How does Judges 15:9 connect to God's deliverance in Exodus? Setting the Scene in Judges 15:9 “Then the Philistines went up, camped in Judah, and spread out near Lehi.” (Judges 15:9) • Israel faces a fresh military threat. • Oppression comes from outside—Philistine forces occupy Judah’s territory. • The verse sets the stage for Samson’s next act of deliverance. A Familiar Pattern: Oppression Before Deliverance Exodus shows the same rhythm: • “The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites with crushing labor.” (Exodus 1:13, 67 chars) • Foreign power encamps, God’s people feel cornered, and they cry out. • Judges 15 mirrors Israel’s earlier bondage—the enemy presses in, and hope seems lost. God Raises a Deliverer • Exodus: “I will send you to Pharaoh to bring My people out.” (Exodus 3:10, 65 chars) • Judges: God had already set apart Samson (Judges 13:5) to “begin to deliver Israel.” • In both accounts, deliverance is not by national strength but by a single, God-appointed man. Divine Power on Display • Exodus 14: “The LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind.” (Exodus 14:21, 67 chars) • Judges 15:14 records the Spirit rushing upon Samson, enabling victory with a jawbone. • Wind parting waters, Spirit empowering a judge—both acts show God’s direct intervention. Geographical Echoes • Egypt’s army “camped beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baal-zephon.” (Exodus 14:9, 70 chars) • Philistines “camped in Judah… near Lehi.” (Judges 15:9) • In each narrative the enemy sets up camp, expecting easy conquest; instead, God turns the location into a stage for His glory. Outcome: Freedom Secured • Exodus ends with Israel walking through the sea, enemies drowned. • Judges 15 ends with Philistine casualties and a period of peace under Samson (15:20). • The pattern underscores God’s consistent faithfulness to rescue His covenant people. Lessons for Today • God still hears when oppression seems overwhelming. • He often uses unexpected instruments—a stuttering shepherd, a flawed Nazarite—to display His power. • Past acts of deliverance (Exodus) build confidence that He will act again (Judges 15) and that He can intervene in our present trials. |
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