King James Version

What Does Judges 15:14 Mean?

“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. loosed: Heb. were melted”

Context

And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves.

And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock.

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. loosed: Heb. were melted

And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. new: Heb. moist

And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men. heaps upon: Heb. an heap, two heaps

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Topics in This Verse

Holy Spirit

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Shouted against him.**—Rather, *cheered as they came to meet him *(LXX., ἠλάλαξαν εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτοῦ*; *Vulg., *cum vociferantes occurrissent ei*)*. *The verb *heerioo *is an onomatopœia, like our “hurrah.” This was not a war cry, as in 1Samuel 17:20, but a shout of joy. **The cords that were upon his arms became as flax.**—It seems clear that the poetical colour and rhythmic structure of the narrative are influenced by some poem which described the deeds of Samson. **That was burnt with fire.**—In both the LXX. and the Vulg. we find the metaphor, “flax when it has *smelt *the fire.” **His bands loosed.**—Literally, *melted, *or *flowed off, *a highly poetic expression. A legend of Hercules in Egypt, who suddenly burst his bonds and slew the Egyptians who were leading him to sacrifice, may possibly have been coloured by this event in the life of Samson. (See Rawlinson’s *Herodotus, *2, p. 70.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 15:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.