And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.
Ver. 19. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him.] These extraordinary impulses of the Spirit Samson had not always, but when and as long as the Lord pleased. The prophets also had not always the gift of prophecy: nor the apostles the power of working miracles.
And he went down to Ashkelon.] Which was one of the five chief cities of the Philistines, 1Sa 6:17 where, by a bold attempt, he slew in that populous place thirty men of that tyrannical and accursed nation; the rest of the citizens running away, likely, and hiding themselves for fear of Samson. Did ever any Hercules do the like? The proverb is, Ne Hercules quidem contra duos.
And his anger was kindled,] viz., Against his perfidious wife and his injurious companions: and now he meditateth revenge, which is the next effect of anger.
And he went up to his father's house.] Whose counsel he now wisheth he had taken in the choice of his wife. Leo cassibus irretitur, &c. Si praescivissem.