Why Scripture Says Samson Went Down and Judah Went Up at Timnah

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 69:5

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Samson went down to Timnah" (Judges 14:1), yet it is also written, "Behold, your father-in-law is going up to Timnah" (Genesis 38:13). Rabbi Elazar said: Of Samson, who was disgraced through her, going down is written; of Judah, who was elevated through her, going up is written. Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani said: There were two places called Timnah, one located on a descent and one located on an ascent. Rav Pappa said: There was a single Timnah; for one who came from this side it was an ascent, and for one who came from that side it was a descent.

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