Judges 15:12

Amharic New Standard Translation (አማርኛ አዲሱ መደበኛ ትርጉም) 2005

እነርሱም “እኛ አሁን ወደዚህ የመጣነው አንተን አስረን ለእነርሱ አሳልፈን ልንሰጥህ ነው” አሉት። ሶምሶንም “እናንተ ራሳችሁ እንደማትገድሉኝ ማሉልኝ” አላቸው።

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the men from Judah tell Samson that they are there to bind him and deliver him to the Philistines. Samson asks them to swear they will not attack him themselves. This shows Samson's distrust of the men from his own tribe.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who asks you to help them get into trouble. Samson is like that friend, and the men from his tribe are trying to help him get caught by the bad guys. Samson asks them to promise they won't hurt him, just like you might ask your friend to promise they won't push you in the pool.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written by various authors around the 10th century BC and compiled later. This passage reflects the complex relationships and conflicts between the Israelites and their neighbors, the Philistines, during the period of judges leading up to the monarchy.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be seen as a reminder to be cautious when dealing with people who claim to be on your side but have ulterior motives. For example, a friend might ask for your help in a situation where they could actually be putting you at risk.

Topics

• trust
• conflict
• deliverance
• integrity
• distrust
• judgment

Related Verses

• Exodus 23:8
• 1 Samuel 17:4
• Matthew 26:47
• Acts 23:12
• Hebrews 11:32

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samson ask the men from Judah to swear they wouldn't attack him?

Samson was wary of the men from his own tribe because he suspected they might have hidden intentions to harm him themselves, rather than just binding him for the Philistines.

What does this verse tell us about the relationship between Samson and the Philistines?

This verse highlights the ongoing conflict and tension between Samson, who was often in opposition to the Philistines, and the Israelites who sometimes collaborated with the Philistines against him.

How does this verse reflect themes of trust and betrayal?

Samson's request for a promise shows his lack of trust in the men from Judah, who were supposed to be his allies but instead intended to betray him to the Philistines.

What can we learn from Samson's actions in this verse?

Samson's actions teach us to be cautious of those who may claim to help us but have their own interests at heart, and to always be aware of potential betrayals.