The answer is: Foxes

Judges 15:4

In Judges 15:4, the story of Samson takes a wild turn—he cleverly captures 300 foxes! It's hard to believe such antics come from a single episode in the life of a judge, right? Well, this was indeed a bold move in a monumental showdown against the Philistines. Samson, known for his incredible strength—yet also his legendary encounters—used the foxes to play a serious trick.

To get the full picture, you have to realize why he acted in such an unusual way. Samson was seeking revenge after his wife was given to another man, which, in those days, was seen as a significant breach of social honor. By tying the foxes’ tails together and attaching torches, he sent them running through the fields of the Philistines, igniting a wave of destruction. This isn't merely humorous folklore but speaks to the wider context of conflict and retaliation; it's a symbolic act against the oppressive regime afflicting him and his people.

Fascinating trivia: In this scene, we see echoes of other biblical narratives where animals play prominent roles, such as the story of Israelite exile breeched by locust plagues or preposterous beasts like Balaam's talking donkey. Spotting patterns like these, you begin to realize animals often represent messages much heavier than themselves—demonstrating the swift run from rebellion against harm, much like the oppressed often seek some way to flip the script!