Then the Philistines went up, and encamped in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi.
One finds that it is very difficult NOT to be disgusted with the conduct of the Judahites in this situation.  They were perfectly willing to betray a brother into the hands of the enemy, instead of rallying to his defense.  Nevertheless, there was a magnanimous streak in Samson, because he consented to be bound at the request of his brethren, first making them swear that THEY THEMSELVES would not slay him.