Judges 14:19

KJV

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} came {H6743} upon him, and he went down {H3381} to Ashkelon {H831}, and slew {H5221} thirty {H7970} men {H376} of them, and took {H3947} their spoil {H2488}, and gave {H5414} change {H2487} of garments unto them which expounded {H5046} the riddle {H2420}. And his anger {H639} was kindled {H2734}, and he went up {H5927} to his father's {H1} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the Spirit of ADONAI came over him powerfully. He went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their good clothes, and gave them to the men who had "solved" the riddle. He was boiling with rage, so he went straight up to his father's house,

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,

American Standard Version

And the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and smote thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes of raiment unto them that declared the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father’s house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 14:19 describes Samson's divinely empowered, yet personally motivated, act of retribution against the Philistines of Ashkelon. Following the deceitful revelation of his riddle, the Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson, enabling him to slay thirty men, take their garments, and fulfill his wager. This pivotal moment highlights the complex interplay of God's sovereign purpose to initiate conflict with Israel's oppressors and Samson's volatile, humanly driven anger, setting the stage for further confrontations with the Philistines.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 14:19 immediately follows a critical turning point in Samson's wedding feast narrative. Samson had posed a riddle to his thirty Philistine wedding guests, wagering thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments that they could not solve it within seven days. Unable to discern the answer, the Philistines coerced Samson's Philistine wife to betray the secret. When she revealed the answer, Samson was enraged. This verse details his immediate, divinely empowered, and violent response to fulfill the terms of the lost bet, demonstrating his commitment to the wager and his explosive anger at the Philistines' deception. This act of violence also marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Samson and the Philistines, foreshadowing the larger conflict that will define his judgeship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Judges depicts a period of cyclical apostasy, oppression, and deliverance in Israel, with the Philistines serving as a primary oppressor during Samson's time. Ashkelon was one of the five major Philistine city-states (along with Gaza, Gath, Ekron, and Ashdod), strategically located on the Mediterranean coast. A raid on Ashkelon was a direct assault on the heart of Philistine power and territory. Culturally, the fulfillment of a wager or oath was a serious matter, even if the terms were met through deceit. The concept of "spoil" or plunder taken from a defeated enemy was a common practice in ancient warfare, serving both as a means of acquiring wealth and as a symbol of victory and dominance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Judges and Samson's narrative. The recurring motif of **Divine Empowerment and the Spirit of the LORD** is central, as seen in the phrase "the Spirit of the LORD came upon him," which echoes earlier instances in [Judges 13:25](/judges/13-25 "Judges 13:25 - The Spirit Stirring Samson") and [Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit on Samson at Timnah"), and will be seen again in [Judges 15:14](/judges/15-14 "Judges 15:14 - The Spirit on Samson at Lehi"). This signifies a supernatural enablement for a specific task, often involving immense strength, even if Samson's personal motives were flawed. The theme of **Retribution and Justice** is evident in Samson's violent response to the Philistines' deceit, which, while fueled by personal anger ("his anger was kindled"), also served God's broader purpose of initiating conflict with the Philistines, as explicitly stated in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - The Lord's Hand in Samson's Actions"). This highlights the complex nature of **Samson's Flawed Character**, a divinely chosen deliverer whose personal weaknesses and volatile emotions often intersect with, and are even used by, God's sovereign plan. Finally, the event escalates the **Conflict with the Philistines**, marking a significant act of aggression against Israel's oppressors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit of the LORD (Hebrew, _ruach Yahweh'_):** This phrase signifies a powerful, empowering presence of God's Spirit, equipping individuals with extraordinary abilities for specific divine tasks. In Samson's case, it denotes supernatural strength and enablement for acts of judgment or deliverance, but does not necessarily imply moral perfection, spiritual maturity, or even a righteous motive on Samson's part. It is an external, enabling force for a divine purpose.
* **Ashkelon (Hebrew, _Ashqelon'_):** One of the five major Philistine city-states, strategically located on the Mediterranean coast. Samson's journey "down to Ashkelon" (likely indicating a descent in elevation or a journey from the hill country to the coastal plain) signifies a direct and aggressive strike at a prominent Philistine center, not merely an isolated act of violence.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shalal'_):** Refers to plunder, goods, or valuables taken from a defeated enemy during warfare or conflict. In this context, it specifically refers to the garments Samson needed to pay his wager, acquired through a violent raid. The taking of spoil was a common, accepted practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him":** This clause reiterates a recurring motif in Samson's story, emphasizing that his extraordinary strength and ability to perform such a violent act were not merely human but divinely enabled. It underscores God's active involvement in Samson's life, even when Samson's own motives were driven by personal anger.
* **"and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil":** This describes the immediate and brutal execution of the divinely empowered task. Samson's journey to Ashkelon, a significant Philistine city, and the slaying of thirty men, demonstrates the scale and severity of his retribution. The taking of their "spoil" (garments) was the specific objective, directly linked to his need to fulfill the wager.
* **"and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle":** This clause confirms Samson's fulfillment of his lost wager, albeit through violent and indirect means. It highlights the Philistines' successful deception and Samson's commitment to the terms of the bet, even if obtained through a bloody raid. The "change of garments" refers to a complete set of clothing, a valuable commodity.
* **"And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house":** This final clause reveals Samson's personal emotional state and subsequent action. His "anger was kindled" (Hebrew: *ḥārāh 'apô*, literally "his nose burned") signifies intense rage. This anger, combined with the betrayal, led him to abandon his Philistine wife and return to his family home, setting the stage for further conflict and the unraveling of his marriage.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its complex message. **Repetition** of the phrase "the Spirit of the LORD came upon him" (also found in [Judges 13:25](/judges/13-25 "Judges 13:25 - The Spirit Stirring Samson") and [Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit on Samson at Timnah")) serves to emphasize the divine agency behind Samson's extraordinary strength, ensuring the reader understands that his power is not inherent but a gift for a specific purpose. There is a profound **irony** in the narrative: Samson, empowered by God, uses this divine strength for a seemingly personal vendetta (to pay a bet and exact revenge for deceit), yet the text explicitly states that this served God's larger sovereign purpose of initiating conflict with Israel's oppressors ([Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - The Lord's Hand in Samson's Actions")). This highlights the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty. The act of violence and Samson's subsequent departure from his wife also serves as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the escalating conflict with the Philistines and the tragic disintegration of Samson's personal relationships that will define the remainder of his story. Finally, a **contrast** is drawn between the divine empowerment Samson receives and his very human, volatile anger, underscoring the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of the judges in this period.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 14:19 powerfully illustrates the theological truth that God can and does use imperfect people, and even their flawed motives and actions, to accomplish His sovereign purposes. Samson's rage and desire for personal retribution, while morally questionable, are paradoxically leveraged by God to initiate the long-awaited conflict with the Philistines, Israel's oppressors. This verse challenges a simplistic view of divine endorsement, showing that God's empowerment for a specific task does not equate to approval of every aspect of an individual's character or behavior. It underscores God's ultimate control over history, demonstrating that His plan unfolds even through the messy realities of human sin and weakness. The passage thus highlights the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God's will is advanced through human agents who are far from perfect.

