Judges 15:14

When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands.

Study Bible

When Samson arrived in Lehi
Lehi is a location in ancient Israel, significant in the narrative of Samson. The name "Lehi" means "jawbone," which is fitting given the events that follow in the chapter. This area was under Philistine control during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by cycles of Israelite disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and the rise of judges like Samson. Samson's arrival in Lehi marks a pivotal moment in his conflict with the Philistines, who were a dominant force in the region.

the Philistines came out shouting against him
The Philistines were a seafaring people who settled along the coastal regions of Canaan. They were often in conflict with the Israelites, as seen throughout the book of Judges. Their shouting signifies both a war cry and a display of confidence in their ability to capture Samson, who had been a thorn in their side. This moment reflects the ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Philistines, a theme that continues into the reigns of Saul and David.

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him
The Spirit of the LORD empowering individuals is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Judges. This divine empowerment is not indicative of Samson's personal righteousness but rather God's sovereign choice to use him as an instrument of deliverance for Israel. The Spirit's coming upon Samson mightily signifies a supernatural strength and ability, reminiscent of other judges like Gideon and Jephthah, who were also empowered by the Spirit to deliver Israel from oppression.

The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax
Flax, when burnt, becomes weak and brittle, easily broken. This imagery highlights the miraculous nature of Samson's deliverance. The ropes, which were meant to bind him securely, become ineffective under the power of the Spirit. This transformation from strong to weak symbolizes God's ability to overturn human constraints and reflects the theme of divine intervention in seemingly impossible situations.

and the bonds broke loose from his hands
The breaking of the bonds signifies liberation and foreshadows the victory Samson is about to achieve over the Philistines. This act of breaking free is symbolic of Israel's potential deliverance from their oppressors when they turn to God. It also prefigures the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who breaks the bonds of sin and death for humanity. Samson's physical liberation here is a type of the spiritual liberation that Christ offers.

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 strength was linked to his uncut hair.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel. They oppressed the Israelites during the time of the judges and were often in conflict with them.

3. Lehi
The place where the event in Judges 15:14 occurs. The name "Lehi" means "jawbone," which is significant in the context of the account.

4. Spirit of the LORD
The divine presence and power that comes upon Samson, enabling him to perform mighty acts.

5. Ropes
The new ropes that bound Samson, which symbolize the Philistines' attempt to control and subdue him.

Teaching Points

Empowerment by the Spirit
Just as the Spirit of the LORD empowered Samson, believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's purposes. This empowerment is not for personal gain but for fulfilling God's will.

Breaking Free from Bondage
The ropes that bound Samson were broken by the power of the Spirit. Similarly, believers can trust in God's power to break the spiritual and emotional bonds that hold them captive.

God's Sovereignty in Weakness
Samson's account reminds us that God can use flawed individuals to achieve His purposes. Our weaknesses do not limit God's ability to work through us.

Faithfulness to God's Calling
Samson's life serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling and the consequences of straying from it.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the empowerment of the Spirit in Judges 15:14 compare to other instances in the Bible where individuals are empowered by the Holy Spirit?

2. In what ways can believers today experience the breaking of "ropes" or bondage in their lives through the power of the Holy Spirit?

3. What lessons can we learn from Samson's life about the importance of faithfulness to God's calling?

4. How does the account of Samson challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty and ability to use imperfect people for His purposes?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by God to accomplish something beyond your natural ability. How did that experience impact your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 13-16
The broader account of Samson's life, including his birth, exploits, and eventual downfall, provides context for understanding his character and actions.

1 Samuel 10:6
Similar to Samson, the Spirit of the LORD comes upon Saul, transforming him and enabling him to act with divine empowerment.

Acts 2:2-4
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering the apostles to speak in tongues and perform miracles, parallels the empowering of Samson by the Spirit of the LORD.