Shimshon’s Wife BetrayalDiscussion of Shimshon’s wife is given to another man and the differing opinions on why Shimshon was angry, including betrayal and infidelity. The Wheat Harvest & Shimshon’s ReturnShimshon returns after a year, bringing a goat to reconcile with his wife, only to discover she’s been remarried. His anger builds, setting the stage for his revenge. Divine Providence and TimingExploration of how Shimshon’s timing coincides with divine providence during the wheat harvest, which amplifies the devastation he is about to unleash. Shimshon’s Emotional ConflictFurther analysis of Shimshon’s internal conflict, his desire to take his wife back despite her betrayal, and the complexities of his decisions as guided by Hashem. Shimshon’s Strategic RevengeShimshon’s calculated move to reignite conflict with the Plishtim without involving the Jewish people. The destruction of their crops is part of his wider strategy. Justification for Shimshon’s ActionsShimshon declares that his revenge against the Plishtim is just and that any mischief he causes is lawful due to their wrongdoings. The Marriage ControversyDiscussion on the legality of the marriage of Shimshon’s wife to another man and how it publicly justified his vengeance against the entire Plishtim community. Shimshon’s Foxes and FireShimshon’s revenge method: setting 300 foxes with torches loose in the Plishtim fields, burning their crops, and causing financial ruin during the wheat harvest. Plishtim’s Retaliation and Shimshon’s ResponseThe Plishtim investigate Shimshon’s actions, realize his power, and burn his wife and father-in-law alive to appease him. Shimshon, in response, promises greater vengeance. The Great Slaughter: Hip and ThighShimshon slaughters many Plishtim with a strange tactic, striking them “hip and thigh,” a phrase indicating a chaotic and brutal battle. Shimshon Hides from the PlishtimAfter the battle, Shimshon goes into hiding in a rock crevice, and the Plishtim gather their forces to confront him, aiming to capture him again. Shimshon Captured and FreedThe men of Yehuda hand Shimshon over to the Plishtim, binding him with ropes. However, divine intervention allows him to break free. Shimshon’s Victory with the Donkey JawboneUsing a moist donkey’s jawbone, Shimshon kills 1,000 Plishtim soldiers, emphasizing the miraculous nature of his victory. Shimshon’s Dehydration and Miraculous RevivalAfter the battle, Shimshon suffers severe dehydration and calls out to Hashem, who miraculously provides water, reviving him at the last moment. The Importance of Praising HashemThe story of Shimshon is connected to the lesson of praising Hashem in everyday life, drawing a parallel to a teaching of the Baal Shem Tov. Shimshon Judges Israel for 20 YearsAfter his miraculous victories, Shimshon judges Israel for 20 years, providing protection and leadership against the Plishtim during their oppression of the Jewish people. Dedicated Leilui nishmas: - Abba halevi ben zusha - Aryeh leib halevi ben yaakov - Nachum hirsh ben efrayim - Meir yitzchak ben avraham 00:00 - Introduction 00:29 - Shimshon’s Wife Betrayal 01:12 - The Wheat Harvest & Shimshon’s Return 02:25 - Divine Providence and Timing 03:39 - Shimshon’s Emotional Conflict 04:38 - Shimshon’s Strategic Revenge 08:56 - Justification for Shimshon’s Actions 09:57 - The Marriage Controversy 12:00 - Shimshon’s Foxes and Fire 16:26 - Plishtim’s Retaliation and Shimshon’s Response 19:43 - The Great Slaughter: Hip and Thigh 27:06 - Shimshon Hides from the Plishtim 32:02 - Shimshon Captured and Freed 37:22 - Shimshon’s Victory with the Donkey Jawbone 44:00 - Shimshon’s Dehydration and Miraculous Revival 47:14 - The Importance of Praising Hashem 58:32 - Shimshon Judges Israel for 20 Years --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/torah-heroes/support