Judges 15

Scripture

Judges 15:18-19

¹⁸ Because he was very thirsty, he cried out to the Lord, “You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” ¹⁹ Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived. So the spring was called En Hakkore, and it is still there in Lehi.

Observation

If I can be honest, my first observation was that this chapter was bizarre…Samson gets a goat then goes to visit his wife.  He is denied by her father saying, “I was so sure you hated her that I gave her to your companion. Isn’t her younger sister more attractive? Take her instead.”  So, Samson gets mad and goes after the Philistines – using foxes and fire – then ends up killing a thousand men...with a jaw-bone!  After all this, he's thirsty.  [See, bizarre.]

Understanding

God is the ultimate provider.

 Despite the crazy circumstances that Samson finds himself in, God provides.  In verse 14, “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him” and he takes on a thousand men.  When Samson is done, he’s thirsty and calls out to God – who provides water, essentially out of nothing.  And with just a drink of this God-provided water, Samson’s strength is returned and he is revived.  

I've never gathered 300 foxes or killed 1,000 men (or even one on either account); but I've run a few races and had few workouts, so I have certainly experienced the thirst that follows a big energy expenditure.  And while I've found it refreshing, it's not as though I was ready to go run another race or do another round of my weight training.  Our physical bodies require recovery - nourishment, rest, electrolytes, hydration.  Yet, in this situation, God provided water and it sounds as if Samson was almost immediately revived. 

 

So, not only does God provide; His provisions fulfill.

Life Application

God, thank you for being our ultimate provider!  It is so comforting to know that our creator is watching over us and has us in His hand, knowing our needs and desires even before we do. 

May I find strength in your spirit.  May I trust you wholly - living out my faith in such a way that it is so evident and that others are drawn to you too and find themselves fulfilled.

May I never lose hope, never lose focus and forever press on towards you and your will for my life.  In your name I pray, Amen.

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- Rei