Judges 15:1

KJV

¶ But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.

KJV (with Strong's)

But it came to pass within a while after {H3117}, in the time {H3117} of wheat {H2406} harvest {H7105}, that Samson {H8123} visited {H6485} his wife {H802} with a kid {H1423}{H5795}; and he said {H559}, I will go in {H935} to my wife {H802} into the chamber {H2315}. But her father {H1} would not suffer {H5414} him to go in {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after a while, during the wheat-harvest season, Shimshon went to see his wife. He brought a young goat for her and said to her father, "I want to go to my wife in her room." But he wouldn't let him.

Berean Standard Bible

Later on, at the time of the wheat harvest, Samson took a young goat and went to visit his wife. “I want to go to my wife in her room,” he said. But her father would not let him enter.

American Standard Version

But it came to pass after a while, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 15:1 marks a pivotal moment in Samson's ongoing conflict with the Philistines, occurring "within a while after" the events of chapter 14, specifically during the vital wheat harvest. Samson, seemingly attempting to reconcile or reassert his marital rights, returns to Timnath with a young goat for his Philistine wife. However, her father's resolute refusal to allow Samson access to his daughter ignites Samson's fury, setting the stage for a new and intensified cycle of vengeance and divine intervention against the Philistines.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic conclusion of [Judges 14](/judges/14 "Judges 14 - Samson's Marriage and Riddle"), where Samson's marriage to the woman of Timnath unravels. After his Philistine wife betrayed the answer to his riddle, Samson, in a fit of rage, killed thirty Philistines and returned to his father's house ([Judges 14:19](/judges/14-19 "Judges 14:19 - Samson's Rage and Return")). The chapter concludes with the revelation that Samson's wife had been given to his "companion, whom he had used as his friend" ([Judges 14:20](/judges/14-20 "Judges 14:20 - Samson's Wife Given to Another")). Judges 15:1 picks up the narrative after an unspecified but significant passage of time, indicating Samson's decision to revisit his wife despite the previous betrayal and the fact that she was now married to another. This personal grievance directly fuels the subsequent acts of retribution against the Philistines, illustrating how Samson's personal life is intertwined with God's larger plan for Israel's deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "in the time of wheat harvest" is significant. Wheat harvest typically occurred in late spring (May-June) in ancient Israel, a period of intense labor, but also of celebration and prosperity. It was a time when fields were full of ripe grain, making them particularly vulnerable to destruction, a fact Samson would exploit. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, marriage was a covenantal agreement, often involving a bride-price and the authority of the father. Samson's initial marriage was irregular from an Israelite perspective ([Judges 14:3](/judges/14-3 "Judges 14:3 - Samson's Desire for a Philistine Wife")), but he still considered the woman his wife. The act of bringing a "kid" (a young goat) was a common gesture of goodwill, a peace offering, or a valuable gift, suggesting Samson's intent to either reconcile or to formally reassert his marital rights. The father's refusal to allow Samson into the "chamber" (a private inner room) was a profound public insult and a clear denial of Samson's perceived marital claims, setting the stage for an inevitable escalation of conflict.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 15:1 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Judges and Samson's narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of compromise and disobedience**, as Samson's initial choice to marry a Philistine woman, against the implied counsel of his parents and the spirit of the Nazarite vow, continues to yield bitter fruit and entangle him in escalating conflict. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty working through flawed human instruments**. Although Samson's motives are often driven by personal vengeance and passion, the narrator explicitly states that "it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines" ([Judges 14:4](/judges/14-4 "Judges 14:4 - The Lord's Purpose in Samson's Actions")). The father's refusal, though seemingly a human decision, becomes the divinely ordained catalyst for Samson's next act of deliverance. Lastly, the passage illuminates **cultural practices and the clash of civilizations**, showcasing the patriarchal authority within families and the deep-seated animosity between Israel and the Philistines, which often manifested through personal disputes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kid (Hebrew, _g'di_):** This term refers to a young goat, a valuable animal in ancient agrarian societies. Samson bringing a "kid" was not merely a casual gift; it was a significant gesture, likely intended as a peace offering or a tangible expression of his desire to re-establish his marital bond and perhaps even to pay a new bride-price or compensation. Its rejection by the father underscores the finality of the marital dissolution from the Philistine family's perspective and the depth of their affront to Samson.
