Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them. (Judges 15:11)
The men of Judah reproached Samson for rebelling against the Philistine rule and for exposing them to danger by hiding within their borders. This reproach, and their readiness to give him over to the Philistines, bear evidence of the low ebb Judah had reached. Once so powerful in war, they now lay powerless in moral decay. The loss of their religion was accompanied by a loss of their patriotism. What might not these 3,000 have achieved on the side of Samson if they had been like Gideon’s 300?
Three thousand.
The men of Judah knew of Samson’s prowess and probably for that reason came in such force to surround him and prevent his escape. Even at that they would not have dared approach him if they had not felt assured he would not harm his own countrymen.