"And Samson said unto them, Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease."
Historical Context:The book of Judges is set during a time of transition in Israel’s history, after the Israelites entered the Promised Land but before the establishment of a monarchy. The Israelites went through a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 13-16 focuses on the life of Samson, one of the judges whom God raised up to deliver Israel from the Philistines.
Setting the Scene:Samson had married a Philistine woman, which led to conflict and tension between him and the Philistines. In Judges 15, Samson sought to visit his wife, but her father gave her to another man. This caused Samson to take revenge on the Philistines by capturing and killing many of them.
Verse Analysis:
- "And Samson said unto them":Samson addressed the Philistines who were responsible for his wife’s betrayal and mistreatment.
- "Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you":Samson expressed his determination to seek revenge for the wrong done to him.
- "And after that I will cease":Samson intended to retaliate against the Philistines but indicated that he would stop once he had achieved his vengeance.
Lessons and Applications:The verse highlights Samson’s desire for personal vengeance, which can be seen as a flaw in his character. While God had given him the strength to deliver Israel, Samson’s focus became more about his personal vendetta. It serves as a reminder that revenge is not aligned with God’s character. The Bible teaches us to leave vengeance to God and to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:19-21). Samson’s desire for revenge ultimately led to further conflict and escalation with the Philistines, causing more harm to both sides. It demonstrates the destructive nature of revenge. We should seek justice and stand against injustice, but it is important to do so in a way that aligns with God’s principles of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. It also reveals the consequences of Samson’s impulsive actions, which continued throughout his life. His choices had far-reaching effects on the nation of Israel and his own personal journey.
Overall Theme:The verse in Judges 15:7 highlights the theme of personal vengeance and its consequences. It presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of acting out of anger and the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our responses to mistreatment.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the broader story of Samson’s life as a judge in Israel.
