Judges 15:8 - He struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter; and he went down and lived in the cave in Etam’s rock.
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What does "Judges 15:8" mean?
Judges 15:8 describes a specific act of violence by Samson and his subsequent refuge. Let's break it down:
"He struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter...": This is a hyperbolic description of Samson inflicting a devastating defeat on the Philistines. "Hip and thigh" is an idiomatic expression signifying complete and total defeat. It suggests a brutal, close-quarters fight where limbs were hacked and broken. The phrase "great slaughter" emphasizes the scale of the massacre.
"...and he went down and lived in the cave in Etam’s rock.": After his violent act, Samson retreats to a cave located in or near a prominent rock formation known as Etam. This suggests that Samson sought refuge from the Philistines' inevitable retaliation. The cave provides a place of hiding and temporary safety. The "Etam's rock" likely refers to the location of a well known natural stronghold, probably somewhere in the territory of Judah.
In summary, the verse depicts Samson's vengeful assault against the Philistines, followed by his retreat to a cave for safety.
Here are some possible interpretations and nuances:
Vengeance and Retaliation: The verse highlights the cycle of violence and revenge that characterizes the Samson narratives. His actions are a direct response to perceived wrongs done to him.
Isolation and Exile: Samson's retreat to a cave suggests a degree of isolation and alienation. While he is a judge of Israel, he often operates outside of the community and even against it (as we see when the men of Judah come to arrest him in the following verses).
Physical Prowess and Divine Strength: The verse emphasizes Samson's extraordinary physical strength, which is often attributed to divine power. The magnitude of the slaughter underscores this point.
Temporary Refuge: The cave in Etam's rock is not a permanent solution. It's a temporary hiding place, illustrating the instability and turbulence of Samson's life.
Understanding this verse within the larger context of the Book of Judges reveals the complexities of Samson's character and the chaotic state of Israel during that period. It is important to also note that such violent passages are often debated. Some see them as historical accounts of a brutal period while others view them as cautionary tales meant to show the consequences of straying from God's path.
Judges 15:8 - He struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter; and he went down and lived in the cave in Etam’s rock.
What does "Judges 15:8" mean?
Judges 15:8 describes a specific act of violence by Samson and his subsequent refuge. Let's break it down:
"He struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter...": This is a hyperbolic description of Samson inflicting a devastating defeat on the Philistines. "Hip and thigh" is an idiomatic expression signifying complete and total defeat. It suggests a brutal, close-quarters fight where limbs were hacked and broken. The phrase "great slaughter" emphasizes the scale of the massacre.
"...and he went down and lived in the cave in Etam’s rock.": After his violent act, Samson retreats to a cave located in or near a prominent rock formation known as Etam. This suggests that Samson sought refuge from the Philistines' inevitable retaliation. The cave provides a place of hiding and temporary safety. The "Etam's rock" likely refers to the location of a well known natural stronghold, probably somewhere in the territory of Judah.
In summary, the verse depicts Samson's vengeful assault against the Philistines, followed by his retreat to a cave for safety.
Here are some possible interpretations and nuances:
Vengeance and Retaliation: The verse highlights the cycle of violence and revenge that characterizes the Samson narratives. His actions are a direct response to perceived wrongs done to him.
Isolation and Exile: Samson's retreat to a cave suggests a degree of isolation and alienation. While he is a judge of Israel, he often operates outside of the community and even against it (as we see when the men of Judah come to arrest him in the following verses).
Physical Prowess and Divine Strength: The verse emphasizes Samson's extraordinary physical strength, which is often attributed to divine power. The magnitude of the slaughter underscores this point.
Temporary Refuge: The cave in Etam's rock is not a permanent solution. It's a temporary hiding place, illustrating the instability and turbulence of Samson's life.
Understanding this verse within the larger context of the Book of Judges reveals the complexities of Samson's character and the chaotic state of Israel during that period. It is important to also note that such violent passages are often debated. Some see them as historical accounts of a brutal period while others view them as cautionary tales meant to show the consequences of straying from God's path.