The Birth of Samson

1 And the people of Israel ^yagain did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the ^zPhilistines for forty years.

4 His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time ^rthe Philistines ruled over Israel.

9 Take courage, and be men, O Philistines, lest you become slaves to the Hebrews ^fas they have been to you; be men and fight.”