Judges 15:1

Later on, at the time of the wheat harvest, Samson took a young goat and went to visit his wife. "I want to go to my wife in her room," he said. But her father would not let him enter.

Study Bible

Later on, at the time of the wheat harvest
The wheat harvest typically occurred in late spring or early summer in ancient Israel, around May or June. This timing is significant as it was a period of celebration and abundance, often associated with the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), a time of thanksgiving for the harvest. The mention of the wheat harvest sets the stage for the events that follow, indicating a time of agricultural prosperity and community activity. This context highlights the contrast between the expected joy of the season and the personal conflict Samson faces.

Samson took a young goat
Bringing a young goat was a customary gift, symbolizing peace and goodwill. It was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures to present such gifts when visiting family or seeking reconciliation. This gesture by Samson suggests his intention to make amends or to reaffirm his relationship with his wife, despite previous conflicts. The young goat as a gift also reflects the agrarian lifestyle and the importance of livestock in the economy and social customs of the time.

and went to visit his wife
Samson's visit to his wife indicates his desire to resume marital relations, which had been disrupted. In the context of Judges 14, Samson's wife had been given to another man by her father, which Samson was unaware of. This visit is an attempt to restore his marriage, highlighting the personal and familial tensions that are central to the narrative. The act of visiting one's wife also underscores the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the husband had the right to claim his wife.

“I want to go to my wife in her room,” he said
Samson's request to go to his wife's room signifies his intention to reestablish intimacy and conjugal rights. The phrase reflects the private nature of marital relationships and the expectation of privacy within the household. This request also underscores the personal nature of Samson's mission, driven by his emotional and physical desires. The mention of "her room" indicates the domestic setting and the cultural norms surrounding marriage and family life in ancient Israel.

But her father would not let him enter
The refusal by the father-in-law to let Samson enter reveals the underlying conflict and betrayal. In Judges 14, Samson's wife was given to another man, which was a significant breach of trust and social custom. This act of barring Samson highlights the tension between personal relationships and familial obligations. It also sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and Samson's subsequent actions. The father's decision reflects the complex dynamics of honor, shame, and familial authority in the ancient Near Eastern context.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the judges. They often oppressed the Israelites and were a constant source of conflict.

3. Samson's Wife
A Philistine woman whom Samson married. Her relationship with Samson was fraught with tension and ultimately led to conflict between Samson and the Philistines.

4. Father-in-law
The father of Samson's wife, who played a role in the events leading to Samson's anger and subsequent actions against the Philistines.

5. Timnah
A place in Philistine territory where Samson's wife lived. It was the setting for many of the events in Samson's life.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human failings and conflicts, God's purposes prevail. Samson's actions, though personal and flawed, were used by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

The Consequences of Unequally Yoked Relationships
Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman led to personal and national conflict. Believers are cautioned to consider the spiritual implications of their relationships.

The Importance of Keeping Vows
Samson's life as a Nazirite was marked by a vow to God. Believers are encouraged to honor their commitments to God and others.

Anger and Its Consequences
Samson's anger led to destructive actions. Christians are reminded to manage their emotions and seek reconciliation rather than revenge.

God's Use of Imperfect People
Samson's account illustrates that God can use flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes, offering hope and encouragement to believers who struggle with their own imperfections.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's relationship with his Philistine wife illustrate the dangers of being unequally yoked with unbelievers? Reflect on 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

2. In what ways does Samson's life demonstrate the consequences of failing to keep one's vows to God? Consider the implications of Numbers 6 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5.

3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the events of Judges 15:1, and how does this encourage us in our own lives? Reflect on Romans 8:28.

4. What lessons can we learn from Samson's anger and its consequences? How can Ephesians 4:26-27 guide us in managing our emotions?

5. How does the account of Samson encourage us to trust that God can use us despite our imperfections? Consider the examples of other flawed individuals in Hebrews 11.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 14
Provides context for Samson's marriage to the Philistine woman and the riddle he posed at the wedding feast, which led to a series of events culminating in the conflict described in Judges 15:1.

Numbers 6
Describes the Nazirite vow, which Samson was under from birth. This vow included abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead, all of which were significant in Samson's life.

Hebrews 11
Mentions Samson as a man of faith, highlighting his role in God's plan despite his personal failings.