Summary
Samson’s marriage conflict sparks violence when his father-in-law refuses to allow him to return to his wife. He retaliates against the Philistines by burning their crops, leading to retaliation that burns his wife and father-in-law. In response, Samson avenges himself by attacking the Philistines. Later, Judah confronts Samson and captures him, binding him with cords. While being carried to Lehi, the Spirit of the Lord strengthens Samson, breaking the cords and enabling him to kill a thousand men with a jawbone of an ass. He names the place Ramathlehi, and after drinking water from a hollow in the jawbone, his spirit is restored. Samson then judges Israel for twenty years during the Philistine oppression.