Judges 15:12

But they said to him, "We have come down to arrest you and hand you over to the Philistines." Samson replied, "Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves."

Study Bible

But they said to him
This phrase refers to the men of Judah speaking to Samson. The context is that Samson has taken refuge in the territory of Judah after his conflict with the Philistines. The men of Judah are acting out of fear of the Philistines, who are oppressing them. This reflects the broader theme in Judges of Israel's repeated cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

“We have come down to arrest you
The men of Judah are willing to capture Samson to appease the Philistines, highlighting their subjugation and fear. This action shows a lack of faith in God's deliverance through Samson, who was raised as a judge to deliver Israel. It also underscores the internal strife and lack of unity among the Israelites during this period.

and hand you over to the Philistines.”
The Philistines were a dominant force in the region, and their oppression of Israel is a recurring theme in the book of Judges. The willingness of the men of Judah to hand over Samson indicates their desperation and the extent of Philistine control. This act of betrayal contrasts with the expected loyalty among the tribes of Israel.

Samson replied,
Samson's response is significant as it shows his awareness of the situation and his strategic thinking. Despite his personal flaws, Samson is portrayed as a divinely appointed judge with a mission to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines.

“Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves.”
Samson's request for assurance from the men of Judah reflects his understanding of their fear and his desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed among his own people. This request also demonstrates his confidence in his God-given strength to deal with the Philistines himself. It can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also betrayed by His own people but ultimately overcame His enemies.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. His life was marked by conflict with the Philistines, who were oppressors of Israel during his time.

2. The Men of Judah
Fellow Israelites who, out of fear of the Philistines, sought to bind Samson and deliver him to their enemies. This reflects the internal strife and lack of unity among the Israelites.

3. The Philistines
A dominant and oppressive group during the time of the Judges, often in conflict with the Israelites. They sought to capture Samson due to his acts against them.

4. Lehi
The place where this event occurs, which later becomes significant as the site of Samson's victory over the Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.

5. Binding and Deliverance
The act of binding Samson symbolizes the Israelites' submission to their oppressors, while Samson's deliverance foreshadows God's power to free His people.

Teaching Points

Fear and Compromise
The men of Judah's willingness to hand over Samson reflects how fear can lead to compromise. Believers are called to trust in God's deliverance rather than succumb to fear.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human actions and intentions, God's purposes prevail. Samson's account reminds us that God can use even flawed individuals to accomplish His will.

Unity Among Believers
The internal conflict among the Israelites serves as a warning against division within the body of Christ. Unity is essential for standing against common adversaries.

Courage in Adversity
Samson's request not to be killed by his own people shows a level of courage and trust in God's plan. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith, even when facing betrayal or adversity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear of the Philistines influence the actions of the men of Judah, and what can we learn from this about the impact of fear on our decision-making?

2. In what ways does Samson's account illustrate the theme of God's strength being made perfect in human weakness?

3. How can the internal strife among the Israelites serve as a lesson for maintaining unity within the church today?

4. What does Samson's request to the men of Judah reveal about his character and his relationship with God?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Samson's life to our own struggles with sin and temptation, as seen in other parts of Scripture like Romans 7?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 16
The continuation of Samson's account, where his strength and eventual downfall are further explored, highlighting themes of God's sovereignty and human weakness.

Hebrews 11
Samson is mentioned in the "Hall of Faith," illustrating that despite his flaws, he was used by God to achieve His purposes.

Exodus 1
The Israelites' fear of the Philistines parallels their earlier fear of the Egyptians, showing a recurring theme of oppression and deliverance in Israel's history.