Judges 15:14

KJV

[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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he came {H935} unto Lehi {H3896}, the Philistines {H6430} shouted {H7321} against {H7125} him: and the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} came mightily {H6743} upon him, and the cords {H5688} that were upon his arms {H2220} became as flax {H6593} that was burnt {H1197} with fire {H784}, and his bands {H612} loosed {H4549} from off his hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he got to Lechi, the P'lishtim came running and shouting at him; and the Spirit of ADONAI came on him powerfully. The ropes on his arms became as weak as burnt flax and fell from his arms.

Berean Standard Bible

When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands.

American Standard Version

When he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and the ropes that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands dropped from off his hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 15:14 vividly portrays a pivotal moment in the narrative of Samson, revealing the immediate and supernatural empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD upon him as he is delivered into the hands of the Philistines. This verse marks the dramatic turning point where Samson's physical bonds are miraculously and effortlessly dissolved, setting the stage for his subsequent, divinely enabled victory over his enemies. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His purposes and His ability to deliver His chosen instruments, even when they appear to be at their most vulnerable.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 15:14 is situated immediately after the men of Judah, fearing Philistine retaliation, have bound Samson and delivered him to their oppressors at Lehi. This act of betrayal by his own people highlights the moral and spiritual decline within Israel, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges. Samson's previous actions, such as burning the Philistine grain fields and then slaughtering many Philistines in revenge for the burning of his wife and father-in-law (Judges 15:1-8), had provoked the Philistines to seek vengeance. The scene at Lehi serves as a dramatic climax to this escalating conflict, where Samson, seemingly helpless, is about to demonstrate God's power in a spectacular fashion, directly preceding his use of a fresh jawbone of a donkey to slay a thousand Philistines (Judges 15:15-17).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, cries for deliverance, and God raising up a judge to save them. The Philistines, a powerful "Sea Peoples" group, had settled along the southwestern coast of Canaan and frequently oppressed Israel, particularly in the Shephelah (the lowlands between the central highlands and the coastal plain). Their military superiority, including iron weaponry, posed a significant threat. The act of binding a captured enemy was a common practice, signifying complete subjugation. The fact that Samson's own people delivered him bound speaks to the Philistine dominance and the Israelites' fear, prioritizing self-preservation over national solidarity or trust in God's deliverer. The geographical location of Lehi, meaning "jawbone," is also significant, subtly foreshadowing the instrument of Samson's upcoming victory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **divine empowerment**, illustrating that Samson's extraordinary strength was not inherent but a direct, supernatural gift from God, specifically through the "Spirit of the LORD" coming upon him, a motif seen earlier in Samson's life in [Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Empowers Samson"). Secondly, it highlights **God's sovereignty and deliverance**, demonstrating that even when His chosen instrument is betrayed and seemingly helpless, God's plan for Israel's liberation remains unstoppable. The breaking of the cords symbolizes God's power to break any bonds or obstacles that stand in the way of His divine will, underscoring that His purposes cannot be thwarted by human weakness or enemy opposition. This divine intervention underscores the theme of God working through imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will, a recurring pattern throughout the book, as seen in the stories of other judges like Gideon in [Judges 6](/judges/6 "Judges 6 - Gideon's Call and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit of the LORD came mightily (Hebrew, _v'ruach Yahweh tsalchah alav b'chozkah'_):** This phrase is crucial for understanding Samson's power. The Hebrew verb צָלַח (_tsalach_) often means "to rush upon," "to break forth," or "to succeed," implying an overwhelming, conquering power. Coupled with בְּחָזְקָה (_b'chozkah_), meaning "mightily" or "with strength," it denotes a sudden, powerful, and decisive anointing of divine energy for a specific, immediate purpose. This is not a permanent indwelling of the Spirit but a special, temporary empowerment for a divine mission, characteristic of the Spirit's activity in the lives of judges and prophets in the Old Testament. It signifies that Samson's strength was entirely supernatural and God-given, not a natural attribute.
