Judges 16:28 - Samson called to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
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What does "Judges 16:28" mean?
This verse, Judges 16:28, is a pivotal moment in the story of Samson. It marks a final desperate plea to God for strength and revenge. Let's break down the meaning:
"Samson called to Yahweh...": This establishes that Samson is addressing his prayer directly to God. Despite his past failings, he turns to the source of his strength.
"...and said, 'Lord Yahweh, remember me, please...'": He's asking God not to forget him. He acknowledges God's authority ("Lord Yahweh") and humbly begs for God's favor and attention. The phrase implies a recognition of his dependence on God.
"...and strengthen me, please, only this once, God...'": This is the core of his request. He's not asking for a lifetime of renewed strength, but for a single, extraordinary burst of power. It highlights his desperation and the gravity of the situation. The repetition of "please" underscores his humility and earnest desire.
"...that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.'": This reveals his motivation: revenge against the Philistines for blinding him. He wants to inflict retribution for the loss of his eyesight and the humiliation he has endured. It is worth noting that he seems primarily motivated by personal vengeance rather than a broader desire to liberate the Israelites from Philistine oppression. Some interpretations see this as a flawed prayer, tainted by personal anger. Others see it as a complex mix of personal and divine justice.
In essence, the verse means:
Samson, now blind and imprisoned, cries out to God, begging to be remembered and strengthened one last time so that he can avenge himself on the Philistines for the loss of his eyes.
Important Considerations:
Ambiguity of Motivation: While Samson frames it as vengeance, some scholars argue that God uses his desire for revenge to ultimately fulfill God's plan to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This raises questions about whether Samson's motives are entirely pure or whether God is working through his flawed character.
Divine Forgiveness: Despite his past transgressions, Samson's prayer suggests a possibility of divine forgiveness and grace, especially in the context of God's promise to use Samson to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5).
Theological Significance: The verse illustrates themes of repentance, divine power, justice, and the complexities of God's relationship with flawed individuals. It also serves as a tragic climax to Samson's story, highlighting the consequences of his choices and the ultimate fulfillment of his destiny.
Judges 16:28 - Samson called to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
What does "Judges 16:28" mean?
This verse, Judges 16:28, is a pivotal moment in the story of Samson. It marks a final desperate plea to God for strength and revenge. Let's break down the meaning:
"Samson called to Yahweh...": This establishes that Samson is addressing his prayer directly to God. Despite his past failings, he turns to the source of his strength.
"...and said, 'Lord Yahweh, remember me, please...'": He's asking God not to forget him. He acknowledges God's authority ("Lord Yahweh") and humbly begs for God's favor and attention. The phrase implies a recognition of his dependence on God.
"...and strengthen me, please, only this once, God...'": This is the core of his request. He's not asking for a lifetime of renewed strength, but for a single, extraordinary burst of power. It highlights his desperation and the gravity of the situation. The repetition of "please" underscores his humility and earnest desire.
"...that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.'": This reveals his motivation: revenge against the Philistines for blinding him. He wants to inflict retribution for the loss of his eyesight and the humiliation he has endured. It is worth noting that he seems primarily motivated by personal vengeance rather than a broader desire to liberate the Israelites from Philistine oppression. Some interpretations see this as a flawed prayer, tainted by personal anger. Others see it as a complex mix of personal and divine justice.
In essence, the verse means:
Samson, now blind and imprisoned, cries out to God, begging to be remembered and strengthened one last time so that he can avenge himself on the Philistines for the loss of his eyes.
Important Considerations:
Ambiguity of Motivation: While Samson frames it as vengeance, some scholars argue that God uses his desire for revenge to ultimately fulfill God's plan to deliver Israel from the Philistines. This raises questions about whether Samson's motives are entirely pure or whether God is working through his flawed character.
Divine Forgiveness: Despite his past transgressions, Samson's prayer suggests a possibility of divine forgiveness and grace, especially in the context of God's promise to use Samson to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5).
Theological Significance: The verse illustrates themes of repentance, divine power, justice, and the complexities of God's relationship with flawed individuals. It also serves as a tragic climax to Samson's story, highlighting the consequences of his choices and the ultimate fulfillment of his destiny.