This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines. (Judges 15:3)Here we have a case study in being offended. Samson had an engagement party in which he told a riddle his friends couldn't figure out. This made them look bad, so they were offended. They threatened his fiancee into getting the secret out of Samson, which she did. She told them what they wanted to know, and they taunted Samson that they'd figured it out. This made Samson look bad, and he was offended.
Samson deserted his fiancee, whose father gave her to be married to another. Samson changed his mind, but was told she'd married one of his friends. He was offended, to say the least. In response, he set fire to the grain, vineyards, and olive groves of the Philistines. Guess what - they were offended. Since Israel was subject to the Philistines, the men of Judah agreed to hand him over to protect themselves. Samson was offended and killed a thousand enemies with the jawbone of a donkey.
Then Samson got thirsty, and he was offended at God.
One problem with being offended is that it keeps us from seeing ourselves objectively. As long as we're offended with someone else, we never have to ask if we might share any culpability for the troubles at hand. When we're offended with someone else, we never realize that maybe we need to ask forgiveness.
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Is there anyone you need to get even with?
The middle chapter here reminds me of a folk-tale more than history... the old Greek style of a riddle, possible exagerration, the repetition and everything - but then Samson has always felt more blended with storytelling than most to me. (no offense to any who are 'literal word for word' folks, that's just my own thoughts). Hm. Either way, the message remains the same.
ReplyDeleteI like your comments here as they draw an aspect out of these passages that I hadn't really considered before - I think I just saw Samson as something of a reactive redneck. The cycle of offense begetting offense is so destructive, the pride/revenge thing kicks in and round and round it goes until it goes right down the drain. Hatfields & McCoys, anyone? How different things would have gone if they'd had even one strong personality in the mix of people here who could've been an intercessor or swallowed their pride and hurt to ask forgiveness. - Amy
I don't get back to the computer often after doing my reading, but wanted to make a comment after reading your comments. How different it is when reading without others input. I to had not really considered the downward spiral of actions. It really goes to show us that each of our actions have a much farther reach than we think they will.
ReplyDeleteAmy and Leslie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. It's nice to know someone is reading along. I am also seeing things I had not seen before - and that comes from reading along with you.