Judges 15:11
Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.
Judges 15:11 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, we see that three thousand men of Judah confront Samson at the top of the rock Etam. They question Samson about his actions against the Philistines, asking him why he has brought trouble upon them since the Philistines are their rulers. Samson responds by explaining that he has simply retaliated against the Philistines for the harm they have caused him. This interaction highlights the complex relationship between the Israelites and the Philistines during this time. Samson's actions demonstrate his desire to seek justice and retribution for the wrongs done to him, even if it means going against the perceived authority of the Philistines. It also foreshadows the ongoing struggles and conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines throughout the biblical narrative.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse from the Book of Judges sheds light on the complex relationship between justice and vengeance. The actions of Samson, who retaliated against the Philistines for their oppression of his people, raise questions about the ethics of retribution. Some scholars argue that Samson's actions were justified as a form of resistance against the oppressive rulers. Others view his behavior as a reflection of the cycle of violence perpetuated by both sides. In this context, the word study of 'rulers' and 'done unto' provides insight into the power dynamics at play in this biblical narrative. The term 'rulers' highlights the dominance of the Philistines over the Israelites, while 'done unto' underscores the reciprocity of violence in this conflict. Overall, this verse challenges readers to consider the complexities of justice, vengeance, and power in the context of biblical narratives.
Judges 15:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what then is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.
World English Bible
Then three thousand men of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, “Don’t you know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?” He said to them, “As they did to me, so have I done to them.”
Douay-Rheims
Wherefore three thousand men of Juda went down to the cave of the rock Etam, and said to Samson: Knowest thou not that the Philistines rule over us? Why wouldst thou do thus? And he said to them: As they did to me, so have I done to them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then three thousande men of Iudah went to the top of the rocke Etam, and sayde to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistims are rulers ouer vs? Wherefore then hast thou done thus vnto vs? And he answered them, As they did vnto me, so haue I done vnto them.