“And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock.”
Context:The book of Judges is set in a time when Israel was governed by a series of judges. This verse is part of the story of Samson, one of the judges. Samson had been appointed by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Philistines. In this particular passage, the men of Judah are trying to appease the Philistines by capturing and handing over Samson.
The Philistines’ demand:The Philistines sought to capture Samson because they saw him as a threat. Samson had been causing trouble for them and had slain many of their people. The men of Judah, rather than resisting the Philistines, decided to bind Samson and hand him over.
The willingness of the men of Judah:When the men of Judah confront Samson, they suggest binding him and delivering him to the Philistines. They assure Samson that they will not kill him themselves. However, their actions indicate a lack of faith and a willingness to compromise with the enemy.
Samson’s submission:Despite his immense strength, Samson allows himself to be bound by the men of Judah. This is a significant departure from his previous encounters with the Philistines, where he fought back with great force. Samson’s submission in this instance may reflect his awareness of God’s plan to use his capture as an opportunity to defeat the Philistines.
Symbolism:The act of binding Samson with two new cords can be seen as symbolic. Samson’s strength had been symbolized by his long hair, which he had lost earlier in the story due to Delilah’s betrayal. The cords represent a physical limitation imposed upon him, rendering him temporarily powerless.
Lessons for believers:
- Compromising with evil:The actions of the men of Judah highlight the danger of compromising with evil or succumbing to pressure from the world. As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith and resist compromising our principles.
- Trusting God’s plan:Samson’s submission shows a trust in God’s sovereign plan. Sometimes, God allows difficult situations to unfold in our lives for a greater purpose. We should trust Him even when we don’t understand His ways.
- Consequences of disobedience:Samson’s capture and subsequent suffering were a consequence of his disobedience and unfaithfulness to God’s commands. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the potential consequences of straying from God’s path.
This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Samson, highlighting themes of compromise, trust, and the consequences of disobedience. It ultimately sets the stage for the subsequent events and the climax of Samson’s story.
