John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Then the Philistines went up , etc.] From Palestine, which lay low on the shore of the Mediterranean sea: and pitched in Judah ; in the laud of Judea, which lay higher, particularly in the tribe of Judah, whither they came with an army, and encamped there: and spread themselves in Lehi ; their forces were so many, that they extended a considerable way, and particularly reached to Lehi, that is, which was afterwards so called; for it has its name by anticipation from the jaw bone, which it signifies, with which Samson slew many in this place, as after related.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9-17 - Sin dispirits men, it hides from their eyes the things that belong to their peace. The Israelites blamed Samson for what he had done agains the Philistines, as if he had done them a great injury. Thus our Lor Jesus did many good works, and for those the Jews were ready to ston him. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, his cords wer loosed: where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, and thos are free indeed who are thus set free. Thus Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness that shouted against him, as if they had him in their power. Samson made great destruction among the Philistines. To take the bone of an ass for this, was to do wonders by the foolis things of the world, that the excellency of the power might be of God not of man. This victory was not in the weapon, was not in the arm; but it was in the Spirit of God, which moved the weapon by the arm. We can do all things through Him that strengtheneth us. Seest thou a poor Christian, who is enabled to overcome a temptation by weak, feebl counsel, there is the Philistine vanquished by a sorry jaw-bone.
Original Hebrew ויעלו5927 פלשׁתים6430 ויחנו2583 ביהודה3063 וינטשׁו5203 בלחי׃3896
