Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 15:11. It’s a really fascinating and dramatic passage about Samson and his struggle with the Philistines. Here's a simplified explanation: What’s Happening? The Setup: Samson was a very talented wrestler, incredibly strong and skilled. He was being challenged by the Philistine people – they were ruling over Israel at that time. The Confrontation: Samson’s challenge to them is a HUGE deal. He’s essentially asking, “Why did you do this? What are you doing to us?” The Response: Samson replies with a lot of anger and defiance. He says, "As I have done unto thee, so have I done unto them." What Does It Mean? This is where it gets really interesting. It’s not just a simple statement of blame. Here's what it suggests: The Philistines are in charge now: Samson had been wrestling with God’s chosen people, and the Philistines were taking over. A Pattern of Abuse: Samson was treating the Israelites (and all of Israel) badly – perhaps even unjustly – and he was demanding that they do the same to him. The “As I have done unto thee…” is a warning: It’s like saying, "This isn't right. This is harmful." It points to a pattern of behavior where Samson was causing trouble and distress. A Bit of Context (Important!) This verse comes after a significant period where Samson had been repeatedly defeated in wrestling matches. The Philistines were gaining power, and Samson’s struggles were increasingly viewed as a threat. In essence, it's a story about a powerful man who was being abused and causing trouble for everyone around him. Key Takeaway: It’s a message about the importance of righteous leadership and respecting others – even when you are in a difficult situation. Do you want to explore any particular aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context? Discuss the symbolism behind Samson's story?