Topical Bible: Samson is Avenged for the Estrangement of his Wife

Bible > Topical > Samson is Avenged for the Estrangement of his Wife

◄ Samson is Avenged for the Estrangement of his Wife ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Background:
Samson, a judge of Israel, was known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God contingent upon his Nazirite vow. His life is chronicled in the Book of Judges, chapters 13 to 16. Samson's exploits against the Philistines, who were oppressors of Israel at the time, are central to his narrative. One significant episode in his life involves the estrangement from his Philistine wife, which leads to a series of events culminating in Samson's acts of vengeance against the Philistines.

Estrangement and Initial Conflict:
Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah was fraught with tension. During the wedding feast, Samson posed a riddle to the Philistine guests, which they could not solve. They coerced his wife into extracting the answer from Samson, leading to his betrayal. In response, Samson killed thirty Philistine men to settle the wager (Judges 14:19). This incident sowed seeds of discord between Samson and the Philistines.

The Estrangement:
After the riddle incident, Samson returned to his father's house, and his wife was given to one of his companions (Judges 14:20). When Samson later returned to visit his wife, he discovered her betrayal and remarriage. This personal affront fueled his anger against the Philistines.

Acts of Vengeance:
In retaliation for the estrangement and the insult to his marriage, Samson captured 300 foxes, tied their tails together in pairs with torches, and released them into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, causing widespread destruction (Judges 15:4-5). This act of vengeance was a direct assault on the Philistine economy and a demonstration of Samson's strength and cunning.

Philistine Retaliation:
The Philistines, in response to the devastation, sought to punish Samson's wife and her father, burning them to death (Judges 15:6). This brutal act further escalated the conflict between Samson and the Philistines.

Further Vengeance:
Samson's response to the murder of his wife and her father was swift and severe. He attacked the Philistines, striking them "hip and thigh with a great slaughter" (Judges 15:8). This phrase suggests a thorough and decisive victory over his enemies, showcasing his role as a deliverer of Israel from Philistine oppression.

Samson's Continued Conflict with the Philistines:
The cycle of vengeance continued as the Philistines sought to capture Samson. He was bound by the men of Judah and handed over to the Philistines. However, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he broke free from his bonds, using the jawbone of a donkey to slay a thousand Philistine men (Judges 15:14-15).

Theological Significance:
Samson's actions, while personal and driven by a desire for vengeance, also served a divine purpose in weakening the Philistine hold over Israel. His life illustrates the complex interplay between human motives and divine sovereignty. Despite his personal flaws and impulsive nature, Samson was used by God to deliver Israel, fulfilling the angelic prophecy given to his parents before his birth (Judges 13:5).

Conclusion:
The narrative of Samson's vengeance for the estrangement of his wife highlights the themes of betrayal, retribution, and divine justice. It underscores the consequences of personal actions and the broader implications of individual conflicts within the context of God's plan for His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 15:3-8
And Samson said concerning them, Now shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do them a displeasure.
Nave's Topical Index