Topical Bible: Holy Spirit: Samson

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The Holy Spirit plays a significant role in the narrative of Samson, one of the judges of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges. Samson's life is marked by extraordinary feats of strength, which are attributed to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. His account is primarily found in Judges chapters 13 to 16.

Birth and Nazirite Vow

Samson's birth was announced by the Angel of the LORD to his mother, who was barren. The angel declared that Samson would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines and instructed that he be a Nazirite from birth (Judges 13:3-5). This vow included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair, symbolizing his consecration to God.

Empowerment by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit's involvement in Samson's life is evident in several key moments:

1. Judges 13:25 : "And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol." This initial stirring indicates the beginning of Samson's divine empowerment and mission.

2. Judges 14:6 : "The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat." This event marks the first recorded instance of Samson's supernatural strength, directly linked to the Spirit's influence.

3. Judges 14:19 : "Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, took their belongings, and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle." Here, the Spirit empowers Samson to execute judgment on the Philistines.

4. Judges 15:14 : "When he came to Lehi, the Philistines came shouting against him. Then the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and the ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds dropped from his hands." This passage describes another instance where the Spirit enables Samson to achieve victory over his enemies.

Samson's Downfall and Final Act

Despite his divine empowerment, Samson's life is also marked by personal failings, particularly his relationships with Philistine women, which ultimately lead to his downfall. His hair, the symbol of his Nazirite vow and the source of his strength, is cut by Delilah, leading to his capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:17-20).

In his final act, Samson prays to the LORD for strength one last time. Judges 16:28-30 records, "Then Samson called to the LORD, 'O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one act of vengeance I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes.' And Samson reached out for the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, 'Let me die with the Philistines.' Then he pushed with all his might, and the temple fell on the lords and all the people in it. So in his death he killed more than he had killed in his life."

Theological Significance

Samson's account illustrates the Holy Spirit's role in empowering individuals for specific tasks and purposes within God's redemptive plan. Despite Samson's personal weaknesses, the Spirit's presence in his life underscores God's sovereignty and ability to use flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes. The narrative of Samson serves as a reminder of the potential for divine strength and the consequences of personal disobedience.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 16:20
And she said, The Philistines be on you, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he knew not that the LORD was departed from him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Introduction to the Three Books of St. Ambrose on the Holy Spirit.
... the same way as that of Gideon in Book I. Samson always succeeded so long as the
Holy Spirit was with him, but fell into misfortune so soon as he was forsaken. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction to the three books.htm

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament Other than in the Old.
... the twofold operation of the Holy Spirit upon the souls of men. In the beginning
we discover only an outward imparting of certain gifts. On Samson He bestows ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the holy spirit in.htm

Gifts and Talents.
... the Spirit's coming upon Bezaleel and Aholiab, upon Othniel and Samson, upon Saul ...
And thus the illumination of a Bezaleel links the Holy Spirit's work in the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/viii gifts and talents.htm

Introduction.
... When the Holy Spirit left Samson he fell into various calamities, and St. Ambrose
explains the spiritual significance of his shorn locks. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 2.htm

Samson Conquered
... Is there one of you who desires like Samson to have his eyes put out, and to ... is sincere;
see that you mean it, and then look up to the Holy Spirit, after you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/samson conquered.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... compare the history of Samson (Judges 13:3-5) and the law of the Nazarite"Numbers
6:2-4]; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit [the stimulation of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

The Covenant Promise of the Spirit
... But you never will overcome sin by your own power, nor by any energy short of that
of the Holy Spirit. Resolves may bind it, as Samson was bound with cords ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the covenant promise of the.htm

The Grace of God.
... Remember Samson. He knew not that the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him.
What if the Holy Ghost has left you, and you know it not? ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xlvi the grace of.htm

The Necessity of the Spirit's Work
... the polished steel, but with the jaw-bone must Samson get the ... is it not the work
of the Spirit when the ... to repent, the vilest of sinners are made holy, men who ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the necessity of the spirits.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... The Holy Spirit will give to the praying saint the brightness of an immortal hope,
the ... Samson is somewhat of a paradox when we examine his religious character. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm