Old Testament

Judges 15:20

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 15:20, we learn that Samson served as a judge for Israel for a period of twenty years during the oppressive rule of the Philistines.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

Samson led Israel as judge for 20 years during the time of the Philistines.

KJVKing James Version

And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 15:20, we learn that Samson served as a judge for Israel for a period of twenty years during the oppressive rule of the Philistines. This time was marked by conflict and struggle, as the Philistines were a dominant force in the region. Samson's role as a judge was significant because he was chosen by God to deliver Israel from their enemies. His leadership was characterized by both his physical strength and his personal flaws, which often led to complicated situations. Despite his weaknesses, Samson's actions were part of God's plan to free Israel from Philistine oppression. This verse highlights the importance of leadership in times of crisis and the complexities that come with it. Samson's story serves as a reminder that God can use imperfect people to accomplish His purposes, and that true strength comes from reliance on God rather than personal abilities.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 15:20 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize that God can use anyone, regardless of their flaws, to fulfill His plans. It reminds us to seek strength from God in our own challenges and to be open to His guidance in our leadership roles, whether in our families, communities, or workplaces.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 15:20 mean?

Judges 15:20 indicates that Samson served as a judge for Israel for twenty years during the oppressive rule of the Philistines. This period was marked by conflict, and Samson's leadership was significant in God's plan to deliver Israel from their enemies.

What is the significance of Samson's leadership in Judges 15:20?

Samson's leadership in Judges 15:20 is significant because it highlights how God can use flawed individuals to fulfill His purposes. Despite his personal weaknesses, Samson played a crucial role in delivering Israel from Philistine oppression.

What does the phrase 'judged Israel' mean in Judges 15:20?

The phrase 'judged Israel' in Judges 15:20 means that Samson held a position of leadership and authority, guiding the people and making decisions during a time of crisis against the Philistines.

How does Judges 15:20 relate to themes of strength and weakness?

Judges 15:20 relates to themes of strength and weakness by showing that Samson, despite his physical strength, had personal flaws. This illustrates that true strength comes from reliance on God, not just personal abilities.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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