שופטים, פרק ט״ו, פסוק י׳

The sudden arrival of a Philistine military force naturally sparks alarm and confusion among the men of Judah, prompting them to question the reason behind this unexpected threat. Their surprise stems directly from their political reality. Because they are already completely subjugated and submissive to Philistine rule, an armed campaign against them seems entirely unjustified [רש״י].

In response, the Philistines clarify that this mobilization is not a full-scale war against the tribe of Judah. Rather, it is a targeted search mission aimed at capturing Samson to punish him for his recent attacks [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Yet, this mission is not simply an independent military operation. Their stated goal of taking Samson prisoner serves as an explicit demand directed at the local population. The Philistines expect the men of Judah to take action themselves, requiring them to physically bind Samson and surrender him to their forces [רש״י].