The term "gouged" refers to the act of forcefully removing or scooping out, often used in the context of eyes in biblical narratives. This violent act is mentioned in several instances within the Bible, symbolizing defeat, humiliation, and the consequences of disobedience to God.

Samson's Downfall

One of the most notable references to gouging in the Bible is found in the account of Samson, a judge of Israel, whose eyes were gouged out by the Philistines. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges. After being betrayed by Delilah, Samson's strength left him, and he was captured by the Philistines. Judges 16:21 states, "Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison." This act of gouging out Samson's eyes was not only a physical mutilation but also a symbolic representation of his spiritual blindness and the loss of his God-given strength due to his disobedience and moral failings.

Nahash the Ammonite

Another instance of gouging is found in 1 Samuel 11, where Nahash the Ammonite threatened the people of Jabesh Gilead. Nahash proposed a treaty with the condition that he would gouge out the right eye of every Israelite, thereby bringing disgrace upon all Israel. 1 Samuel 11:2 records, "But Nahash the Ammonite replied, 'I will make a treaty with you on one condition: that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel.'" This threat was intended to humiliate and incapacitate the Israelites, making them vulnerable to further oppression.

Symbolism and Consequences

In the biblical context, gouging out eyes is often associated with the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and the loss of divine insight. The physical act of gouging is a severe punishment that reflects the gravity of turning away from God's commandments and the resulting vulnerability to enemy forces.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons

The accounts of gouging in the Bible serve as cautionary tales, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of succumbing to temptation and sin. They highlight the need for spiritual vigilance and the consequences of moral and spiritual lapses. These narratives remind believers of the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with God and the protective power of His guidance and strength.

In summary, the act of gouging in the Bible is a powerful symbol of defeat, humiliation, and the dire consequences of disobedience to God. It underscores the importance of spiritual sight and the need for adherence to divine principles to avoid the pitfalls of sin and the resulting spiritual blindness.(imp. & p. p.) of Bouge.5365. naqar -- to bore, pick, dig
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to bore, pick, dig NASB Word Usage dug
(1), gouge (1), gouged (1), pick (1), pierces (1), put (1). ...
/hebrew/5365.htm - 6k

The Government of India.
... Some years previously his eyes had been gouged out by one of his Rohilla keepers.
At once he was treated by us with the highest consideration. ...
/.../chapter xxxi the government of.htm

Down the Islands
... smooth by ice. They have been gouged out, in every direction, by the furious
tropic rains and tropic rain-torrents. Had the rocks ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Gouged (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Bouge. Multi-Version Concordance
Gouged (1 Occurrence). Judges 16:21 And the Philistines ...
/g/gouged.htm - 6k

Gouge (4 Occurrences)

/g/gouge.htm - 8k

Gourd (4 Occurrences)

/g/gourd.htm - 12k

Seize (91 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:21 And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes, and brought
him down to Gaza, and bound him with bronze fetters; and he ground at the mill ...
/s/seize.htm - 34k

Bronze (146 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:21 And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes, and brought
him down to Gaza, and bound him with bronze fetters; and he ground at the mill ...
/b/bronze.htm - 37k

Seized (118 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:21 And the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes, and brought
him down to Gaza, and bound him with bronze fetters; and he ground at the mill ...
/s/seized.htm - 34k

What was the source of Samson's strength? | GotQuestions.org

What should we learn from the account of Samson and Delilah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Gouged: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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