Then the Philistines saide, Who hath done this? and they answered, Samson the sonne in law of the Timnite, because hee had taken his wife, and giuen her to his companion. And the Philistines came vp, and burnt her and her father with fire. Judges 15:6 (KJV)
Context: The book of Judges records the history of Israel after Joshua’s death until the establishment of the monarchy, a period marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Samson, one of the judges, was chosen by God to begin delivering Israel from Philistine oppression.
Marriage and conflict: In this verse we learn that Samson had taken a Philistine woman as his wife. After an incident at the wedding feast, Samson left his wife and returned to his father’s house. While he was away, his wife was given to another man. The Philistines, learning that Samson was responsible for the destruction of their crops (Judges 15:5), seized on this situation to provoke him.
Violent retaliation: The Philistines asked, “Who hath done this?” and answered, “Samson, the son‑in‑law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife and given her to his companion.” Assuming Samson would be enraged, they burned the woman and her father with fire as an act of revenge.
Consequences of actions: The deaths of Samson’s wife and her father intensified the hostility between Samson and the Philistines. Rather than bringing Samson to repentance, the atrocity provoked further violence, leading Samson to strike back with even greater force. The narrative also highlights the tragic consequences of Samson’s personal choices and the Philistines’ brutal methods. It serves as a reminder that sin and vengeance often produce collateral suffering, and that God’s deliverance emerges even amid such darkness.