* [Judges 15:14](/judges/15-14 "Judges 15:14 - The Spirit on Samson at Lehi")
* [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh")
* [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - God Using Assyria as a Rod")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 14:19 offers profound insights into the nature of God's work and the human condition. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by our imperfections or even our sinful tendencies; He is capable of weaving our flawed actions into His grand tapestry of redemption and judgment. While Samson's anger was a destructive force, God sovereignly used it to ignite the deliverance of Israel. This should lead us to a posture of humility, recognizing that God's purposes are often far greater and more complex than our immediate understanding. It also serves as a cautionary tale regarding unchecked anger and the pursuit of personal vengeance. While Samson's actions were divinely enabled for a specific purpose, his volatile emotions ultimately led to personal tragedy. We are called to steward our emotions, seeking justice through righteous means, and trusting God to work even in the most challenging and seemingly chaotic circumstances. We are encouraged to discern God's hand at work not just in the "clean" and "holy" moments, but also in the messy, human realities of life, always striving to align our motives with His righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Samson's story challenge our expectations of a "hero of faith" or a divinely appointed leader, and what does this teach us about God's ways?**
* **In what ways might God be working through seemingly imperfect circumstances or individuals in our own lives or in the broader world today?**
* **What lessons can we learn from Samson's anger about managing our own emotions and pursuing justice in a way that honors God?**

### FAQ
**Was Samson justified in killing thirty men in Ashkelon?**

Answer: From a purely human or moralistic perspective, Samson's act of slaying thirty innocent men for the sake of fulfilling a wager, even if that wager was lost through deceit, appears brutal and disproportionate. However, the biblical narrative presents this event through a theological lens. The text explicitly states in [Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - The Lord's Hand in Samson's Actions") that "it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines." This indicates that while Samson's immediate motivation was personal anger and the need to fulfill his bet, God sovereignly used his actions to initiate conflict with the Philistines, who were oppressing Israel. Therefore, the justification is not found in Samson's personal morality, but in God's overarching plan to deliver His people. It's a complex portrayal where God's purposes are achieved through an imperfect, and at times violent, human agent.

**What does "change of garments" mean in this context?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a "change of garments" referred to a complete set of clothing, typically including both an inner tunic and an outer cloak. Such garments were valuable possessions, often used as a form of currency, a display of wealth, or a significant prize in contests or wagers. Samson's bet of "thirty linen garments and thirty changes of garments" was therefore a substantial sum, underscoring the high stakes of the riddle and the significant cost of his loss, which he then violently recouped.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samson, though empowered by the Spirit of the LORD and raised up as a deliverer, ultimately remains a flawed and tragic figure whose actions are often driven by personal vengeance and passion. His reliance on physical strength and violent retribution stands in stark contrast to the ultimate Spirit-empowered Deliverer, Jesus Christ. While the Spirit "came upon" Samson for acts of destruction against Israel's enemies, the Spirit "descended" upon Jesus not to empower Him for violence, but to equip Him for a ministry of healing, teaching, and ultimately, sacrificial love ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Jesus, the true Lamb of God, did not take spoil from His enemies but became the spoil, giving His life to "take away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Samson's actions initiated conflict and separation; Christ's death on the cross brought reconciliation and peace, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The Spirit now empowers believers not for personal vendettas, but for witness to Christ's redemptive work ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")) and for the cultivation of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). Samson foreshadows a deliverer, but Jesus is the perfect fulfillment, whose power is perfected in weakness and whose kingdom is not of this world, established by love, not by the sword ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 11:6

And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.

Judges 3:10

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

Judges 13:25

And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 14:6

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and [he had] nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

Judges 15:14

[And] when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that [were] upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.