What is the meaning of Judges 16:31? Then Samson’s brothers and his father’s family came down Samson died alone among Philistines, yet his relatives did not abandon him. • The family’s courage mirrors the men of Jabesh-gilead who rescued Saul’s body (1 Samuel 31:12-13). • By retrieving Samson, they honored the command not to leave a body exposed overnight (Deuteronomy 21:23). • Their action confirms the Lord’s promise that Samson would “begin to deliver Israel” (Judges 13:5); even in death, his people claim him as their own. carried him back This short phrase reveals loving labor. • Like Joseph’s bones carried from Egypt (Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19), Samson’s remains are brought home, affirming faith in God’s covenant with the land. • The journey likely passed hostile territory, yet the family trusted God’s protection—echoing Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” • Their determination illustrates Galatians 6:10, “as we have opportunity, let us do good…especially to those who belong to the family of faith.” and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol • Zorah and Eshtaol bookend Samson’s life: the Spirit first stirred him there (Judges 13:25), and now he rests there. • The site lies in Danite territory, reclaiming a region oppressed by Philistines (Judges 13:1). • Burial in home soil recalls God’s promise of inheritance (Joshua 21:24), pointing Israel to hope even after failure. in the tomb of his father Manoah • Family tombs signified covenant continuity (Genesis 49:29-32). • Being laid with his father confirms reconciliation despite Samson’s earlier disregard for parental counsel (Judges 14:3). • It anticipates resurrection hope: “All who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out” (John 5:28-29, cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16). And he had judged Israel twenty years • Judges 15:20 already stated this; repetition underscores that Samson’s flawed life was still a God-appointed ministry (Hebrews 11:32). • Twenty years equals the tenure of others like Tola and Jair (Judges 10:1-3), showing God’s consistent provision. • His judgeship ends in deliverance through sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate Deliverer who conquers enemies by His death (Colossians 2:15). summary Samson’s story closes with family courage, covenant faithfulness, and honored burial. His relatives risked danger to claim him, carried him home, laid him among his people, and remembered his two decades of God-given leadership. Even in failure, God’s purposes prevailed, pointing Israel—and us—to the greater Deliverer who secures our eternal home. |
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