Judges 15:11

Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines [are] rulers over us? what [is] this [that] thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

Then three {H7969} thousand {H505} men {H376} of Judah {H3063} went {H3381} to the top {H5585} of the rock {H5553} Etam {H5862}, and said {H559} to Samson {H8123}, Knowest {H3045} thou not that the Philistines {H6430} are rulers {H4910} over us? what is this that thou hast done {H6213} unto us? And he said {H559} unto them, As they did {H6213} unto me, so have I done {H6213} unto them.

Then 3,000 men from Y'hudah went down to the cave at the Eitam Rock and said to Shimshon, "Don't you know that the P'lishtim are our rulers? What are you doing to us?" He answered, "I've only treated them the way they treated me."

In response, three thousand men of Judah went to the cave at the rock of Etam, and they asked Samson, “Do you not realize that the Philistines rule over us? What have you done to us?” “I have done to them what they did to me,” he replied.

Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what then is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

Commentary

Judges 15:11 captures a pivotal moment in Samson's narrative, revealing the complex relationship between Israel, their Philistine oppressors, and their divinely appointed, yet unconventional, deliverer.

Context

This verse is set during the tumultuous period of the Judges, when Israel repeatedly fell into cycles of disobedience, oppression by foreign powers, and subsequent deliverance by God-raised leaders. The Philistines were a dominant force, heavily oppressing the Israelites, particularly in the southern regions. Samson, a Nazirite from birth and endowed with supernatural strength, was raised by God to "begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines" (Judges 13:5). His actions, however, were often driven by personal vendettas, such as his fury after his Philistine wife was given to another man. This led him to inflict significant damage, including burning the Philistines' crops. The Philistines retaliated, and in response, the men of Judah, fearing further Philistine wrath and keen to maintain their uneasy peace, confronted Samson at the rock Etam, demanding an explanation for his disruptive actions.

Key Themes

  • Fear vs. Deliverance: The men of Judah prioritize avoiding conflict with their Philistine overlords over embracing God's chosen deliverer. Their question, "Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us?", highlights their resignation to oppression and their fear of reprisal. This contrasts sharply with Samson's individual, albeit often impulsive, acts of resistance.
  • Compromise and Subjugation: The willingness of the Judahites to confront and eventually bind Samson (Judges 15:13) demonstrates the extent of Israel's subjugation and their spiritual apathy. They were more concerned with appeasing their oppressors than with seeking true liberation through God's agent.
  • Retributive Justice: Samson's response, "As they did unto me, so have I done unto them," echoes the ancient law of 'an eye for an eye' (lex talionis). While this principle was part of the Mosaic Law for judicial purposes, Samson applies it personally and fiercely, reflecting his character and the raw, often chaotic, nature of the period of the Judges.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "rulers over us" (KJV) conveys the deep sense of political and social subjugation felt by the men of Judah. It signifies their acceptance of Philistine authority and their desire not to provoke their masters, even at the cost of supporting their own people or God's appointed leader. This reflects a state of national spiritual weakness and a lack of faith in God's power to truly deliver them.

Practical Application

Judges 15:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of spiritual compromise and the consequences of prioritizing comfort or safety over divine calling.

  • The Cost of Compromise: Like the men of Judah, we can become so accustomed to oppression (whether spiritual, social, or personal) that we fear the very process of deliverance. It challenges us to examine if we are compromising our faith or values to avoid conflict.
  • God Uses Imperfect People: Samson's methods were often flawed, yet God still used him. This verse reminds us that God works through imperfect individuals to achieve His purposes, even when those around them lack faith or understanding.
  • Standing for Righteousness: Sometimes, standing for what is right or following God's leading will be unpopular, even among those who should be allies. This verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's will, even when it means challenging the status quo or facing opposition from unexpected sources.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 13:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

  • Judges 14:4 (5 votes)

    But his father and his mother knew not that it [was] of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 28:47 (2 votes)

    Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all [things];

  • Deuteronomy 28:48 (2 votes)

    Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all [things]: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

  • Deuteronomy 28:13 (2 votes)

    And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do [them]:

  • Psalms 106:40 (2 votes)

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.

  • Psalms 106:42 (2 votes)

    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.