* **Chamber (Hebrew, _cheder_):** This word denotes a private, inner room, often associated with intimacy and marital privacy. Samson's demand to enter "into the chamber" signifies his expectation of resuming conjugal rights and his rightful place as husband. The father's refusal to allow him access to this private space is a public and humiliating denial of Samson's marital claims, an act that directly challenges his honor and status.
* **Would not suffer (Hebrew, _lo n'tano_):** This phrase conveys a strong, decisive, and intentional refusal. It is not merely a passive inability but an active prohibition. The father's "would not suffer him to go in" emphasizes his firm stance and determination to prevent Samson from accessing his daughter, highlighting his authority and his complete rejection of Samson's attempt at reconciliation or reassertion of rights. This resolute denial is the direct spark for Samson's subsequent vengeful actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest":** This opening clause establishes a temporal gap since the events of [Judges 14](/judges/14 "Judges 14 - Samson's Marriage and Riddle"), allowing for a cooling-off period after Samson's initial rage and return home. The specification of "wheat harvest" is crucial, as it sets the stage for the economic vulnerability of the Philistines, whose fields of ripe grain would become Samson's next target.
* **"that Samson visited his wife with a kid":** Despite the earlier betrayal and the fact that she had been given to another, Samson still considers this woman his "wife" and initiates a visit. The "kid" signifies an attempt at reconciliation, a peace offering, or a gesture to reclaim his marital rights, suggesting Samson's desire to mend the broken relationship, perhaps out of affection or a sense of possessiveness.
* **"and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber":** Samson's direct statement reveals his clear intention: to resume marital relations. His expectation of entering the "chamber" (a private, intimate space) underscores his belief in his continued marital rights and his desire for conjugal intimacy, despite the previous events.
* **"But her father would not suffer him to go in":** This is the pivotal moment of the verse. The father's firm and active refusal directly thwarts Samson's intention. This denial is a profound insult, a public repudiation of Samson's claims, and a clear indication that the father views the marriage as irrevocably dissolved, especially given that he had already given his daughter to another man ([Judges 14:20](/judges/14-20 "Judges 14:20 - Samson's Wife Given to Another")). This refusal becomes the immediate catalyst for Samson's subsequent acts of vengeance.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 15:1 employs several literary devices to advance the narrative and deepen its impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the father's refusal immediately signals the escalation of conflict that will define the rest of the chapter. The seemingly simple act of denial sets in motion a chain of violent events. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: Samson, the mighty deliverer, is consistently entangled in personal, often petty, disputes driven by his own desires, yet these very human flaws and grievances are repeatedly used by God to achieve His divine purpose of delivering Israel from the Philistines. The "kid" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing Samson's attempt at reconciliation or reassertion of his rights, but its rejection symbolizes the complete breakdown of the relationship and the Philistine family's final severance of ties with Samson. The "chamber" also carries **Symbolic** weight, representing intimacy and marital privilege, the denial of which is a profound affront to Samson's honor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 15:1 serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of choices made outside of divine wisdom and covenant faithfulness. Samson's repeated entanglement with Philistine women, a direct violation of Israelite separation principles, consistently leads to personal betrayal and escalating conflict. Yet, within this narrative of human flaw and vengeance, the overarching theme of God's sovereign plan remains evident. God uses Samson's personal grievances and the Philistines' provocations as "an occasion" to begin delivering Israel from their oppressors, demonstrating His ability to work through imperfect vessels and even through human sin to accomplish His purposes. This passage illustrates that while God's ultimate plan is unthwartable, human choices, particularly those involving compromise, often dictate the painful and circuitous path by which that plan unfolds.

