Introduction:
Samson, a judge of Israel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, known for his extraordinary strength and complex narrative. His acts of revenge against the Philistines are pivotal events that demonstrate both his personal vendettas and his role as a deliverer of Israel. These acts are recorded primarily in Judges 15, where Samson's actions are driven by personal grievances and divine empowerment.

Context:
Samson was born to Manoah and his wife, who were visited by the Angel of the LORD, announcing that Samson would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5). As a Nazirite from birth, Samson was set apart for God's purposes, and his strength was a divine gift contingent upon his Nazirite vows.

The Incident with the Philistines:
Samson's conflict with the Philistines escalated after his marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah. During the wedding feast, Samson posed a riddle to the Philistine guests, which they solved by coercing his wife. In retaliation, Samson killed thirty Philistines in Ashkelon to pay the wager (Judges 14:19).

Samson's Revenge:
The narrative of Samson's revenge unfolds in Judges 15. After discovering that his wife had been given to another man, Samson sought retribution against the Philistines. He 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).

The Philistines, in response, burned Samson's wife and her father. Enraged, Samson declared, "Since you have acted like this, I will not stop until I have taken vengeance on you" (Judges 15:7). He attacked them "ruthlessly with a great slaughter" (Judges 15:8).

The Jawbone of a Donkey:
Following these events, the Philistines pursued Samson to Judah, where the men of Judah, fearing Philistine retaliation, bound Samson to hand him over. However, the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he broke free from the ropes. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, Samson struck down a thousand Philistine men (Judges 15:14-15). He famously declared, "With the jawbone of a donkey, I have piled them into heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey, I have slain a thousand men" (Judges 15:16).

Significance:
Samson's acts of revenge against the Philistines highlight the tension between personal motives and divine mission. While his actions were often driven by personal grievances, they also served the larger purpose of weakening the Philistine oppression over Israel. Samson's account is a testament to God's sovereignty, using even flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes.

Theological Implications:
Samson's narrative raises questions about the nature of divine justice and human agency. His life illustrates the complexity of God's deliverance, where human weakness and divine strength intersect. Despite his personal failings, Samson is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32, underscoring the belief that God can work through imperfect vessels to fulfill His plans.

Conclusion:
Samson's revenge against the Philistines is a multifaceted account of personal vendetta intertwined with divine deliverance. His account serves as a reminder of the power and sovereignty of God, who can use even the flawed and broken to achieve His purposes.