Judges 15:18

And hee was sore athirst, and called on the Lord, and said, Thou hast giuen this great deliuerance into the hand of thy seruant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the vncircumcised? Judges 15:18 (KJV)

Context: The book of Judges recounts the period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the nation was led by a series of judges who acted as military and spiritual leaders. In this particular chapter, we find the story of Samson, one of the judges chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Philistines.

Samson’s physical condition: In verse 18, we see Samson in a state of extreme thirst. Earlier, in verse 15, he had defeated a thousand Philistines using the jawbone of a donkey, and the battle had left him exhausted and in need of water. This physical thirst serves as the backdrop for the prayer that Samson offers to God.

Samson’s prayer: In his desperate situation, Samson turns to the Lord and acknowledges that it was God who granted him the great deliverance over his enemies. He recognizes that without God’s intervention, he would not have been able to achieve such a victory. Samson appeals to God, expressing his dire need for water and his fear that if he were to die of thirst, the Philistines would take advantage of his weakened state.

Dependence on God: Samson’s prayer reveals his dependence on God. Despite his great strength and physical abilities, he recognizes his limitations and the need for God’s provision. In calling on the Lord, he acknowledges God’s power and sovereignty over his circumstances.

God’s faithfulness: Although the narrative in Judges focuses on Samson’s flaws and impulsive actions, this verse highlights the faithfulness of God. God had raised up Samson as a judge to deliver Israel, and in response to Samson’s plea for water, God responds by providing a miraculous spring from a hollow place in Lehi. God demonstrates His willingness to meet the needs of His servant, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Key Takeaways:

Dependence on God: Samson’s prayer serves as a reminder that no matter how strong or capable we may feel, we are ultimately dependent on God. He is the source of our strength, and we should acknowledge our need for Him in all circumstances. And he went down, and pitched in the valley of the rock of the Philistines; and after a while he was very thirsty, and called unto the LORD, and said, ‘Thou wilt give water unto an Israelite out of this rock; whilst the Philistines are at my back: thou didst deliver me out of their hand.’