Judges 14:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 14:10-20

We have here an account of Samson's wedding feast and the occasion it gave him to fall foul upon the Philistines. I. Samson conformed to the custom of the country in making a festival of his nuptial solemnities, which continued seven days, Jdg. 13:10. Though he was a Nazarite, he did not affect, in a thing of this nature, to be singular, but did as the young men used to do upon such occasions. It is no part of religion to go contrary to the innocent usages of the places where we live: nay, it... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 14:19

And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him ,.... The Spirit of might from the Lord, as the Targum; which filled him with zeal and courage, animating him to the following undertaking, and increased his bodily strength to perform it: and he went down to Ashkelon ; one of the five principal cities of the Philistines; it lay near the Mediterranean sea, and, according to Bunting F18 Travels of the Patriarchs, &c.; p. 116. , was twenty four miles from Timnath; why he went so far, is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 14:19

The Spirit of the Lord came upon him - "The spirit of fortitude from before the Lord." - Targum. He was inspired with unusual courage, and he felt strength proportioned to his wishes. He - slew thirty men - and took their spoils - He took their hayks , their kumjas , and caftans, and gave them to the thirty persons who, by unfair means, had solved his riddle; thus they had what our version calls thirty sheets, and thirty changes of raiment. See the note on ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Judges 14:18-19

Judges 14:18-19. If ye had not, &c. If you had not employed my wife to find it out, as men plough up the ground with a heifer, thereby discovering its hidden parts; he calls her heifer, because she was joined with him in the same yoke. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him Though he had constant strength and courage, yet that was exceedingly increased upon special occasions, by the extraordinary influences of God’s Spirit. To Ashkelon Either to the territory, or to the city itself,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Judges 14:1-20

Samson’s exploits (14:1-16:31)So dominant were the Philistines in Israel, that the Israelites had decided to live with them peacefully rather than try to rise up in armed rebellion. Samson had other ideas. He thought that his marriage to a Philistine woman would give him the opportunity to do some harm to the enemy (14:1-4).In spite of Samson’s desire to help Israel, he had little respect for either his Nazirite vow or the Israelite law. He handled a dead lion, married a Philistine woman and... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Judges 14:19

men. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Judges 14:19

Judges 14:19. And slew thirty men of them— This action is prefaced by a declaration, that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, moving him to so extraordinary a deed, which no one has a right to imitate; for, 1st. The Philistines were considered as in a state of war with the Israelites; they were their tyrants and oppressors. 2nd. Samson was actually general of the Israelites, appointed by heaven to punish the Philistines. 3rdly. He was in this case no other than an instrument in the hand of... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Judges 14:19

19, 20. went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them—This town was about twenty-four miles west by southwest from Timnah; and his selection of this place, which was dictated by the Divine Spirit, was probably owing to its bitter hostility to Israel. took their spoil—The custom of stripping a slain enemy was unknown in Hebrew warfare. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 14:1-20

2. Samson’s intended marriage to the Timnite ch. 14Chapter 13 describes Samson’s potential: his godly heritage, supernatural birth, calling in life, and divine enablement. The Israelites enjoyed each of these privileges, as does every Christian. Chapter 14 reveals Samson’s problem and God’s providence."Despite all these advantages and this special attention, Samson accomplishes less on behalf of his people than any of his predecessors. Perhaps herein lies his significance. . . . Though Samson... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 14:15-20

Samson’s losses 14:15-20The writer called the Timnite "Samson’s wife" even though the engaged couple had not yet consummated their marriage (Judges 14:15)."The usual length of a [wedding] celebration was seven days and the marriage was not consummated until the end of that period." [Note: Cundall and Morris, pp. 165-65.] Samson’s loyalty to his parents above his "wife" is understandable since he had not yet consummated his marriage to her (Judges 14:16). Samson’s "wife" was afraid that her... read more

Group of Brands