Judges 16:2

[And it was told] the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed [him] in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.

And it was told the Gazites {H5841}, saying {H559}, Samson {H8123} is come {H935} hither. And they compassed him in {H5437}, and laid wait {H693} for him all night {H3915} in the gate {H8179} of the city {H5892}, and were quiet {H2790} all the night {H3915}, saying {H559}, In the morning {H1242}, when it is day {H216}, we shall kill {H2026} him.

The people in 'Azah were told that Shimshon had come, so they surrounded the place where he was and also set an ambush for him all night at the city gate. Their plan was to do nothing at night, but to wait until morning and then kill him.

When the Gazites heard that Samson was there, they surrounded that place and lay in wait for him all night at the city gate. They were quiet throughout the night, saying, “Let us wait until dawn; then we will kill him.”

And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed him in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, Let be till morning light, then we will kill him.

Commentary

Judges 16:2 describes a perilous moment for Samson, the Israelite judge known for his extraordinary strength. Having entered Gaza, a major Philistine city and a stronghold of Israel's enemies, his presence quickly becomes known to the local inhabitants. This verse captures the immediate, hostile reaction of the Gazites, who seize the opportunity to trap and eliminate their formidable adversary.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Book of Judges chronicles a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression by surrounding nations (like the Philistines), repentance, and deliverance through divinely appointed judges. Samson's narrative, spanning Judges chapters 13-16, highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines. Gaza was one of the five principal cities of the Philistine confederacy, strategically important and deeply hostile to Israel. The "gate of the city" was not merely an entrance but a fortified complex, often serving as a place of commerce, justice, and defense. Laying wait there all night was a strategic move, ensuring Samson could not escape undetected, especially when the gate would be opened at dawn.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Vulnerability Despite Strength: Despite Samson's immense physical power, his repeated poor choices, particularly concerning relationships with Philistine women, consistently placed him in dangerous situations. This verse underscores how even the strongest can be vulnerable when they act recklessly.
  • Enemy Vigilance and Malice: The Gazites' swift action and quiet, patient ambush demonstrate the relentless and cunning nature of an enemy. Their intention to kill Samson "in the morning" reveals their cold, calculated malice.
  • Consequences of Reckless Behavior: Samson's presence in Gaza was a direct result of his personal desires (Judges 16:1), leading him into a situation of extreme peril. The verse serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unwise choices.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "compassed him in" translates the Hebrew verb sābab (סבב), meaning "to surround" or "to encircle." This emphasizes the completeness of the Gazites' entrapment.
  • "Laid wait for him" comes from the Hebrew ʾārab (ארב), which specifically means "to lie in ambush." It conveys a deliberate, hidden plan to capture or harm.
  • The detail "were quiet all the night" uses the Hebrew ḥāraš (חרש), meaning "to be silent" or "to keep quiet." This highlights their stealth and determination to ensure the ambush was successful, preventing Samson from being alerted to their presence.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the stage for Samson's remarkable escape in Judges 16:3, where he famously tears away the city gates. The narrative of Samson's strength, often tied to his Nazirite vow, is first seen in action when he tears a lion apart in Judges 14:6. His continued struggles with Philistine women eventually lead to his capture through Delilah in Judges 16:4-21.

Practical Application

Judges 16:2 offers several timeless lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that even those gifted by God can fall prey to their own weaknesses and poor judgment. Samson's repeated disregard for the dangers of his environment and his choices highlights the importance of spiritual vigilance and wisdom. Secondly, it serves as a cautionary tale about the vigilance of our spiritual adversaries; like the Gazites, they often lie in wait, patiently seeking opportune moments to ensnare or harm us. This calls believers to be aware of their surroundings and the potential consequences of their actions, always seeking God's guidance and protection.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 23:26 (5 votes)

    And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

  • Psalms 118:10 (5 votes)

    All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.

  • Psalms 118:12 (5 votes)

    They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

  • Acts 9:24 (4 votes)

    But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

  • Matthew 21:38 (2 votes)

    But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

  • Judges 15:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?

  • 1 Samuel 19:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain.