Judges 15:13

"No," they answered, "we will not kill you, but we will tie you up securely and hand you over to them." So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock.

Study Bible

“No,” they answered,
This response comes from the men of Judah, who are speaking to Samson. The context is a negotiation between Samson and his fellow Israelites, who are under Philistine oppression. The Israelites are attempting to avoid further conflict with the Philistines by handing Samson over. This reflects the Israelites' fear and subjugation under Philistine rule, highlighting their lack of faith in God's deliverance through Samson.

“we will not kill you,
The men of Judah assure Samson that they will not harm him themselves. This promise indicates a level of respect or fear for Samson, acknowledging his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. It also reflects the cultural and legal norms of the time, where blood vengeance and familial ties were significant, and killing a fellow Israelite could lead to internal conflict.

but we will tie you up securely
The act of tying Samson securely suggests a desire to ensure he cannot escape or cause harm. This reflects the Israelites' pragmatic approach to dealing with the Philistines, prioritizing their immediate safety over trust in Samson's divine mission. The use of ropes also symbolizes the Israelites' spiritual bondage and lack of faith, as they rely on human means rather than divine intervention.

and hand you over to them.”
The intention to hand Samson over to the Philistines shows the Israelites' desperation to appease their oppressors. This act of betrayal is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God's chosen leaders face rejection by their own people, such as Joseph being sold by his brothers or Jesus being handed over by Judas. It underscores the recurring theme of God's deliverers being misunderstood and rejected.

So they bound him with two new ropes
The use of "two new ropes" emphasizes the Israelites' determination to ensure Samson's captivity. New ropes would be stronger and less likely to break, indicating their fear of his strength. This detail foreshadows the miraculous nature of Samson's eventual escape, as it highlights the futility of human efforts against God's power. The binding of Samson can also be seen as a type of Christ, who was bound and led to crucifixion, yet ultimately triumphed over death.

and led him up from the rock.
The phrase "led him up from the rock" suggests a geographical movement from a place of refuge or hiding. The rock may symbolize a place of strength or divine protection, as rocks often do in biblical literature. This movement away from the rock can be seen as a departure from God's protection due to the Israelites' lack of faith. It also sets the stage for God's power to be displayed through Samson's subsequent actions, reinforcing the theme of deliverance despite human failure.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God. He was a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth.

2. The Men of Judah
Fellow Israelites who, out of fear of the Philistines, agreed to bind Samson and hand him over to their enemies.

3. The Philistines
The oppressors of Israel during this period. They were a constant threat and enemy to the Israelites.

4. The Rock of Etam
A location where Samson took refuge before being handed over to the Philistines.

5. New Ropes
Symbolic of the fresh attempts to bind and control Samson, representing the ongoing struggle between Israel and their oppressors.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
Despite human fear and compromise, God’s plans for deliverance prevail. Samson’s account reminds us that God can use flawed individuals to achieve His purposes.

The Danger of Compromise
The men of Judah chose to compromise with the Philistines rather than trust in God’s deliverance. This serves as a warning against compromising our faith out of fear.

Strength in Weakness
Samson’s physical strength was a gift from God, but his true strength lay in his calling and purpose. We must recognize that our abilities are from God and should be used for His glory.

Faith Amidst Fear
The Israelites’ fear of the Philistines led them to act against one of their own. This challenges us to trust God even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's willingness to be bound by his own people reflect on his character and trust in God?

2. In what ways do we see the theme of compromise with the world in our own lives, and how can we address it biblically?

3. How does the account of Samson encourage us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Israelites' fear of the Philistines and our own fears today? How does Scripture guide us to overcome these fears?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Samson’s life to our own spiritual battles and the call to stand firm in faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 16
The continuation of Samson's account, where his strength is ultimately compromised due to his relationship with Delilah.

Hebrews 11
Samson is mentioned in the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlighting his role as a deliverer of Israel despite his personal flaws.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath, another instance of God using an individual to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

Exodus 2
The Israelites' fear and compromise with their oppressors can be compared to the Israelites' initial reluctance to leave Egypt.