* **Lehi (Hebrew, _Lechi'_):** The place name itself, Lehi (לֶחִי), means "jawbone." This seemingly incidental detail is a profound example of biblical foreshadowing and divine irony. Samson's subsequent action, immediately after his bonds are broken, is to find a fresh jawbone of a donkey and use it as his weapon to slay a thousand Philistines. The very location of his apparent defeat becomes the site of his most iconic victory, intrinsically linked to the instrument of that victory. This linguistic detail subtly underscores God's providential orchestration of events.
* **flax that was burnt with fire (Hebrew, _pishtim asher nisrefu ba'esh'_):** This vivid simile describes the instantaneous and complete destruction of Samson's bonds. Flax, though relatively weak compared to rope, still requires effort to break. However, the comparison to "flax that was burnt with fire" suggests an effortless, almost pre-consumed state. The bonds didn't just break; they disintegrated as if they had already been subjected to intense heat, losing all structural integrity. This imagery emphasizes the miraculous nature of the Spirit's power, which renders even strong physical restraints utterly impotent and inconsequential.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he came unto Lehi,"**: This clause sets the scene geographically and narratively. Samson, having been bound by the men of Judah, is brought to Lehi, a place significant for its name ("jawbone") and its impending role in the narrative. It marks the moment of his delivery into the hands of his enemies, seemingly at their mercy.
* **"the Philistines shouted against him:"**: This depicts the Philistines' reaction. Their shouts are likely those of triumph, mockery, and anticipation of victory over their formidable foe. They perceive Samson as captured and helpless, celebrating what they believe to be their decisive conquest. This human jubilation stands in stark contrast to the divine intervention about to occur.
* **"and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him,"**: This is the pivotal moment of divine intervention. In response to the Philistines' shouts and Samson's dire predicament, God's Spirit descends upon him with overwhelming power. This is the source of Samson's supernatural strength, a direct act of God empowering His chosen deliverer for the task at hand, demonstrating that Samson's power is not his own but a divine gift.
* **"and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire,"**: This clause describes the miraculous effect of the Spirit's empowerment. The strong cords binding Samson's arms are instantly and utterly disintegrated, not merely broken. The simile "as flax that was burnt with fire" vividly conveys the complete and effortless destruction of the bonds, emphasizing the supernatural nature of the event and the absolute impotence of human restraints against divine power.
* **"and his bands loosed from off his hands."**: This final clause confirms the immediate and complete liberation of Samson. The "bands" (likely referring to the ropes or fetters on his wrists) are not just loosened but completely freed. This physical unbinding is a dramatic visual representation of God's power to release His servant from captivity and prepare him for the next phase of his divine mission.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 15:14 is rich in **Literary Devices** that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is the **Simile**, "the cords... became as flax that was burnt with fire." This comparison vividly communicates the instantaneous and effortless destruction of the bonds, emphasizing the supernatural nature of Samson's liberation. It's not merely that the cords broke, but they disintegrated as if consumed by an unseen fire, highlighting the overwhelming power of the Spirit. There is also strong **Irony** in the Philistines' shouts of triumph, which immediately precede their crushing defeat, underscoring the futility of human opposition to divine will. The mention of "Lehi," meaning "jawbone," serves as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the unusual weapon Samson will soon wield. Finally, the entire scene functions as a dramatic display of **Divine Intervention**, where God's active presence and power directly alter the course of events, transforming a moment of apparent defeat into one of miraculous deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 15:14 serves as a profound theological statement on God's sovereign power and His commitment to His redemptive purposes, even when His people are unfaithful or His chosen instruments are flawed. It illustrates that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and His plans cannot be thwarted by human betrayal or enemy might. The miraculous breaking of the bonds signifies God's ability to overcome any obstacle, whether physical, spiritual, or circumstantial, to achieve His will. It teaches us that true deliverance comes not from human strength or strategy, but from divine empowerment. This event also foreshadows the greater spiritual liberation that God would accomplish through His ultimate Deliverer.

