Definition: And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between two tails.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 15:4. It's a pretty dramatic and unusual story about Samson! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Samson is a Strong Man: Before this verse, Samson was incredibly powerful – he could lift heavy things, run fast, and even break stones with his bare hands. He was considered a marvel by the people of Israel. He's in Trouble: The story begins when Samson’s power starts to wane. His strength is weakening. He Finds Foxes: Samson decides to use his power to catch a lot of foxes. He’s essentially using his strength to capture them! He Makes Firebrands: Then, he takes a special kind of fire – called a “firebrand” – and uses it to mark each fox. This is a really important detail; he's creating a system to track and identify each fox. He Turns Tails: This is the most strange part. He then starts walking in a specific pattern, turning his back on one fox and facing another. He Places a Firebrand Between Two Tails: Finally, he places a firebrand in the middle between two of these foxes, marking them all! What’s the Meaning? (Interpretation) This story is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Samson's downfall. Here are some possible explanations: Loss of Power: The foxes represent things that were once important to Samson – maybe his ability to do good or to help people. His loss of power symbolizes a loss of his strength and ability to fulfill his purpose. Testing and Trial: It’s like Samson is being tested by God. He's using his power in a way that challenges him, and ultimately leads to problems. A Pattern of Evil: Some interpretations see this as a sign that Samson was corrupted by the evil he encountered. The setting (catching foxes) and the specific pattern of turning back are meant to highlight a negative behavior. Important Note: It’s important to remember this is a story, not a literal account of what happened. The meaning is often layered with symbolism and interpretation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Discuss the symbolism behind the image of the foxes?