But God clave an hollow place that was in the jaw— It is very evident, from what follows in this verse, that our translation is erroneous; since, if God had caused water to come from the jaw only for the present satisfying of Samson's necessities, it is reasonable to suppose, that Samson would have given it the name of a well or fountain, or that the sacred historian would have told us, that it remained in Lehi unto this day. The rendering in the margins of our Bibles, therefore, is by far the best. Houbigant observes, very properly, that the word rendered hollow place, מכתשׁ maktesh, signifies a rock; and he renders the verse thus: Then God clave the rock which was in Lehi, and there came water from thence; which when he had drank, his spirit came again, and he revived; wherefore Samson called that fountain, the fountain of the implorer; which fountain is in Lehi unto this day. Modern travellers inform us, that in the suburbs of Eleutheropolis, (in all probability the ancient Lehi,) the fountain which flowed upon this occasion is still remaining, and is called to this day the fountain of the jaw; an observation which abundantly confirms the interpretation that we have given. See Scheuchzer on the place.
REFLECTIONS.—The withholding of the most common necessaries of life, little as we are apt to value them, would be more fatal than the sword. The want of a draught of water brought Samson nearer to the grave than all the host of the Philistines.
1. We see him here ready to die with thirst; no water is nigh; and he is so parched and weak, as to be unable to seek farther. In this distress he calls upon God, who alone could relieve him. In his prayer he pleads God's past mercies as an argument for present help, and urges the dishonour which would be cast on God, if now he should be given into the hands of the uncircumcised, after such an instance of divine interposition. Note; (1.) Jesus on the cross cried thus, I thirst. (2.) In time of distress, prayer is our best resource. (3.) Past mercies should encourage us to wait upon God, and no plea so prevalent as his own glory.
2. God heard and answered him, permitting the distress only to exercise his faith, keep his spirit humble, and magnify his own power and grace. God clave the rock, and a stream of fresh water sprang up; whereupon his fainting spirit revived, and his departing life returned. Note; (1.) Every day we have to praise God for a new life given us. (2.) Without the constant supply of living streams from the fountain of grace, our souls must quickly faint and die.
3. Twenty years he judged Israel, during which the Philistines, though not utterly subdued, seem not to have oppressed them as before, checked by the terror of his arm; so that they had respite from the yoke, if not perfect freedom, Note; (1.) It is a mercy to have our afflictions alleviated. (2.) If we improve the beginning of our mercies, we may expect that they will be continued and perfected.