Judges 15:20 meaning

Samson's leadership in Israel exemplifies a complex relationship between divine strength and human frailty. In this passage, we see Samson's transition from a display of formidable might against the Philistines to a period of leadership over Israel lasting twenty years. This duration highlights that, despite his individual shortcomings, he ultimately served a pivotal role in guiding his nation during oppressive times.

His moment of victory was marked by divine intervention that not only displayed God's power but also called attention to Samson's neediness. After slaying an astonishing number of enemies, he found himself parched and vulnerable, prompting a heartfelt cry for sustenance. In response, God provided him with water, an act that demonstrated God's concern for his servant despite Samson's imperfections. Samson's subsequent naming of the spring "En-hakkore," which means "the well of him who cried," encapsulates both his reliance on divine support and a reminder of his human limitations.

In Judges 15:20, we learn that Israel acknowledged Samson as their judge during the Philistines' oppression, indicating a shift in their attitude toward him. His leadership symbolizes the potential for redemption and reliance on God's power amidst one’s weaknesses. Ultimately, this passage calls readers to contemplate the interplay of courage, dependence, and restoration evident in Samson's story.