“But Samson judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.”
Context:The book of Judges records the period of Israel’s history after they had settled in the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. During this time, the Israelites faced cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 15:20 falls within the story of Samson, one of the judges whom God raised up to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Philistines.
Samson’s Calling:Samson was set apart by God from birth as a Nazirite, dedicated to God with special provisions, including not cutting his hair and abstaining from certain things. God intended to use Samson as a deliverer for Israel (Judges 13:5). His strength was derived from God, and he accomplished many feats of strength during his life.
Conflict with the Philistines:The Philistines were a powerful and oppressive nation who constantly threatened the Israelites. Samson had numerous encounters with the Philistines as he sought to resist their domination.
Samson’s Revenge:In Judges 15:14-17, Samson had taken hold of 300 foxes, tied their tails together, and set them on fire. This act caused significant damage to the Philistine crops and was a direct response to the Philistines’ betrayal of Samson’s wife. In retaliation, the Philistines burned Samson’s wife and her father to death.
The Philistines’ Response:Following the destruction caused by the foxes, the Philistines sought to take revenge on Samson. They came up to the tribe of Judah, where Samson was residing, and asked the Israelites to hand him over. The men of Judah agreed and bound Samson to deliver him to the Philistines.
The Spirit of the Lord:As the men of Judah were about to hand Samson over, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he broke free from his restraints (Judges 15:14). This demonstrates that Samson’s strength was not merely physical but divinely empowered.
Samson’s Rule:Judges 15:20 states that Samson “judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.” Despite his personal flaws and impulsive actions, Samson served as a judge and leader over Israel for two decades. During this time, he initiated acts of resistance against the Philistines and helped deliver Israel from their oppression.
Lessons to Learn:
- God’s sovereignty:Despite Samson’s faults, God chose to use him as a judge and deliverer for Israel. This shows that God can use imperfect individuals to accomplish His purposes.
- Divine empowerment:Samson’s strength and leadership were not products of his own abilities but came from the Spirit of the Lord. It reminds us that when God calls us to a task, He equips and empowers us.
- Consequences of impulsive actions:Throughout the narrative of Samson, we see that his impulsive decisions and sinful behavior had serious repercussions. It serves as a reminder to seek God’s guidance, make wise choices, and consider the consequences of our actions.
In summary, Judges 15:20 highlights Samson’s role as a judge over Israel during the time of Philistine oppression. It underscores God’s sovereignty, divine empowerment, and the consequences of impulsive actions.
