Judges 15:4

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

فَذَهَبَ شَمْشُونُ وَأمسَكَ بِثَلاثِ مِئَةِ ثَعلَبٍ. وَأخَذَ مَشاعِلَ وَرَبَطَ الثَّعالِبَ ذَنَباً بِذَنَبٍ، وَوَضَعَ مِشْعَلاً بَينَ كُلِّ ذَنَبَينِ مَربُوطَينِ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Samson catches 300 foxes, ties them together tail to tail with a firebrand between each pair, and sets them loose among the Philistines' crops. This act was Samson's revenge on the Philistines for harming his wife and her family. The key message is about the consequences of revenge.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you were really upset with someone, and you decided to set a bunch of animals loose with fire on their farm. That's what Samson did to get back at the Philistines. It was a big, fiery mess, and it shows how revenge can make things worse.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written by multiple authors, possibly including Samuel, around the 10th century BCE. It was written for the Israelites to remind them of their history and the importance of following God's laws. The verse is set during the period of the Judges, where the Israelites often fought against the Philistines.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if someone sabotages your project at work, you might feel like retaliating. However, the story of Samson teaches us that revenge often leads to more harm and destruction, both for others and for yourself.

Topics

• revenge
• judgment
• consequences
• conflict
• Israelites
• Philistines

Related Verses

• Joshua 6:21
• 1 Samuel 15:3
• 2 Samuel 12:5-6
• Romans 12:19
• Proverbs 24:29

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samson use foxes?

Samson used foxes to cause destruction among the Philistines' crops as a form of revenge for the harm they caused to his wife and her family.

What were the consequences of Samson's actions?

Samson's actions led to widespread destruction of the Philistines' crops, which could have resulted in famine and further conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines.

Is revenge ever justified?

While revenge might feel justified in the moment, it usually leads to more harm and doesn't resolve conflicts. The Bible often advises against revenge and encourages forgiveness and reconciliation instead.

How can we apply the lessons of this verse in our lives?

We can apply the lessons by avoiding revenge and instead seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Focusing on forgiveness and understanding helps prevent ongoing cycles of harm.