Samson - Judge and Nazirite

Samson stands as one of the saddest figures in the Old

Testament, a person who started with great potential but
squandered it on self-indulgence and sinful living.
Remarkably, he is listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11,
honored alongside Gideon, David, and Samuel. In the last
moments of his life, Samson returned to God, and God
answered his prayer.
The Story of Samson in Judges 13-16
Samson's birth was a miracle. His mother was barren, but
an angel appeared to her and said she would give birth to a
son. He was to be a Nazirite all his life. Nazirites took a vow
to abstain from wine and grapes, to not cut their hair or beard,
and to avoid contact with dead bodies.
When he reached manhood, Samson's lust overtook him. He
married a Philistine woman from the pagan conquerors of
Israel. That led to a confrontation and Samson started killing
Philistines. On one occasion, he took up the jawbone of a
donkey and killed 1,000 men.
Instead of honoring his vow to God, Samson found a
prostitute. Some time later, the Bible says, Samson fell in love
with a woman named Delilah from the Valley of Sorek.
Recognizing his weakness for women, the Philistine rulers
convinced Delilah to seduce Samson and learn the secret of
his great strength.
After several failed attempts to trap Samson, he eventually
gave in to Delilah's nagging and told her everything: "No
razor has ever been used on my head," he said, "because I
have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s
womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me,
and I would become as weak as any other man." (Judges
16:17, NIV)
The Philistines then seized him, cut off his hair, gouged out
his eyes, and made Samson a slave. After a long time of
grinding grain, Samson was put on display during a feast to
the Philistine god Dagon. As he stood in the crowded temple,
Samson positioned himself between two key pillars.
He prayed to God to give him strength for one final act. It had
not been Samson's long hair that was the true source of his
power; it had always been the Spirit of the Lord coming upon
him. God answered his prayer. Samson pushed the pillars
apart and the temple crashed down, killing himself and 3,000
enemies of Israel.
Samson's Accomplishments
Samson was dedicated as a Nazirite, a holy man who was to
honor God with his life and provide an example to others.
Samson used his physical strength to fight Israel's enemies.
He led Israel for 20 years. He is honored in the Hebrews 11
Hall of Faith.
Samson's Strengths
Samson's incredible physical strength allowed him to fight
Israel's enemies throughout his life. Before he died, he
realized his mistakes, returned to God, and sacrificed himself
in a great victory.
Samson's Weaknesses
Samson was selfish. God placed him in a position of
authority, but he was a bad example as a leader. He ignored
the disastrous consequences of sin, both in his own life and its
effect on his country.
Life Lessons from Samson
You can serve yourself, or you can serve God. We live in a
culture of sensuality that encourages self-indulgence and
flaunting of the Ten Commandments, but sin always has
consequences. Do not rely on your own judgment and desires,
as Samson did, but follow the Word of God for guidance in
living a righteous life.
Zorah, about 15 miles west of Jerusalem.
Judges 13:5
"You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is
never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a
Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the
lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the
Philistines." (NIV)
Judges 15:14-15
As he approached Lehi, the Philistines came toward him
shouting. The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him.
The ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the
bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of
a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand
men. (NIV)
Judges 16:19
After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone
to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to
subdue him. And his strength left him. (NIV)
Judges 16:30
Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" Then he
pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the
rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when
he died than while he lived. (NIV)