Christ-Light Connections: Samson’s Strength & Samson’s Capture and Death

The next hero of Israel, Samson, was given great physical power and a divine calling to deliver Israel. Yet his propensity toward arrogance and lust lead him to a painful outcome that could only be redeemed by God.

The Christ-Light theme this week is God judges and shows mercy to the unfaithful champion of Israel.

OT2 12A

Samson’s Strength — Judges 13:1-7, 24, 25; 14:1-15:17, 20

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Context

Israel has cycled through rebellion, oppression, repentance, rescue, and rest many times over. Now the Israelites suffered under the oppression of the Philistines for forty years. The Philistines were not Canaanites, not natives of this area. They were sea people from Crete who worked to establish themselves along the coast of Palestine.

Big Ideas

The Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:1-21, Judges 13:2-7, 24)

A Nazirite was to avoid alcohol, grapes, and dead bodies. Uncut hair indicated that the vow taker was still actively keeping his vow. Once the time period for the vow had ended, he would then ceremoniously shave his head.

Samson’s Nazarite vow was unique. Usually, this vow was temporary, but his vow began while he was in the womb. Also, this vow was connected to the calling that God had given Samson, the deliver of Israel (Judges 13:5).

Conversation Starter:

• Read Judges 13:24. Why did Samson have the gift of strength? (It is not because of his hair.)

Samson’s Disregard for God’s Law

After such a miraculous birth that had been announced by the Angel of the LORD himself, how could we not be gravely disappointed? This man who had been divinely called to rescue Israel from Philistia now demanded to intermarry with the Philistines!

Then there is the odd little side story about the lion. The Spirit of the LORD gave him the power to overcome the lion, but later, Samson defiles his vow by touching the carcass to retrieve the honey. Later, Samson arrogantly uses his trespass as inspiration for his risky bet with the Philistines.

Conversation Starters:

• What were Samson’s weaknesses?
• Read Judges 14:4. How do we make sense of the phrase, “This was from the LORD?”

Samson vs. the Philistines (Judges 14:19-16:3)

The next few chapters present a roller coaster of violence and revenge between the Philistines and Samson. Multiple times we are reminded that the “Spirit of the LORD” was with him.

If only Samson had behaved better. Can you imagine all he could have done for Israel? My inner Pharisee is infuriated that God chose Samson and remained alongside him in spite of his arrogance and repeated moral failures. Why pick him?

If I get off of my pedestal and explore how similar I am to Samson, there is grace hidden alongside our failures. Can God even use my arrogance for his glory? Can God turn my acts of self-interest into blessings for his kingdom? In spite of my failings, God’s will prevails. In spite of my sins, I am still included in his work.

Conversation Starter:

• Read 2 Corinthians 12:9. Why did God choose Samson? Why did God choose you?

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides Law and Gospel points as well as helpful application questions.

OT2 12B

Samson’s Capture and Death — Judges 16:4-10

Context

The Nazirite Samson had been the leader of Israel for twenty years. Through the strength given to him by the LORD, he killed thousands of Philistines, making himself their number one enemy.

Big Ideas

Samson and Delilah (Judges 16:4-16)

By now we have established that Samson is not good at relationships! In Hebrew, the name Delilah means “to bring someone low” and “night.” A fascinating name for the context!

Conversation Starters:

• How can a boyfriend/girlfriend bring someone low?
• How can dating Christians avoid being in a relationship with such a person?

The LORD had Left him (Judges 16:17-22)

Recall information about the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6). The symbolic ending of the vow included cutting off the hair of the individual. Thus, when Samson allowed a razor to be used on his head, he ended the Nazarite vow, and the LORD left him. Arrogantly, Samson assumed that he controlled his own strength and tested the LORD. The result was slavery.

Conversation Starter:

• How can self-reliance lead to us back to slavery?

Samson’s Death (Judges 16:23-31)

In the temple of Dagon, Samson is fully humiliated. Only from such a low point is Samson able to look up to God. His prayer implies repentances and full reliance on the LORD for strength. See Hebrews 11:32 and the following for more information about Samson’s faith.

Like many other Biblical characters, Samson leaves us longing for a greater and stronger deliverer. His life points forward to Christ.

Conversion Starters:

• What role does humiliation play in the life of the Christian?
• Compare and contrast Samson and Jesus.

Digging Deeper

The Seeds of Faith resource provides Law and Gospel points as well as helpful application questions.