What is the meaning of Judges 15:1? Later on, at the time of the wheat harvest • The narrative resumes “later on,” showing an intentional break since the wedding feast in Judges 14:10–15. • Wheat harvest, usually May–June, is a season of joy and communal gathering (Ruth 1:22; Exodus 34:22), underscoring the irony that conflict, not celebration, is about to unfold. • Samson’s timing highlights God’s sovereignty—events that seem ordinary (harvest) become the stage for divine purposes (Judges 13:5). Samson took a young goat • A young goat was a customary gift of goodwill or affection (Genesis 38:17; 1 Samuel 16:20). • Samson brings tangible proof of reconciliatory intent after the earlier fallout with the Philistines (Judges 14:19–20). • The gift signals peace, yet God will turn this attempt at peace into a confrontation that advances Israel’s deliverance (Judges 15:3–5). He went to visit his wife • Though still called his “wife,” she lives in her Philistine father’s house—evidence of cultural tension (Judges 14:15–18). • Samson’s action shows marital commitment; in Israel, a husband visiting his bride in her family home was normal until full household establishment (cf. Deuteronomy 20:7). • The setting underscores Samson’s personal desire versus God’s larger mission; Samson seeks domestic resolution, but God will use his journey for national deliverance. “I want to go to my wife in her room,” he said • Samson claims legitimate conjugal rights; the “room” (inner chamber) is private space reserved for the husband (Songs 1:4). • His straightforward request contrasts with Philistine treachery; transparency meets deceit. • The statement also spotlights covenant versus convenience: Samson views the marriage as binding (Genesis 2:24), while the Philistines treat it as expendable. But her father would not let him enter • Refusal exposes a broken agreement; the bride’s father had already given her to Samson’s companion (Judges 14:20). • The scene prefigures further rejection: God’s appointed deliverer is barred by Philistines, just as Israel’s Deliverer would later be refused by His own (John 1:11). • Human obstruction cannot thwart God’s plan; the denial sparks the chain of events leading to Samson’s exploits (Judges 15:4–8). summary Judges 15:1 depicts Samson returning during the joyous wheat harvest with a peace offering, earnestly intending to consummate his marriage. His gift and request are honorable, yet his father-in-law’s refusal reveals Philistine unfaithfulness and ignites the next phase of God’s deliverance through Samson. God turns what appears to be a personal visit into a decisive moment that propels His redemptive purposes for Israel. |
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