Judges 15:5

And when he had set the brands on fire, he let [them] go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards [and] olives.

And when he had set {H1197} the brands {H3940} on fire {H784}, he let them go {H7971} into the standing corn {H7054} of the Philistines {H6430}, and burnt up {H1197} both the shocks {H1430}, and also the standing corn {H7054}, with the vineyards {H3754} and olives {H2132}.

Then he set the torches on fire and let the foxes loose in wheat fields of the P'lishtim. In this way he burned up the harvested wheat along with the grain waiting to be harvested, and the olive orchards as well.

Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the piles of grain and the standing grain, as well as the vineyards and olive groves.

And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing grain, and also the oliveyards.

Commentary

Judges 15:5 describes a significant act of retribution carried out by Samson against the Philistines. Following a personal grievance, Samson unleashed a devastating attack on their agricultural resources, which were the lifeblood of their economy. This verse details the widespread destruction, emphasizing the totality of the damage inflicted upon their crops and orchards.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative detailing Samson's escalating conflict with the Philistines. The immediate provocation for this fiery act of destruction is found in the preceding verses. Samson had returned to claim his Philistine wife, only to discover that her father had given her to another man (Judges 15:1-2). Feeling betrayed and deeply insulted, Samson vowed revenge. The method he employed—tying torches to the tails of 300 foxes and releasing them into the Philistine fields—is described in Judges 15:4. Verse 5 then vividly portrays the destructive outcome of this cunning plan, leading to further retaliation from the Philistines as seen in Judges 15:6.

Key Themes

  • Revenge and Retribution: Samson's actions here are a direct, personal act of vengeance for the perceived slight against him. This highlights a recurring theme in the book of Judges where individuals take matters into their own hands, often with violent consequences.
  • Economic Warfare: By targeting the Philistines' "standing corn," "shocks," "vineyards," and "olives," Samson launched a devastating economic attack. This crippled their food supply and trade, demonstrating a strategic understanding of how to inflict maximum damage on an enemy.
  • Samson's Destructive Power and Cunning: While Samson is often known for his immense physical strength, this act showcases his cunning and ability to orchestrate large-scale destruction. It's a testament to his unique, albeit often morally ambiguous, role as a judge.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text uses precise terms to describe the agricultural devastation:

  • "Brands": The Hebrew word for 'brands' is lappīd (לַפִּיד), which generally refers to a torch or a flaming lamp. This indicates the fiery instrument used to ignite the crops.
  • "Standing corn": The Hebrew qāmāh (קָמָה) refers to grain that is still standing in the field, unharvested.
  • "Shocks": The Hebrew gādīš (גָּדִישׁ) denotes sheaves of grain that have already been cut and gathered into piles, ready for threshing. The destruction of both standing crops and harvested shocks emphasizes the thoroughness of Samson's destructive act.

Significance and Application

Judges 15:5 illustrates the destructive cycle of revenge and the severe consequences that can arise from personal grievances. While Samson's actions were a response to a wrong, they initiated a brutal escalation of conflict between Israel and the Philistines. For a modern audience, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of unchecked anger and retribution. It highlights how personal disputes can lead to widespread suffering and underscores the biblical principle that vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19). The story of Samson, including this dramatic event, ultimately points to the need for a perfect deliverer who would break cycles of violence and bring true peace.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 14:30 (2 votes)

    Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

  • Exodus 22:6 (2 votes)

    If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed [therewith]; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.