Judges 15:14
And when he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him: and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands.
Judges 15:14 · King James Version
Meaning
When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him in an attempt to overpower him. However, at that moment, the spirit of the LORD came upon Samson with great power. This divine intervention enabled Samson to break free from the restraints that bound him. The cords on his arms, which were like strong flax fibers, became as weak as if they had been burnt with fire, allowing him to easily break free from his bonds. This miraculous event demonstrates the strength and power that comes from the presence of the LORD. It also serves as a reminder of the incredible feats that can be accomplished with the help of divine intervention. Samson's liberation from captivity in this instance showcases the triumph of good over evil and the unwavering protection that the LORD offers to his faithful followers.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the theme of divine intervention and empowerment in times of need. Samson, upon encountering opposition from the Philistines, experiences the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him in a powerful way. This signifies the presence of God’s strength and enablement to overcome the enemy. The imagery of the cords on Samson’s arms becoming like burnt flax and his bands loosening from his hands showcases the miraculous nature of God’s intervention. The transformation of the cords symbolizes the weakness and futility of human efforts in comparison to the strength and sovereignty of God. Through this display of power, God demonstrates His ability to set His people free from bondage and deliver them from their enemies. The verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people when they call upon Him in faith.
Judges 15:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
When he came unto Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon him, and the ropes that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands dropped from off his hands.
World English Bible
When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him: and the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on him, and the ropes that were on his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and his bands dropped from off his hands.
Douay-Rheims
Now when he was come to the place of the Jawbone, and the Philistines shouting went to meet him, the Spirit of the Lord came strongly upon him: and as flax is wont to be consumed at the approach of fire, so the bands with which he was bound were broken and loosed.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When hee came to Lehi, the Philistims shouted against him, and the Spirite of the Lord came vpon him, and the cordes that were vpon his armes, became as flaxe that was burnt with fire: for the bandes loosed from his handes.