Judges 15:9

ยถ Then the Philistines went up, and pitched in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi.

Then the Philistines {H6430} went up {H5927}, and pitched {H2583} in Judah {H3063}, and spread {H5203} themselves in Lehi {H3896}.

The P'lishtim went up, pitched camp in Y'hudah and attacked Lechi.

Then the Philistines went up, camped in Judah, and deployed themselves near the town of Lehi.

Then the Philistines went up, and encamped in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi.

Commentary

Judges 15:9 describes the Philistine response to Samson's destructive act of burning their grain fields. This verse sets the stage for a significant confrontation and further highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and their Philistine oppressors.

Context

Following Samson's act of vengeance where he set fire to the Philistine crops using 300 foxes (Judges 15:4-5), the Philistines sought retribution. Their initial response was to burn Samson's Philistine wife and father-in-law (Judges 15:6), which then led to Samson's further retaliation. Judges 15:9 marks the Philistines' organized military response to Samson's actions, indicating a desire to capture him or quell the unrest he was causing. Their encampment in Judah signifies a direct invasion of Israelite tribal territory, putting pressure on the people of Judah to deliver Samson.

Key Themes

  • Retaliation and Consequence: The Philistines' military movement is a direct consequence of Samson's prior actions, demonstrating the escalating cycle of violence and revenge during this period.
  • Oppression and Conflict: This verse underscores the persistent state of oppression that Israel endured under the Philistines, a recurring theme throughout the Book of Judges. The Philistines' aggressive posture in Judah highlights their dominance.
  • Geographical Significance: The mention of "Lehi" is crucial. This specific location, whose name literally means "jawbone," foreshadows the extraordinary event that is about to unfold, where Samson will use a fresh jawbone of a donkey to strike down a thousand Philistines (Judges 15:15-17).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Lehi" is lekhi (ืœึถื—ึดื™), which literally translates to "jawbone" or "cheek." This linguistic detail is highly significant and forms a powerful wordplay with the events that immediately follow in the narrative, where Samson uses a donkey's jawbone as his weapon. The place name itself becomes a direct link to the miraculous deliverance God provides through Samson.

Practical Application

Judges 15:9 reminds us that actions often have consequences, sometimes leading to unintended escalations. While Samson's methods were often flawed, God used his strength and even the Philistine aggression to advance His purposes for Israel. For us, it highlights how God can work even amidst conflict and human imperfections to achieve His ultimate plan, much like He used various judges to deliver His people. It also calls for discernment in our own actions, recognizing their potential ripple effects.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 15:19 (4 votes)

    But God clave an hollow place that [was] in the jaw, and there came water thereout; and when he had drunk, his spirit came again, and he revived: wherefore he called the name thereof Enhakkore, which [is] in Lehi unto this day.

  • Judges 15:17 (4 votes)

    And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand, and called that place Ramathlehi.

  • Judges 15:14 (2 votes)

    [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.