Samson’s Character is Further Revealed

Dei Break

Judges 15:1-20

Good old Samson. After he cools off, he decides to go down and visit the wife. After his behavior before, one might expect some sign of regret or apology, but not from Samson. Instead, the man again lets his anger and pride take over his actions. When he meets the bride's father, the older man expresses Samson's less than loving behavior toward the girl. Seeing no error in his own actions, Samson becomes angry and destroys all of the crops and therefore livelihood of the Timnites (the bride's family). The Philistines kill the bride and her family for angering Samson and causing the destruction of the crops.

Still again, Samson feels himself misused and avenges himself on the murderers. After this, Samson flees to the hills near Judah, with the Philistines in hot pursuit.

The men of Judah at last approach Samson, and they are angry! The Philistines were a mighty nation of cities and Samson has brought Israel to the brink of war with them. [I paraphrase Samson's reply] "I got mad and I got even!" (15:11)

The men of Judah have had it. They tie Samson up to send him off with the Philistines. God steps in again, enabling Samson to kill a thousand men with an ass's jawbone. (vs.16)

Giving God the credit for this victory does not immediately enter Samson's thoughts (vs.16). Instead, Samson chastises God for allowing him to become thirsty. What a guy, but even Samson was used by God as a judge against the Philistine threat for twenty years.

Since the Philistines were evil in God's sight, were Samson's actions wrong? Let's check out some glaring points. Never do we see God command Samson to act as he did. Samson acted out of his own anger and ego. He rejected his wife instead of protecting her and her family. He disregarded his Nazarite vow to God, and he criticized the Lord, who had just rescued his fanny, for allowing him to suffer. Not a man whom we would hold up as an example of a Godly person.

Next time: Can Samson Change?