What is the meaning of Judges 15:7? And Samson told them - “And Samson told them” (Judges 15:7) shows Samson speaking directly to the Philistines after they burned his former wife and her father (Judges 15:6). - His words are not idle anger but a declaration; he is Israel’s judge and deliverer (Judges 13:5). - Similar direct confrontations appear with Gideon in Judges 8:4–7 and David before Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45–47—leaders openly announcing God-backed action. - God often raises individuals to confront oppression (Exodus 3:9-10). Samson’s speech fits that pattern. Because you have done this - Samson firmly links his response to the Philistines’ cruelty: “Because you have done this.” - Scripture affirms personal responsibility; actions reap consequences (Galatians 6:7–8; Proverbs 26:27). - In Judges 15:6 the Philistines retaliated against Samson by destroying his bride; yet their revenge escalated the conflict they started by exploiting Samson’s riddle (Judges 14:14–20). - God allows human choices, yet we remain accountable (Romans 14:12). The Philistines’ wicked act invites judgment. I will not rest - Samson vows persistence: “I will not rest.” - Such relentless resolve echoes Joshua’s campaigns (Joshua 10:19) and David’s pursuit of enemies (2 Samuel 22:38). - Determined obedience is praised in Proverbs 4:25–27—staying the course until God’s purpose is finished. - Samson, empowered by the Spirit (Judges 14:6; 15:14), commits every effort to fulfill his God-given mission against Philistine domination (Judges 13:5). until I have taken vengeance upon you - “Vengeance” here is personal yet also judicial; Samson is Israel’s judge executing God’s justice (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19 reminds that vengeance ultimately belongs to the Lord). - Earlier, Samson’s vengeance involved foxes and fire (Judges 15:4–5); now he promises a further blow, fulfilled in striking the Philistines “hip and thigh with a great slaughter” (Judges 15:8). - While believers today are called to leave revenge to God (Matthew 5:38–39), Samson’s era of the judges was marked by God using human agents to punish oppressors (Judges 2:16). - The episode foreshadows Christ’s final righteous judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:6–8) where evil is decisively addressed. summary Samson’s statement in Judges 15:7 declares a Spirit-empowered judge holding the Philistines accountable for their cruelty. He identifies the wrong (“Because you have done this”), commits himself wholeheartedly (“I will not rest”), and announces the coming judgment (“until I have taken vengeance upon you”). The verse underscores the certainty of divine justice, personal responsibility for sin, and God’s use of chosen deliverers to protect His people and uphold righteousness. |
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