* [Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Empowers Samson")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")
* [Isaiah 40:29-31](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29-31 - God Gives Strength to the Faint")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 15:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's power is not limited by our circumstances or our perceived weaknesses. Just as Samson, bound and delivered to his enemies, experienced a sudden, supernatural release, we too can trust that God is capable of breaking any "bonds" that hold us captive—whether they are spiritual strongholds, emotional chains, or seemingly insurmountable life challenges. This passage encourages us to look beyond our human limitations and rely entirely on God's omnipotence. It challenges us to surrender our struggles to Him, recognizing that our greatest breakthroughs often occur when we are at our weakest and most dependent on His divine intervention. Furthermore, it reassures us that God can use imperfect people, like Samson, to accomplish His perfect will, offering hope and encouragement that our past failures or present flaws do not disqualify us from being instruments in His hands when His Spirit empowers us for His service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "bonds" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles in your life do you need to surrender to God for His supernatural intervention?**
* **How does Samson's reliance on the Spirit, rather than his own strength, challenge your approach to difficult situations?**
* **In what ways have you seen God's power made perfect in your weakness, or in the weakness of others?**
* **How does the idea that God uses imperfect people like Samson encourage you in your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase indicates a special, temporary, and powerful anointing of divine power given by God to Samson for a specific purpose. It's not a general spiritual indwelling but a supernatural enablement for a particular task, in this case, to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This manifestation of the Spirit provided Samson with extraordinary physical strength, far beyond natural human capabilities, allowing him to break free from his bonds and accomplish God's will. This type of Spirit-empowerment is a recurring theme for the judges in the Old Testament, enabling them to perform miraculous feats of deliverance, as seen in [Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - Othniel and the Spirit of the LORD") and [Judges 11:29](/judges/11-29 "Judges 11:29 - Jephthah and the Spirit of the LORD").

**Why did the cords become "as flax that was burnt with fire"?**

Answer: This vivid simile emphasizes the instantaneous, complete, and effortless destruction of the cords. Flax, though not the strongest material, would still require significant effort to break. By comparing them to "flax that was burnt with fire," the text conveys that the cords didn't merely snap; they disintegrated as if they had already been consumed by intense heat, losing all integrity. This imagery highlights the miraculous nature of God's intervention through His Spirit, demonstrating that no physical restraint could withstand His power. It underscores the ease with which God can dismantle human opposition and obstacles.

**What is the significance of "Lehi" in this verse?**

Answer: The name "Lehi" (לֶחִי) means "jawbone" in Hebrew. This is a significant detail because immediately after Samson's miraculous liberation from his bonds, he finds a fresh jawbone of a donkey and uses it as his weapon to slay a thousand Philistines. The place where he was brought in apparent defeat and humiliation becomes the very site of his most iconic and divinely empowered victory, intrinsically linked to the instrument of that victory. This serves as a powerful example of biblical foreshadowing and divine irony, demonstrating God's providential orchestration of events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 15:14, with its dramatic portrayal of Samson's supernatural liberation, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate deliverance accomplished by Jesus Christ. Samson, bound by his own people and delivered to his enemies, finds miraculous freedom through the Spirit's power, allowing him to overcome those who sought his destruction. This mirrors Christ, who, though innocent, was bound by human hands and delivered to His enemies, ultimately to be crucified. Yet, in His death, burial, and resurrection, the ultimate "Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon Him," not to break physical cords, but to break the chains of sin and death itself. Just as Samson's bonds became "as flax that was burnt with fire," so too did the power of sin and the grave lose all their grip on Christ. His resurrection is the ultimate unbinding, demonstrating His absolute triumph over all forces that seek to enslave humanity, fulfilling the promise of a deliverer who would crush the head of the serpent ([Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). Through Christ, believers are freed from the spiritual bonds of sin and condemnation ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ")), empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to those who believe ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power")). Thus, Samson's physical liberation points to the far greater spiritual liberation achieved by the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.