Judges 15:10

Context

This verse is part of the narrative of Samson, one of Israel's judges, whose story is characterized by his supernatural strength and his tumultuous interactions with the Philistines. At this time, the Philistines were oppressing Israel. Following Samson's vengeful act of burning the Philistine harvest (Judges 15:1-8) in response to them giving his wife to another man, the Philistines came to Lehi in Judah seeking retribution. The men of Judah, rather than defending Samson or confronting their oppressors, confront the Philistines to understand their presence. This encounter reveals a submissive posture from the men of Judah towards their overlords, highlighting the spiritual and political decline of Israel during the period of the Judges, where each man often did what was right in his own eyes, leading to disunity (Judges 21:25).

Key Themes

• Retaliation and Vengeance: The Philistines explicitly state their motive: "to do to him as he hath done to us." This reflects the ancient principle of lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye," though here applied in a cycle of escalating violence between nations. It underscores the ongoing conflict and the Philistines' desire for justice on their terms.
• Israelite Weakness and Compromise: The men of Judah's immediate concern is not the Philistine presence on their land, but rather why the Philistines are there. Their willingness to hand over Samson (as seen in subsequent verses) rather than stand with him against the oppressor illustrates a deep-seated fear and a lack of national unity and spiritual conviction, a recurring theme throughout the book of Judges.
• Samson's Isolated Stand: This verse underscores Samson's unique and often solitary role in resisting the Philistines. He is not a leader who rallies the tribes, but a powerful individual whose actions provoke reactions, often leaving him to face the consequences alone.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to do to him as he hath done to us" (Hebrew: la'asot lo ka'asher asah lanu) clearly expresses a direct, reciprocal act of retribution. It's a statement of intent for proportionate justice, reflecting the common understanding of vengeance in the ancient Near East. There's no nuance of mercy or negotiation; it's a straightforward declaration of payback, indicating the Philistines' firm resolve.

Practical Application

This passage offers several insights for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that cycles of vengeance often lead to further conflict rather than resolution. While divine justice is real, human attempts at self-appointed retribution can be destructive. Secondly, it serves as a cautionary tale about compromise and fear. The men of Judah's willingness to appease oppressors at the expense of one of their own, even Samson, speaks to the danger of prioritizing temporal peace over righteousness or standing for what is right. We are called to stand firm in faith, not to compromise with the world's pressures (Ephesians 6:13). Finally, it highlights the importance of unity among God's people in facing spiritual battles, a stark contrast to the disunity seen here during Samson's time.