The Israelites sinned against the LORD again, and he let the Philistines rule them for forty years.

His parents did not know that it was the LORD who was leading Samson to do this, for the LORD was looking for a chance to fight the Philistines. At this time the Philistines were ruling Israel.

The LORD your God will make you the leader among the nations and not a follower; you will always prosper and never fail if you obey faithfully all his commands that I am giving you today.

The LORD blessed you in every way, but you would not serve him with glad and joyful hearts.

So then, you will serve the enemies that the LORD is going to send against you. You will be hungry, thirsty, and naked---in need of everything. The LORD will oppress you harshly until you are destroyed.

He abandoned them to the power of the heathen, and their enemies ruled over them.