Biblical Reference: Judges 15:1-8

Context and Background:
Samson, a judge of Israel, is a prominent figure known for his extraordinary strength, which he derives from his Nazirite vow to God. His life is marked by a series of conflicts with the Philistines, who were oppressors of Israel during this period. The narrative of Samson visiting his wife is a continuation of the events following his marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah, as recorded in Judges 14.

Narrative Summary:
In Judges 15:1, the account begins with Samson deciding to visit his wife during the time of the wheat harvest. He brings a young goat as a gift, intending to enter his wife's chamber. However, he is met with resistance from his father-in-law, who refuses him entry. The father-in-law explains that he assumed Samson hated his wife and thus gave her to Samson's companion. In an attempt to appease Samson, he offers Samson his younger daughter instead.

Samson's response to this perceived betrayal is one of anger and a vow of retribution against the Philistines. In Judges 15:3, Samson declares, "This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them." He then captures three hundred foxes, ties their tails together in pairs, and fastens a torch to each pair of tails. Samson releases the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, setting fire to the shocks, standing grain, vineyards, and olive groves, causing significant destruction.

The Philistines, upon discovering that Samson is responsible for the devastation, retaliate by burning his wife and her father to death. This act of violence further fuels Samson's wrath, leading him to attack the Philistines with great ferocity, as described in Judges 15:8: "He struck them down with a great slaughter, and he went down and stayed in the cave at the rock of Etam."

Theological and Moral Implications:
The episode of Samson visiting his wife highlights several key themes and lessons. Firstly, it underscores the consequences of intermarriage with the Philistines, which was contrary to God's commandments for the Israelites. Samson's marriage to a Philistine woman sets off a chain of events that lead to conflict and tragedy.

Secondly, the narrative illustrates the cycle of vengeance and retribution that characterizes much of Samson's life. His actions, driven by personal vendetta, result in escalating violence between him and the Philistines. This cycle serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of revenge and the importance of seeking justice through righteous means.

Lastly, the account reflects the sovereignty of God in using even the flawed actions of individuals to achieve His purposes. Despite Samson's personal failings, God uses him as an instrument to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression. This demonstrates God's ability to work through imperfect people to fulfill His divine plan.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The practice of offering a young goat as a gift, as Samson does, was a customary gesture of goodwill and reconciliation in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The use of foxes to destroy crops is a unique and creative tactic, reflecting Samson's resourcefulness and understanding of agricultural practices.

The Philistines' response to burn Samson's wife and her father highlights the brutal and retaliatory nature of justice in the ancient world. This act of retribution further illustrates the deep-seated animosity between the Israelites and the Philistines during this period.

Conclusion:
The account of Samson visiting his wife is a complex narrative that intertwines themes of personal relationships, cultural customs, and divine intervention. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and the dangers of allowing personal grievances to dictate one's actions.