines' Retaliation (Judges 15:9-13) — The Philistines burn Samson's wife and her father to death, leading to further conflict.
- Samson's Prayer and Deliverance (Judges 15:14-20) — Samson prays to God for water and receives it miraculously, demonstrating God's power and care for him.
- Samson's Leadership (Judges 15:20) — Samson judges Israel for 20 years, highlighting his role as a leader and a judge.
- Conclusion — The chapter concludes with Samson's continued leadership and God's ongoing provision for him.
Core Doctrines
- Providence
- The chapter demonstrates God's providence in Samson's life, providing for his needs and empowering him to fulfill his role as a judge.
- Redemption
- Samson's story points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring ultimate deliverance and redemption to God's people.
- Sanctification
- The chapter highlights the importance of living in obedience to God's Word and trusting in His power to overcome our flaws and weaknesses.
- Sovereignty
- The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty over all things, including the lives of individuals and nations.
Themes from Judges 15
- God's Power and Provision — The chapter highlights God's power and provision in Samson's life, demonstrating His care and concern for His people.
- Samson's Flaws and Weaknesses — The chapter reveals Samson's flaws and weaknesses, including his desire for revenge and his lack of self-control.
- The Cycle of Revenge — The chapter describes a cycle of revenge between Samson and the Philistines, demonstrating the destructive nature of such actions.
- Leadership and Responsibility — The chapter highlights Samson's role as a leader and a judge, emphasizing the importance of living in obedience to God's Word and trusting in His power.
- Redemption and Deliverance — Samson's story points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would bring ultimate deliverance and redemption to God's people.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Samson's story about relying on God for our strength and deliverance?
- How does Samson's desire for revenge affect his relationships with others?
- What does the chapter reveal about God's character and His relationship with His people?
- How does Samson's story point forward to the coming of Jesus Christ?
- What are some ways that we can apply the lessons from Samson's story to our own lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Samson's Visit to His Wife (Judges 15:1-3)
| Judges 15:1 | Samson visits his wife, but her father refuses to let him see her, offering her younger sister instead. |
| Judges 15:2 | Samson's wife's father tries to persuade Samson to take his younger daughter as his wife. |
2. Samson's Revenge (Judges 15:4-8)
| Judges 15:4 | Samson catches 300 foxes, ties them in pairs, and sets them loose in the Philistines' fields. |
| Judges 15:5 | The foxes burn the Philistines' fields, causing destruction and chaos. |
3. The Philistines' Retaliation (Judges 15:9-13)
| Judges 15:9 | The Philistines burn Samson's wife and her father to death, leading to further conflict. |
| Judges 15:10 | Samson kills many Philistines in retaliation for their actions. |
4. Samson's Prayer and Deliverance (Judges 15:14-20)
| Judges 15:14 | Samson prays to God for water, and God provides it miraculously. |
| Judges 15:15 | Samson drinks the water and is refreshed, demonstrating God's power and care for him. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Judges 15?
The main theme of Judges 15 is God's deliverance and Samson's vengeance, as seen in Judges 15:1-20. The chapter highlights God's power and Samson's flaws, demonstrating the importance of relying on God for strength and deliverance.
Why did Samson's wife's father refuse to let him see her?
Samson's wife's father refused to let him see her because he had given her to another man, as seen in Judges 15:2. This action led to Samson's revenge and the subsequent conflict with the Philistines.
What does the chapter reveal about God's character?
The chapter reveals God's power, provision, and care for His people, as seen in Judges 15:14-20. God provides for Samson's needs and empowers him to fulfill his role as a judge, demonstrating His sovereignty and love for His people.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 15:14 → Psalm 107:9 | Both passages describe God's provision for those who are thirsty and in need, highlighting His care and concern for His people. |
| 2 | Judges 15:15 → Isaiah 41:17-18 | Both passages describe God's power and provision in times of need, emphasizing His sovereignty and love for His people. |
| 3 | Judges 15:18 → John 4:14 | Both passages describe the provision of living water, with Judges 15:18 referring to physical water and John 4:14 referring to spiritual water. |
| 4 | Judges 15:20 → 1 Samuel 7:15-17 | Both passages describe the leadership and judgeship of Israel, highlighting the importance of living in obedience to God's Word and trusting in His power. |
| 5 | Judges 15:1-3 → Genesis 29:21-25 | Both passages describe the complexities of marriage and relationships, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and commitment. |
| 6 | Judges 15:4-8 → Proverbs 26:27 | Both passages describe the dangers of revenge and the importance of forgiveness, highlighting the destructive nature of cycles of retaliation. |
| 7 | Judges 15:9-13 → Matthew 5:38-42 | Both passages describe the importance of forgiveness and non-retaliation, emphasizing the need to trust in God's power and provision rather than taking matters into our own hands. |
| 8 | Judges 15:14-20 → Psalm 23:1-4 | Both passages describe God's care and provision for His people, highlighting His sovereignty and love for those who trust in Him. |
| 9 | Judges 15:18 → Revelation 21:6 | Both passages describe the provision of living water, with Judges 15:18 referring to physical water and Revelation 21:6 referring to spiritual water in the new heaven and the new earth. |
| 10 | Judges 15:20 → Hebrews 11:32-34 | Both passages describe the faith and leadership of Samson, highlighting his inclusion in the list of heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. |
Sermons on Judges 15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Be Strong and Do Exploits by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the Church of Jesus Christ, describing it as "sleeping through revolution." He emphasizes that while the world is consta |
|
When Tears Come to a Religious Man's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a story from Luke Chapter 7 where Jesus is dining at the house of a man named Simon. The preacher highlights how Simon, a religious man, fai |
|
Samson #3 - a Lonely Struggle by Andrew Foster | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of standing for what is right, even when one is alone. He references Judges 2:18, which states that when the Lord raised up j |
|
The History, Mystery and Tragedy of Samson - Part 5 by Ian Paisley | This sermon delves into the story of Samson, focusing on his confrontation with the enemy and the lessons we can learn from his actions. It emphasizes the duty of believers to spir |
|
The Qualifications for Soul Winning by D.L. Moody | D.L. Moody emphasizes the essential qualifications for soul winning, urging believers to shake off the vipers of formalism, pride, and self-importance that hinder the church's miss |
|
Commentary on Judges 15-16 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a powerful commentary on Judges 15-16, focusing on the life of Samson, a judge of Israel whose strength was tied to his commitment to God. The sermon explores |
|
He Was Sore Athirst, and Called on the Lord, and Said by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the struggles of God's people, using Samson's thirst as a metaphor for the challenges that can feel overwhelming even after great victories. He illustrates |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 15
Matthew Henry's commentary on Judges 15 highlights God's power and provision in Samson's life, as well as Samson's flaws and weaknesses. Henry notes that Samson's story serves as a warning against the dangers of revenge and the importance of forgiveness. He also emphasizes the significance of Samson's prayer and God's response, demonstrating God's care and concern for His people. Ultimately, Henry sees Samson's story as a picture of God's sovereignty and love for His people, pointing forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and the ultimate deliverance and redemption He would bring. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Pattern of Revenge
The chapter highlights a cycle of revenge between Samson and the Philistines, demonstrating the destructive nature of such actions.
God's Intervention
Throughout the chapter, God intervenes in Samson's life, providing for his needs and empowering him to fulfill his role as a judge.
Samson's Flaws
Despite his strengths, Samson's flaws, such as his desire for revenge and his lack of self-control, are evident in his actions.