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Book of Judges - Chapter 14 - Verse 19

14:19
And the spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

Meaning

In this verse, we see the story of Samson, a judge of Israel. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, empowering him to perform extraordinary feats. In this instance, Samson went to Ashkelon, a Philistine city, and killed thirty men, taking their possessions as spoil. This act was in response to a challenge he had issued to the Philistines, involving a riddle that they failed to solve. In his anger, Samson carried out this violent act and then went back to his father's house. This story highlights Samson's strength and the role of the Spirit of the Lord in empowering him to carry out incredible deeds. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of anger and the importance of controlling one's emotions. Overall, this verse showcases the complexities of Samson's character and the divine intervention that played a significant role in his actions.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Judges, we see the theological interpretation of the spirit of the LORD coming upon Samson, empowering him to accomplish great feats. The mention of Ashkelon is significant, as it was a Philistine city known for its opposition to the Israelites. Samson's actions of killing thirty men and taking their spoil may seem violent, but they are understood in the context of his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. The giving of change of garments to those who solved his riddle can be seen as a gesture of honor and respect. However, Samson's anger and subsequent actions upon returning to his father's house reveal his flawed and impulsive nature, foreshadowing later events in his life. Through this verse, we can explore themes of divine empowerment, obedience, strength, and the consequences of unchecked emotions.

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