THE LIFE OF SAMSON

Lesson #14

 

Twenty Years as A Judge (1)

Judges 15:1-20

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.     The title for this chapter is found in Judges 15:20.

 

And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.

 

1.      If this chapter is any indication of the rule of Samson, it was a very tumultuous time.

2.      Too, he was not honored and followed by the people of Israel (Judg. 15:11-12).

3.      Samson fought against the Philistines, but

a.      He was “unprompted by any motive but personal vindictiveness” (Wisemen as quoted by Butler, 87, See Judg. 15:11b)

 

And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.

 

b.      He did not completely free Israel from the oppressive bondage of the Philistines.

 

B.     An outline for the chapter.

 

i.                  OPERATING OUT OF VENGEANCE (Judg. 15:1-8)

ii.                OVERTHROWING THE ENEMY (Judg. 15:9-17)

iii.               OVERCOMING A DEEP THIRST (Judg. 15:18-20)