Judges 15:6

"Who did this?" the Philistines demanded. "It was Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite," they were told. "For his wife was given to his companion." So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death.

Study Bible

“Who did this?” the Philistines demanded.
The Philistines, a dominant sea-faring people in the region, were known for their conflicts with Israel. Their demand reflects a culture of retribution and justice, common in ancient Near Eastern societies. This question arises after Samson's act of vengeance, which involved setting fire to the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves (Judges 15:4-5). The Philistines' inquiry indicates their intent to identify and punish the perpetrator, highlighting the cycle of violence between them and the Israelites.

“It was Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite,” they were told.
Samson, a judge of Israel, was known for his extraordinary strength and tumultuous relationship with the Philistines. His marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah was part of God's plan to confront the Philistines (Judges 14:4). The reference to him as the "son-in-law of the Timnite" underscores the personal nature of the conflict, as familial ties were significant in ancient cultures. This connection also foreshadows the tragic consequences of intermarriage with pagan nations, a recurring theme in Israel's history.

“For his wife was given to his companion.”
This phrase reveals the immediate cause of Samson's anger. His wife being given to another man, likely a friend or associate, was a grave insult and breach of trust. In ancient times, marriage arrangements were binding, and such an act would be seen as a severe dishonor. This personal betrayal fueled Samson's retaliation against the Philistines, illustrating the intertwining of personal grievances with national conflicts.

So the Philistines went up and burned her and her father to death.
The Philistines' response is brutal and reflects the harsh realities of ancient justice systems, where collective punishment was common. This act of retribution fulfills Samson's earlier threat in Judges 14:15, where the Philistines had threatened his wife with burning if she did not betray Samson's riddle. The burning of Samson's wife and her father also serves as a grim reminder of the destructive consequences of sin and disobedience, echoing the broader biblical theme of judgment. This event foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Christ, who breaks the cycle of sin and retribution.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was given by God. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and his life was marked by conflict with the Philistines.

2. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel during the time of the Judges. They were known for their advanced weaponry and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.

3. The Timnite
Refers to the father of Samson's wife, who was from Timnah, a Philistine city. His actions and decisions played a role in the unfolding events.

4. Samson's Wife
Initially married to Samson, she was given to another man, which led to a series of retaliatory actions by Samson.

5. The Burning
The Philistines' act of burning Samson's wife and her father was a brutal response to Samson's actions, highlighting the cycle of vengeance and violence.

Teaching Points

The Cycle of Vengeance
The account illustrates the destructive nature of revenge. As Christians, we are called to break this cycle by forgiving others and trusting God to bring justice.

Consequences of Disobedience
Samson's life shows the consequences of straying from God's commands. His personal choices led to suffering for himself and others.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail. Samson's actions, though flawed, were used by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

The Cost of Sin
The tragic end of Samson's wife and her father serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of sin and disobedience.

Trust in God's Justice
Believers are encouraged to trust in God's perfect justice rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the cycle of vengeance in Judges 15:6 reflect the broader theme of justice and retribution in the Bible?

2. In what ways can Samson's life serve as a warning about the consequences of personal disobedience to God's commands?

3. How does the account of Samson and the Philistines illustrate the principle found in Romans 12:19 about leaving vengeance to God?

4. What lessons can we learn from the tragic outcome for Samson's wife and her father regarding the impact of our choices on others?

5. How can we apply the principle of trusting in God's justice in our own lives, especially when wronged by others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 14
Provides background on Samson's marriage to the Timnite woman and the events leading to the conflict with the Philistines.

Exodus 21:24
The principle of "an eye for an eye" can be seen in the cycle of retaliation between Samson and the Philistines.

Romans 12:19
Offers a New Testament perspective on vengeance, urging believers to leave vengeance to God.