Judges 15:2

"I was sure that you thoroughly hated her," said her father, "so I gave her to one of the men who accompanied you. Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she? Please take her instead."

Study Bible

“I was sure that you thoroughly hated her,” said her father,
The father’s assumption reflects the cultural norms of the time, where marriages were often arranged and based on alliances rather than love. The father's decision is based on his interpretation of Samson's actions, which he perceives as rejection. This reflects the patriarchal society where fathers had significant control over their daughters' marriages. The phrase also highlights the misunderstanding and lack of communication between Samson and his father-in-law, which is a recurring theme in Samson's narrative.

“so I gave her to one of the men who accompanied you.”
This action underscores the lack of agency women had in ancient times, as the daughter is given to another man without her consent. It also reflects the customs of the time, where a woman’s marital status could be changed by her father’s decision. The men who accompanied Samson were likely Philistines, indicating the complex relationships between the Israelites and Philistines during this period. This act of giving Samson's wife to another man sets the stage for further conflict between Samson and the Philistines.

“Is not her younger sister more beautiful than she?”
The father attempts to placate Samson by offering another daughter, which reflects the practice of polygamy and the view of women as commodities. The mention of beauty as a bargaining tool highlights the superficial values placed on women in that era. This also echoes the biblical theme of sibling rivalry and preference, seen in stories like Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29), where beauty and favor play significant roles in marital arrangements.

“Please take her instead.”
The father's plea indicates desperation and a desire to maintain peace with Samson, who is known for his strength and volatile nature. This offer can be seen as an attempt to rectify the situation and avoid Samson's wrath. It also reflects the cultural practice of substitution in marriage arrangements, where a younger sibling could replace an elder in certain circumstances. This plea foreshadows the continued tension and conflict in Samson's life, as his personal relationships often lead to broader national consequences.

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. Samson's Father-in-law
The father of Samson's wife, who made the decision to give her to another man, believing Samson had rejected her.

3. Samson's Wife
Initially married to Samson, she was given to another man by her father, which led to further conflict between Samson and the Philistines.

4. Philistines
The primary adversaries of Israel during Samson's time. They were a powerful and oppressive force against whom Samson frequently fought.

5. Timnah
The location where Samson's wife was from and where much of the conflict in this chapter takes place.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Impulsive Decisions
Samson's choice to marry a Philistine woman led to a series of conflicts. This highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially those that can have long-term consequences.

The Sanctity of Marriage
The actions of Samson's father-in-law in giving his daughter to another man violate the sanctity of marriage. This serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring marital commitments.

Handling Betrayal
Samson's response to betrayal was one of anger and vengeance. As Christians, we are called to respond to betrayal with forgiveness and to trust God for justice.

Cultural and Familial Pressures
The account illustrates how cultural and familial pressures can lead to actions that are contrary to God's will. We must be vigilant in aligning our actions with biblical principles, even when faced with external pressures.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's reaction to his wife being given to another man reflect human nature, and what can we learn from it about handling personal grievances?

2. In what ways does the account of Samson and his wife illustrate the importance of making decisions that align with God's will?

3. How can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God in our own lives, especially when we feel wronged by others?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of honoring marriage vows, and how can we apply this in our relationships today?

5. How can we resist cultural and familial pressures that may lead us away from God's will, as seen in the actions of Samson's father-in-law?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 14
Provides context for Samson's marriage and the events leading up to Judges 15:2, including the riddle and the betrayal by his wife.

Matthew 19:6
Discusses the sanctity of marriage, which contrasts with the actions of Samson's father-in-law in giving his daughter to another man.

Romans 12:19
Speaks about leaving vengeance to God, which is relevant to Samson's response to the betrayal.