The phrase "three thousand men and women" is notably found in the context of the biblical narrative of Samson, a judge of Israel, in the Book of Judges. This account is a significant episode in the life of Samson, illustrating both his final act of strength and the consequences of his earlier choices.

Biblical Context

The account of Samson is recorded in Judges 13-16. Samson, a Nazirite from birth, was endowed with extraordinary strength by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines. However, his life was marked by personal failings and a series of impulsive decisions, particularly in his relationships with women, which ultimately led to his downfall.

The specific mention of "three thousand men and women" occurs in Judges 16:27. After being betrayed by Delilah and captured by the Philistines, Samson is brought to Gaza, where he is imprisoned and blinded. The Philistines, celebrating their victory over Samson, gather in the temple of their god Dagon to offer a great sacrifice and to rejoice, attributing their triumph to their deity.

Judges 16:27 : "Now the temple was full of men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and about three thousand men and women were on the roof watching Samson entertain them."

Significance

The gathering of three thousand men and women on the roof of the temple signifies the magnitude of the Philistine celebration and the public humiliation of Samson. This crowd represents the Philistine society, including its leaders and common people, who are united in their mockery of Samson and, by extension, the God of Israel.

In a dramatic turn of events, Samson, whose hair had begun to grow back, prays to the Lord for strength one last time. He asks God to empower him to avenge his eyes by collapsing the temple. God grants his request, and Samson pushes against the central pillars of the temple, causing it to fall, killing himself along with the Philistine rulers and the three thousand men and women present.

Judges 16:30 : "And Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines.' He pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the rulers and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life."

Theological Implications

The account of the three thousand men and women in the temple of Dagon serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. Despite Samson's personal failures, God uses him to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that divine strength and deliverance come from the Lord alone. This event also underscores the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are oppressed by their enemies.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's calling. Samson's life, marked by moments of great potential and tragic flaws, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from God's commands and the ultimate redemption that can be found in returning to Him.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, temples were not only places of worship but also centers of social and political activity. The gathering of such a large number of people, including rulers, in the temple of Dagon reflects the Philistines' reliance on their gods for victory and their desire to publicly celebrate their perceived superiority over Israel.

The destruction of the temple and the death of the three thousand men and women symbolize a significant blow to the Philistine power structure and their religious system. This event foreshadows the eventual decline of Philistine dominance and the rise of Israel under subsequent leaders, such as Samuel and King David.

In summary, the mention of "three thousand men and women" in the account of Samson is a pivotal moment that encapsulates themes of divine justice, human frailty, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes over the forces of idolatry and oppression.