Judges 14:19

Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father's house,

Study Bible

Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him
This phrase indicates divine empowerment, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges where God raises leaders to deliver Israel. The Spirit's coming upon Samson signifies God's direct intervention, enabling him to perform feats beyond human capability. This empowerment is similar to other judges like Othniel (Judges 3:10) and Gideon (Judges 6:34). It highlights the sovereignty of God in using flawed individuals for His purposes.

and he went down to Ashkelon
Ashkelon was one of the five major Philistine cities, located on the Mediterranean coast. Its mention here underscores the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. The geographical movement from Samson's location to Ashkelon indicates a deliberate action, possibly reflecting the tension and hostility between the Israelites and the Philistines.

killed thirty of their men
This act of violence is a direct consequence of the Spirit's empowerment, showcasing Samson's role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. The number thirty may symbolize completeness or a significant impact, as it provided the exact number of garments needed. This action also foreshadows the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation between Samson and the Philistines.

took their apparel
In ancient times, clothing was a valuable commodity, often used as a form of wealth or barter. By taking the apparel of the slain men, Samson fulfills his obligation from the riddle wager (Judges 14:12-13). This act also signifies a transfer of honor and wealth from the Philistines to Samson, albeit through violent means.

and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle
This phrase completes the narrative of the riddle challenge, where Samson's wife had coerced the answer from him. The giving of clothes fulfills his promise, albeit through an unexpected and violent method. It highlights the themes of deception and betrayal that run throughout Samson's story.

And burning with anger
Samson's anger reflects his personal vendetta and emotional volatility, traits that characterize much of his life. This anger is not just personal but also indicative of the larger conflict between Israel and the Philistines. It sets the stage for further acts of vengeance and conflict in the narrative.

Samson returned to his father’s house
Returning to his father's house signifies a retreat or withdrawal, possibly indicating a temporary cessation of hostilities. It also reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the father's house was a place of refuge and authority. This return may symbolize a moment of reflection or regrouping before future actions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life was marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines.

2. Ashkelon
A Philistine city where Samson went to fulfill his vow after losing a bet. It was one of the five major cities of the Philistines, known for its wealth and strategic importance.

3. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges. They were known for their advanced military technology and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.

4. Spirit of the LORD
Refers to the divine empowerment that came upon Samson, enabling him to perform extraordinary feats. This indicates God's direct intervention in the events of Samson's life.

5. Thirty men
Philistine men whom Samson struck down in Ashkelon to fulfill his obligation of providing thirty sets of garments as a result of losing a wager.

Teaching Points

Divine Empowerment
The Spirit of the LORD empowers believers for God's purposes. Just as Samson was empowered to confront the Philistines, we too can rely on the Holy Spirit for strength in our spiritual battles.

Consequences of Anger
Samson's actions were driven by anger and personal vendetta. Believers are called to manage their emotions and seek God's guidance rather than acting impulsively.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Samson's flaws, God used him to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us that God can work through imperfect people to accomplish His divine plans.

Fulfillment of Vows
Samson's journey to Ashkelon to fulfill his vow highlights the importance of integrity and keeping one's promises, even when it is difficult.

Conflict with the World
Samson's conflict with the Philistines symbolizes the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and worldly influences. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD in Judges 14:19 compare to the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

2. What can we learn from Samson's response to losing the wager, and how can we apply this to handling conflicts in our own lives?

3. In what ways does God's use of Samson, despite his flaws, encourage us about God's ability to use us for His purposes?

4. How does the account of Samson in Ashkelon challenge us to consider the importance of fulfilling our commitments and vows?

5. What lessons can we draw from Samson's life about the dangers of acting out of anger and the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD in Judges 14:19 can be connected to other instances in the Old Testament where the Spirit comes upon individuals to enable them for specific tasks, such as Gideon in Judges 6 and David in 1 Samuel 16.

The concept of divine retribution and justice is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are reminded that vengeance belongs to the Lord, as seen in Romans 12.

Samson's actions can be compared to other biblical figures who acted out of anger or impulse, such as Moses striking the rock in Numbers 20.