* [Proverbs 13:15](/proverbs/13-15 "Proverbs 13:15 - The Way of Transgressors is Hard")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - You Reap What You Sow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 15:1 offers profound insights into the ripple effects of our decisions, particularly in relationships. Samson's return, seemingly an attempt at reconciliation, is met with a firm rejection rooted in past betrayals and the father's protective actions. This reminds us that past choices, especially those involving compromise or broken trust, do not simply disappear; they often create complex relational landscapes that require careful navigation and sometimes lead to unforeseen consequences. For believers today, this passage encourages us to consider the long-term implications of our actions, especially in matters of the heart and covenant. It challenges us to seek reconciliation where possible, but also to recognize when boundaries are necessary due to past harms. Ultimately, it invites us to trust in God's sovereignty, understanding that even in the midst of human brokenness, conflict, and flawed motives, God can and will work out His redemptive purposes, often in ways that expose sin and lead to ultimate deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do past choices, particularly those made against wise counsel or divine leading, continue to shape our present circumstances and relationships?**
* **In what ways might we, like Samson, attempt to re-engage with situations or relationships that have already been irrevocably altered by past actions?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when human actions seem chaotic, self-serving, or fraught with conflict?**
* **What does the father's refusal teach us about the importance of boundaries and protecting those under our care, even if it leads to further conflict?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samson's father-in-law refuse him entry, especially if Samson brought a gift?**

Answer: Samson's father-in-law refused him entry primarily because he had already given Samson's wife to "his companion, whom he had used as his friend" ([Judges 14:20](/judges/14-20 "Judges 14:20 - Samson's Wife Given to Another")). This action was a direct consequence of Samson's previous abandonment of his wife in a fit of rage after she betrayed his riddle and he left Timnath ([Judges 14:19](/judges/14-19 "Judges 14:19 - Samson's Rage and Return")). From the father's perspective, Samson had forfeited his marital rights. The "kid" Samson brought, while a gesture of goodwill or reconciliation, was insufficient to undo the previous actions and the new marital arrangement. The father likely saw Samson as unreliable and dangerous, and his refusal was a protective measure for his daughter and a clear statement that the marriage was over.

**What is the significance of the "wheat harvest" in this verse?**

Answer: The "wheat harvest" is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates a passage of time since the dramatic events of [Judges 14](/judges/14 "Judges 14 - Samson's Marriage and Riddle"), allowing for Samson's anger to subside and for the Philistine family to establish a new marital arrangement for his former wife. Secondly, and most crucially, the wheat harvest period (typically May-June) meant that the fields were full of ripe, dry grain, making them extremely vulnerable to fire. This detail directly sets the stage for Samson's subsequent act of vengeance in [Judges 15:4-5](/judges/15-4 "Judges 15:4-5 - Samson Burns the Philistine Fields"), where he uses foxes with torches to burn the Philistines' crops, causing immense economic devastation. The mention of the harvest thus serves as a critical narrative detail, foreshadowing the method and impact of Samson's retaliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 15:1, like much of Samson's narrative, points forward to Christ not as a perfect parallel, but as a shadow of the ultimate Deliverer. Samson, though flawed and driven by personal vengeance, is used by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. His personal suffering and rejection, culminating in this verse with the denial of his marital rights, become the catalyst for a broader conflict that serves God's redemptive purposes. In a far more profound way, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, experienced ultimate rejection by His own people, as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected by Men"), and faced the ultimate denial of His rightful place. Yet, His rejection and subsequent suffering on the cross were not driven by personal grievance but by divine love and obedience to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His perfect sacrifice, Christ accomplished a deliverance infinitely greater than Samson's, conquering sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Samson's story, marked by human weakness and God's surprising use of it, ultimately highlights the necessity and glory of a Savior who is truly strong, truly righteous, and whose victory is perfect and complete, securing for us access to the Father's presence and the ultimate "chamber" of His love ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")).

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.