Theophany #47 — Part Two: The Life of Samson(Judges 13–16)

Samson destroying the Philistines' Temple: PUBLIC DOMAIN source:http://thebiblerevival.com/clipart/1890holmanbible/bw/sampsonsvenganceanddeath.jpg

Paul tells us that God has chosen us to be "holy and blameless." Ephesians 1:4

• Are we being faithful to what He has called us? Or are we like Samson?

• He was chosen, too, but was untrue to his calling, driven by lust and selfishness.

• His sin cost him his mission and God's people oppression and bondage.

Jesus can keep us from this i we allow Him to reign in our hearts.

Ask the Savior to help you,

Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;

He is willing to aid you,

He will carry you through.

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Last week we looked at the remarkable theophany to Samson’s mother — an angel of the LORD announcing that God would raise up a deliverer for Israel. This week, we continue the story and follow the life of that promised child — Samson, a man set apart from birth, empowered by the Spirit of God, and yet deeply flawed.

Samson is one of the most unusual figures in Scripture. He was chosen by God before he was born. He was to live as a Nazirite — separated to God, abstaining from wine, avoiding uncleanness, and never cutting his hair. His life was meant to be a living symbol that Israel belonged to the LORD.

And yet, the one set apart for God’s service spent much of his life walking very close to sin.

A Man of Great Strength — and Great Weakness

From early on, the Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson in power. He tore a lion apart with his bare hands. He struck down the Philistines who oppressed Israel. He carried the gates of a city up a mountain. His strength was supernatural — not from diet, training, or even his hair — but from the LORD.

Yet Samson often lived according to his desires instead of God’s commands. He pursued Philistine women instead of faithful daughters of Israel. He kept secrets from his parents. He was quick to anger and slow to repent.

His strength came from God. His weakness came from himself.

This is an important lesson for us. God may use a person powerfully, yet that person still has the capacity to fall badly when they walk according to the flesh instead of the Spirit.

Samson and Delilah

Of all Samson’s failings, the most famous is his relationship with Delilah. The Philistine rulers bribed her to discover the secret of his strength. After several failed attempts, she wore him down. Samson finally revealed that God had commanded his hair never to be cut — a sign of his consecration to the LORD.

While he slept, his hair was shaved. When he awoke, one of the saddest statements in Scripture is recorded:

“He did not know that the LORD had departed from him.”— Judges 16:20

Strength gone. Eyes gouged out. Samson was led away in chains — a tragic picture of what sin truly does.

A Final Prayer — and God’s Mercy

But the story does not end there.

In the temple of Dagon, the Philistines brought Samson out to mock him. They laughed at Israel’s fallen judge. But Samson prayed — perhaps more sincerely than ever before.

“O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me…”— Judges 16:28

In one final act, Samson pulled down the pillars of the temple, destroying Israel’s enemies — and himself.

The man who wasted so much potential ended his life in repentance and dependence upon God. Hebrews 11 even lists Samson among the heroes of faith — not because he lived perfectly, but because at the end, he trusted God.

Lessons from Samson’s Life

Samson reminds us:

• God can use deeply flawed people.

• Spiritual gifts are no substitute for obedience.

• Sin always blinds, binds, and destroys.

• Repentance — even at the end — matters.

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Samson’s story prepares us for what comes next in Scripture. Israel needed more than a strong man. They needed a faithful prophet — Samuel — and ultimately a righteous King.

And far beyond Samuel and David, they needed Jesus, the One who never failed, never compromised, and never sinned — yet gave His life willingly to deliver His people.

A Closing Prayer

Lord, keep us from self-confidence and pride. Help us to walk not in our own strength but in dependence upon You. Thank You that even when we fall, Your mercy is greater still. Strengthen us to live lives consecrated to You — for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

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The li­on that on Samp­son roared,

And thirst­ed for his blood;

With ho­ney af­ter­wards was stored,

And fur­nished him with food.

Believers, as they pass along,

With ma­ny li­ons meet;

But ga­ther sweet­ness from the strong,

And from the eat­er, meat.

The li­ons rage and roar in vain,

For Je­sus is their shield;

Their loss­es prove a cer­tain gain,

Their trou­bles com­fort yield.

The world and Sa­tan join their strength,

To fill their souls with fears;

But crops of joy they reap at length,

From what they sow in tears.

Afflictions make them love the Word,

Stir up their hearts to pray­er;

And ma­ny pre­cious proofs af­ford,

Of their Re­deem­er’s care.

The li­ons roar but can­not kill,

Then fear them not, my friends;

They bring us, though against their will,

The ho­ney Je­sus sends.

--- John Newton, 1803