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Judges 15:11 Cross References
Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with Judges 15:11. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
Judges 15:11 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to Judges 15:11 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.

Judges 13:1 (KJV) »
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

Judges 14:4 (KJV) »
But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.

Deuteronomy 28:13 (KJV) »
And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

Deuteronomy 28:47 (KJV) »
Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;

Psalms 106:40 (KJV) »
Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
Judges 15:11 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Understanding Judges 15:11
Judges 15:11 presents a significant moment in the life of Samson, highlighting themes of conflict, betrayal, and the unfolding of divine purpose. In this verse, we find the interaction between Samson and three thousand men of Judah, who confront him about his conflict with the Philistines.
Verse Text
“Then three thousand men of Judah went to the clefts of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, ‘Do you not know that the Philistines rule over us? What is this you have done to us?’ And he said to them, ‘As they did to me, so I have done to them.’” (Judges 15:11 NKJV)
Verse Meaning and Analysis
This verse illustrates several key points:
- Conflict with the Philistines: The men of Judah are acutely aware of their subjugation under the Philistines, reflecting the broader national struggle of Israel during this period.
- Samson's Actions: Samson’s response reveals his understanding of justice and retribution; he retaliates against the Philistines for their wrongdoings as they continue to oppress Israel.
- Division Among the Israelites: The men of Judah’s approach to Samson indicates a fear of repercussions from the Philistines and highlights their desire to maintain peace at the expense of justice.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry explains that the men of Judah were motivated by fear and a desire for self-preservation. They represent the complacency of the Israelites, trapped by their circumstances and unwilling to confront the Philistines directly, even when confronted with Samson’s actions.
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes notes that Samson's actions symbolize an essential aspect of divine justice. He argues that Samson’s retribution against the Philistines was not merely personal vengeance but a divine mandate to liberate Israel from oppression.
Adam Clarke
According to Adam Clarke, this confrontation emphasizes the complexity of leadership. Samson, despite being a judge and deliverer of Israel, faces resistance from his own people, illustrating how leadership can often lead to isolation rather than support.
Bible Cross-References
To gain a deeper understanding of Judges 15:11, it is helpful to look at related scriptures. Here are some pertinent cross-references:
- Judges 14:20: Discusses Samson's marriage and sets up the conflict with the Philistines.
- Judges 16:1-3: Further illustrates Samson's conflict with the Philistines and his subsequent decisions.
- 1 Samuel 13:19-23: Portrays the oppression Israel faced under the Philistines and the lack of weaponry.
- Psalms 78:65-66: Reflects on God raising up a deliverer for Israel in the face of oppression.
- Acts 7:9-10: Discusses Joseph's experience with his brothers, paralleling themes of betrayal and divine purpose.
- Hebrews 11:32-34: Mentions Samson as a man of faith who overcame through God’s power.
- Daniel 11:32: Describes those who act wickedly against the covenant and the need for faithfulness.
Conclusion
Judges 15:11 serves as a critical juncture in the narrative of Samson, representing the struggles of a leader caught between divine calling and the expectations of his people. By understanding the context and insights provided by scholars, along with relevant cross-references, we can better appreciate the themes of justice, leadership, and divine intervention in this biblical account.
Further Study Avenues
For those interested in exploring related themes, the following avenues might be beneficial:
- Comparative Bible verse analysis: Delve into other verses that discuss justice and deliverance.
- Cross-referencing Biblical texts: Utilize tools and guides available for identifying connections between different parts of scripture.
- Bible verse parallels: Investigate thematic connections between the Old and New Testament teachings.
Recommended Tools
Consider employing Bible cross-reference guides and concordances to facilitate your study:
- Bible Cross-Reference System: A tool to find related verses quickly.
- Bible Chain References: Helps connect verses that discuss similar themes.
- Cross-reference Bible study methods: Strategies for systematic study of scripture connections.