Judges 15:10

"Why have you attacked us?" said the men of Judah. The Philistines replied, "We have come to arrest Samson and pay him back for what he has done to us."

Study Bible

“Why have you attacked us?” said the men of Judah.
The men of Judah were part of the Israelite tribes, living in the territory allotted to them. At this time, the Philistines were oppressing Israel, and the men of Judah were under their control. Their question reflects a sense of confusion and fear, as they were accustomed to Philistine dominance and were not expecting an attack. This situation highlights the Israelites' subjugation and their lack of a strong leader, which is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges. The men of Judah's reaction also shows their desire to avoid conflict with their oppressors, indicating a period of spiritual and moral decline among the Israelites.

The Philistines replied, “We have come to arrest Samson
The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. They were known for their military prowess and were a constant threat to the Israelites during the period of the Judges. Their response indicates a specific mission to capture Samson, who had become a significant thorn in their side due to his exploits against them. Samson, a judge of Israel, was known for his extraordinary strength, which he used to challenge Philistine authority. This pursuit of Samson by the Philistines underscores the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, as well as the Philistines' determination to maintain control over the region.

and pay him back for what he has done to us.”
This phrase reveals the Philistines' motivation for their actions. Samson had previously inflicted significant damage on the Philistines, including burning their crops and defeating them in battle. Their desire for retribution is a common theme in the cycle of vengeance that characterizes much of the conflict in the Book of Judges. This cycle often leads to further violence and highlights the absence of peace and stability in Israel during this time. The Philistines' intent to "pay him back" also reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and retribution, which is seen throughout the Old Testament. This situation foreshadows the eventual downfall of Samson, as his personal vendettas and actions against the Philistines ultimately lead to his capture and demise.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, given by God, and his Nazirite vow. His actions often led to conflict with the Philistines.

2. Men of Judah
The tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, who were living under Philistine oppression at the time. They were concerned about the repercussions of Samson's actions.

3. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel and often oppressed them. They sought to capture Samson because of his attacks against them.

4. Judah
A region in ancient Israel, representing the tribe of Judah, which was under Philistine control during this period.

5. Conflict
The ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines, exacerbated by Samson's personal vendetta against the Philistines.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Sovereignty
Despite Samson's personal flaws and the Israelites' fear, God used these events to fulfill His purposes. We can trust that God is sovereign over our circumstances.

The Consequences of Fear
The men of Judah were more afraid of the Philistines than they were trusting in God's power. Fear can lead us to make decisions that compromise our faith.

The Cycle of Vengeance
Samson's actions and the Philistines' response illustrate the destructive cycle of vengeance. As Christians, we are called to break this cycle through forgiveness and trust in God's justice.

The Role of Leadership
Samson's leadership was marked by personal vendettas rather than seeking God's guidance. Effective leadership in the Christian life involves seeking God's will and leading others in faith.

God's Use of Imperfect People
Samson was far from perfect, yet God used him to deliver Israel. This reminds us that God can use us despite our imperfections.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of the men of Judah reflect our own fears when facing opposition, and how can we overcome this fear with faith?

2. In what ways does the cycle of vengeance seen in Samson's account manifest in our lives today, and how can we apply Romans 12:19 to break this cycle?

3. How does Samson's leadership compare to the leadership qualities described in 1 Timothy 3, and what can we learn from this comparison?

4. Reflect on a time when God used an imperfect situation or person in your life to accomplish His purposes. How does this encourage you in your walk with God?

5. How can we, as modern-day believers, ensure that our actions align with God's will rather than personal vendettas or desires?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 14:19
This verse provides context for the Philistines' desire to capture Samson, as it describes one of his earlier acts of vengeance against them.

Judges 16:28-30
These verses show the culmination of Samson's conflict with the Philistines, where he calls upon God for strength one last time.

Exodus 23:22
This verse speaks to the principle of God fighting for His people when they obey Him, contrasting with the Israelites' fear of the Philistines.

Romans 12:19
This New Testament verse advises believers to leave vengeance to God, contrasting with Samson's personal vendetta.