Judges 15:5
And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the standing corn, with the vineyards and olives.
Judges 15:5 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Bible depicts an event where Samson, a powerful judge of Israel, seeks revenge against the Philistines for a personal affront. In this particular instance, Samson captures three hundred foxes, ties them together in pairs, and attaches torches to their tails, setting them loose in the fields of the Philistines. The fire spreads rapidly and destroys the standing crops as well as the vineyards and olive trees. This act of destruction was not just a random act of violence, but a specific act of retaliation against the Philistines for their mistreatment of Samson and his people. The burning of the fields symbolizes the fierce anger and destructive power that Samson possessed, as well as serving as a warning to the Philistines of the consequences of their actions. Overall, this verse highlights the themes of revenge, power, and consequences found throughout the Biblical narrative.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the concept of divine judgment and retribution. The act of Samson setting the brands on fire and releasing them into the Philistines' crops symbolizes God's wrath and punishment upon those who oppose Him. The destruction of the crops, including the shocks, standing corn, vineyards, and olives, illustrates the severity of the consequences faced by the Philistines for their evil deeds. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the consequences of straying from His path. Additionally, this verse can also be seen as a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty over all creation, as He uses Samson as an instrument to fulfill His divine purposes. Overall, this passage serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God.
Judges 15:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing grain, and also the oliveyards.
World English Bible
When he had set the brands on fire, he let them go into the standing grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing grain, and also the olive groves.
Douay-Rheims
And setting them on fire he let the foxes go, that they might run about hither and thither. And they presently went into the standing corn of the Philistines. Which being set on fire, both the corn that was already carried together, and that which was yet standing, was all burnt, insomuch that the flame consumed also the vineyards and the oliveyards.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when he had set the brandes on fire, he sent them out into the standing corne of the Philistims, and burnt vp both the rickes and the standing corne with the vineyardes and oliues.