Judges 15:11

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 15:9-17

Here is, I. Samson violently pursued by the Philistine. They went up in a body, a more formidable force than they had together when Samson smote them hip and thigh; and they pitched in Judah, and spread themselves up and down the country, to find out Samson, who they heard had come this way, Jdg. 15:9. When the men of Judah, who had tamely submitted to their yoke, pleaded that they had paid their tribute, and that none of their tribe had given them any offence, they freely own they designed... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 15:11

Then three thousand of Judah went up to the top of the rock of Etam ,.... Or "went down" F7 וירדו , "et descenderunt", Pagninus, Montanus; "descenderunt ergo", V. L. Tigurine version. ; that is, into the cave of the rock of Etam, as the Septuagint and Vulgate Latin versions; and so it is taken by David de Pomis F8 Tzemach David, fol. 112. 3. for a cave dug in the rock: this was a large number that went to take one man; the reason is, they knew his great strength: and said to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 15:11

Three thousand men of Judah went - It appears evidently from this that Samson was strongly posted, and they thought that no less than three thousand men were necessary to reduce him. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Judges 15:11

The dispirited men of Judah were prepared to give up their champion, in order to conciliate their masters. This shows how hard was the task of the Judge, whose office it was to restore his countrymen to freedom and independence. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Judges 15:11-12

Judges 15:11-12. What hast thou done unto us? Thou hast by these actions punished, not them only, but us, who are sure to smart for it. We are come down to bind thee Why not rather to fight under thy banner? Because sin dispirits men, nay, infatuates them, and hides from their eyes the things that belong to their peace. That we may deliver thee to the Philistines This shows how dastardly the tribe of Judah was grown, and how much they stood in fear of the Philistines, that they should... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Judges 15:1-20

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 15:1-20

3. Samson’s vengeance on the Philistines ch. 15Samson’s weaknesses dominate chapter 14, but his strengths shine forth in chapter 15. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 15:9-13

Samson’s treatment by the Judahites 15:9-13The Philistines pursued Samson into the territory of Judah that they controlled (Judges 15:9; cf. Judges 14:4). The exact location of Lehi is still uncertain.We gain a glimpse into the spiritual condition in Judah at this time from how the 3,000 Judahites (more probable than 3 units of people) responded to their Philistine oppressors. The men of Judah were no threat to the Philistines, but Samson was. The men of Judah did not respond to Samson as a... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 15:1-20

Samson Slaughters the PhilistinesSamson, being denied his wife, burns the corn of the Philistines. He is delivered up to them by the men of Judah, but bursts his bonds, and slaughters many of the Philistines.1, 2. Samson is denied his wife.1. Wheat harvest] i.e. about May: cp. Judges 15:4. The reason for the last clause is given in Judges 14:19, Judges 14:20. 2. The father still desires to be conciliatory to one who might prove so valuable a son-in-law.3-8. Samson’s Revenge.3. More blameless... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Judges 15:11

(11) Went to the top of the rock Etam.—Rather, went down to the cave of the rock Etam. They would easily gain information as to Samson’s hiding-place.What is this that thou hast done unto us?—The abject condition into which the Lion Tribe had sunk can best be estimated by this reproach against the national hero, and still more by their baseness in betraying him. He finds no sympathy. There are no patriots in search of heroes. What might not this 3,000 have achieved if they had been like... read more

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