What is the meaning of Judges 15:13? No, - The men of Judah immediately deny any intent to shed Samson’s blood, distancing themselves from direct violence (cf. Genesis 37:22; 1 Samuel 11:13). - Their “No” signals a negotiated compromise rather than wholehearted support for their God-appointed judge. they answered, - Three thousand Judahites speak with one voice (Judges 15:11), revealing collective fear rather than faith (compare Joshua 1:16-18). - Their reply contrasts with God’s earlier, singular call of Samson (Judges 13:5). we will not kill you, - They promise restraint, nodding to the command “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). - Yet they ignore the higher duty to stand with God’s deliverer, mirroring Pilate’s attempt to avoid guilt while still allowing injustice (Matthew 27:24). but we will tie you up securely - Binding replaces killing, revealing distrust of Samson’s strength and of God who gave it (Judges 15:14). - Like Joshua wanting Moses to restrain prophesying elders (Numbers 11:28-29), they try to control what God is doing. and hand you over to them. - Judah opts for appeasement, repeating Israel’s cycle of compromise (Judges 2:2-3). - Their betrayal foreshadows Israel handing Jesus to Gentiles (Mark 10:33). - They fear Philistines more than the LORD (Isaiah 51:12-13). So they bound him with two new ropes - Fresh ropes suggest extra security, yet will snap “like flax” when God’s Spirit moves (Judges 15:14). - Human safeguards never outmatch divine power (Psalm 20:7; Matthew 28:2). and led him up from the rock. - Samson leaves his refuge at Etam (Judges 15:8); humiliation precedes victory (1 Peter 5:6). - The upward movement anticipates deliverance, as with Joseph rising from the pit (Genesis 37:28; 50:20). summary Judges 15:13 reveals Judah’s fearful compromise: they spare Samson’s life yet betray him bound to their oppressors. Their half-hearted allegiance underscores unbelief, but God sovereignly uses even their timidity. The new ropes and the ascent from the rock set the stage for the Spirit’s triumph, proving that no human scheme can thwart the deliverance God has ordained. |
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