Judges 15:9-13 – Samson and the Men of Judah
Word has apparently spread that Samson is taking refuge in the cave at Etam in the land of Judah. In pursuit of him, a Philistine army encamps in Judah at a nearby hill. The men of Judah fear this armed force has come to punish them for some rebellious act, and send a delegation to the Philistines to ask why they have come. When the Philistines answer that they have come in pursuit of Samson, the Judahites send three-thousand men to capture Samson, lest the Philistines punish them for harboring an enemy. When they give Samson their word that they will not harm him, he allows them to bind him and turn him over to the Philistines.
There are several things of note in this passage. First, the men of Judah are fearful of the Philistines. They are afraid of what the Philistines, who rule over them, will do if Samson, their brother Israelite, is not handed over to the enemy. Second, the men of Judah fear Samson. They send three thousand men to capture one man. Third, the Philistines are fearful of Samson. They send an army to capture one man, and then make the men of Judah go get him. Fourth, Samson is not interested in fighting his brother Israelites. He allows the Judahites to bind him when they promise not to kill him. Finally, the LORD’s sovereign will is that Samson fight the Philistines, not other Israelites. This situation could easily have escalated into a fight between Samson and the men of Judah who came to bind him, but it did not. God kept the peace between the men of Israel.
It is a great tragedy when God’s people are opposed to one another. May the LORD keep the peace among His people.
Questions
- How do we know the Philistines feared Samson?
- How do we know the men of Judah feared Samson?
- Why does Samson not fight the men of Judah?
Prayer Points
- Implore the LORD to keep the peace among His people.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.