What is the meaning of Judges 16:28? Samson called out to the LORD “Then Samson called out to the LORD” (Judges 16:28) • After a lifetime marked by both mighty feats and moral failure (Judges 14–16), Samson finally turns fully to the LORD. • Crying to God in crisis echoes Psalm 50:15, where the LORD invites His people, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble.” • The setting—Samson blinded, bound, and mocked in the Philistine temple—highlights that even when we reap painful consequences, the LORD still hears (Psalm 34:6). O Lord GOD, please remember me • “O Lord GOD” combines Yahweh’s covenant name with Adonai, underscoring God’s sovereign authority (Exodus 3:15). • “Please remember me” is not fear of being forgotten but a plea for covenant faithfulness, like Nehemiah’s refrain “Remember me, O my God, for good” (Nehemiah 13:14). • Samson appeals to the LORD’s past promises: his Nazirite calling foretold deliverance from the Philistines (Judges 13:5). God’s remembrance implies He will act according to His word (Genesis 8:1). Strengthen me, O God, just once more • Samson’s strength had always been God-given (Judges 15:14; Psalm 18:32). By saying “just once more,” he acknowledges prior enablement and his present dependence. • The request mirrors David’s testimony, “On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul” (Psalm 138:3). • Isaiah 40:29 affirms that the LORD “gives strength to the weary.” Samson, physically weakened and spiritually humbled, seeks that very grace. So that with one vengeful blow I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes • Samson’s motive is personal vengeance, yet God’s overarching purpose is judgment on Israel’s oppressors (Judges 14:4; Deuteronomy 32:35). • In the era of the judges, God often employed flawed deliverers—Ehud, Gideon, Jephthah—to defeat enemies (Hebrews 11:32–34). • Though personal revenge is later forbidden for believers (Romans 12:19), in this historic context the LORD allows Samson to serve as an instrument of divine justice (Judges 16:30). summary Judges 16:28 records Samson’s final prayer: a desperate, faith-rooted cry that God would recall His covenant, grant renewed strength, and execute judgment against Philistine oppression. The verse reveals God’s readiness to hear repentant hearts, His power to restore for His purposes, and His commitment to fulfill His word—even through imperfect servants. |
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