“But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period in Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites were ruled by various judges who acted as military and spiritual leaders. During this time, the Israelites repeatedly fell into idolatry and faced oppression from neighboring nations as a result of their disobedience to God.
Samson:Samson was one of the judges whom God raised up to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. He was endowed with supernatural strength, which he used to combat the enemies of Israel. However, Samson also had significant character flaws, including a weakness for women, which ultimately led to his downfall.
The Setting:The incident described in Judges 15:1 takes place during the wheat harvest season. Samson had previously married a Philistine woman from Timnah (Judges 14:1-2), which was against God’s command for the Israelites to marry within their own people. In this verse, Samson visits his wife, intending to be intimate with her.
Her Father’s Opposition:However, the woman’s father, who was a Philistine, refused to let Samson enter her chamber. This was likely due to the ongoing hostility between the Israelites and the Philistines. The father’s refusal to allow Samson to be with his wife indicates a strained relationship and a lack of acceptance or trust.
Lessons and Applications:
- Consequences of Disobedience:Samson’s marriage to a Philistine woman was a clear violation of God’s commandments for the Israelites (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). His disobedience to God’s laws brought about numerous challenges and difficulties in his life. This serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and disregarding God’s instructions can lead to negative outcomes.
- Importance of Godly Relationships:Samson’s choice to marry outside of his people not only caused tension with his wife’s family but also led to conflict with the Philistines in the future. This highlights the importance of choosing godly relationships and seeking partners who share our faith and values. It also serves as a cautionary tale against being unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14).
- The Danger of Compromise:Samson’s relationship with the Philistine woman reveals his susceptibility to compromise and temptation. It foreshadows the compromising choices he would make in the future, leading to his downfall. This reminds us of the need to guard against compromising our faith and values for the sake of worldly desires.
- God’s Sovereignty:Although Samson’s situation was fraught with difficulties, it is important to recognize that God’s plan and purpose were still at work. Despite Samson’s disobedience, God would eventually use him to accomplish His purposes in delivering Israel from the Philistines. This shows God’s faithfulness and His ability to work through imperfect individuals to fulfill His plans.
In summary, Judges 15:1 provides insights into Samson’s life, his choices, and the consequences of his disobedience. It also teaches us important lessons about the dangers of compromise, the importance of godly relationships, and God’s sovereignty even in the midst of our shortcomings.
