Introduction
– Holy violence sounds like an oxymoron to some, and brings
images of religious fanaticism to others.
The story of Samson is neither for the squeamish pacifist nor the
Victorian prude. But the story is for
the people of God, that they might fear a mighty and holy God and rest alone in
the life, provision, and vengeance of our Savior.
Judgment Fire (vv1-5) – We are not
told why Samson had returned to his father’s home without his wife. The story picks up as Samson returns to have
relations with her. It is important to
note this, because it bears upon the eye-for-an-eye justice he will bring. The problem is really with the Philistines of
Timnah. They have robbed him of his wife
and fertility, and so he responds by attacking their fertility. The choice of foxes (wild animals – possibly
jackals), three hundred of them, sent in pairs, all lead to questions that are
hard to answer. It is clear that this is
not a fit of rage on Samson’s part when we hear his words in verse 3.
A Heap of Vengeance (vv6-8) – Samson’s
wife had been afraid of being burned by her own people, and so she betrayed her
husband (
Jawbone Hill (vv14-17) – Once
again, as the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Samson, judgment, as though fire,
frees Samson and sets him on a holy war.
Picking up the fresh jawbone of a donkey (another unclean animal),
Samson kills 1000 Philistines, one by one.
The poem in the Hebrew takes this into account much better (‘heap’ and
‘donkey’ sound exactly alike). The pun
is supposed to be funny – we are supposed to laugh. Then the Nazirite throws the jawbone away,
separating himself from that which is unclean.
“I’m Thirsty” (vv18-20) – God, in a
clear reference to the 40-year wilderness wanderings, humbles this deliverer to
show him that God alone must provide for all his needs. If we do not have water, we die in a matter
of days. Just as the rock was Christ in
the desert, so this rock was Christ, the water was His water of life. This was more than physical refreshment. As Samson represents
The Violent Comedy of God’s Good News – The
terrible violence is not gratuitous. The
good news is really good because of the horrible consequences of falling under
the hand of a holy, righteous, and angry God.
And here is His message.
Violent Vengeance (Is 63:3) - God is
violent and His vengeance is unapologetically painted for us in pictures of
great slaughters (God originated the idea of ‘shock and awe’). For those who continue in their rebellion and
unbelief, this is used to bring great fear, and in His kindness, as a means of
granting repentance and surrender. To
the redeemed, it is a reminder of His preserving strength as we walk through
our own holy wars.
Better for One
Man to Die (John 11:49-52) – Over and over, Judah and
Israel turn their back on God’s saviors until the Jews hand Jesus over to the
Romans, believing this to be better. And
God sits in heaven and laughs. This is
the comedy of the gospel. This is
exactly what He planned. It is exactly
what He will use to accomplish His victory.
3000 will be slain by the Spirit at Pentecost when the Savior snaps His
ropes of death like flax in a fire. And
that is just the beginning of His victory march. Jesus told us “..the kingdom of heaven
suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt
Our Savior Will
Never Tire (Psalm 110) – There are none who stand in the
way of our Greater Samson, who is constantly refreshed by the waters of the
Holy Spirit. His work is never
thwarted. No king, no nation, not even
the devil himself can stand in the way of Christ’s saving work. Where is Christ’s spirit of gentleness and
meekness? The Good Shepherd is gentle
and caring over His flock while being fierce in His jealous protection from the
thieves and wolves. Psalm 110:7
describes this Samson-like Warrior as unhindered in His work, focused and
constantly refreshed. It is the Lord’s
pleasure to bring salvation to the world.