15:1ff Samson’s reply in 15:11 tells the story of this chapter: “As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.” Revenge is an uncontrollable monster. Each act of retaliation brings another. It is a boomerang that cannot be thrown without cost to the thrower. The revenge cycle can be halted only by forgiveness.
15:7 God had given all the land of the Philistines to Israel (Joshua 13:2), but Israel had failed to drive the Philistines out and were now dominated by them. God used Samson and his short temper to judge these oppressors. God can cause even the sinful “wrath of man” to bring himself glory (Psalm 76:10). He is not limited by our weaknesses.
15:14-17 The Lord’s strength came upon Samson, but he was proud and boasted only of his own strength. “With the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men!” he said. Pride can cause us to take credit for work we’ve done only because of God’s strength.
15:18 Samson was physically and emotionally exhausted. After a great personal victory, his attitude declined quickly into self-pity—“Now shall I die for thirst?” Emotionally, we are most vulnerable after a great effort or when faced with real physical needs. Severe depression often follows great achievements, so don’t be surprised if you feel drained after a personal victory.
During these times of vulnerability, avoid the temptation to think that God owes you for your efforts. It was his strength that gave you victory. Concentrate on keeping your attitudes, actions, and words focused on God instead of yourself.
15:19 This miracle of God to revive Samson was either water flowing out of a tooth in the jaw or a gap in the rock where God caused a fountain to flow. Either way it was God, the Creator and Lord of nature, helping Samson.
15:20 Apparently Samson was appointed Israel’s judge after this victory over the Philistines.