Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Samson is one of the most renowned judges of Israel, known for his extraordinary strength and complex narrative. His account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 13 to 16. Samson's life is marked by his Nazirite vow, his battles against the Philistines, and his tumultuous personal life. He served as a judge of Israel for twenty years during a time of Philistine oppression. Birth and Nazirite Vow: Samson's birth was announced by an angel to his mother, who was barren. The angel instructed her that Samson was to be a Nazirite from birth, a vow that included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair. Judges 13:5 states, "For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines." Feats of Strength: Samson's life is characterized by his incredible feats of strength, which he used to combat the Philistines. One of his early exploits includes killing a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6). Later, he famously struck down a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15-16). These acts were often driven by personal vendettas but served the larger purpose of delivering Israel from its enemies. Personal Life and Downfall: Samson's personal life was fraught with challenges, particularly his relationships with women. His marriage to a Philistine woman ended in betrayal and violence (Judges 14-15). However, it was his relationship with Delilah that led to his downfall. Delilah, bribed by the Philistine rulers, coaxed Samson into revealing the secret of his strength—his uncut hair. Judges 16:19 recounts, "After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and in this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him." Final Act and Death: Blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines, Samson's final act was one of redemption and sacrifice. During a Philistine celebration, he was brought out to entertain the crowd. Samson prayed to God for strength one last time, and God granted his request. He pushed down the pillars of the temple, killing himself and many Philistines. Judges 16:30 records his final words, "Let me die with the Philistines." In his death, he killed more Philistines than he had during his life. Legacy: Samson's life is a testament to the complexity of human nature and the sovereignty of God. Despite his personal failings, God used him to deliver Israel from its oppressors. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's calling and the consequences of straying from His commands. Samson is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32, highlighting his role in God's plan for Israel. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 4:18And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck broke, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. Nave's Topical Index Library The Judges. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents Chapter xlix Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Against Jovinianus. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Excerpts of Theodotus; A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Resources Why did God judge Nineveh so harshly in the book of Nahum? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians judge the teachings of their leaders? | GotQuestions.org If we are born in sin, how is it fair for God to judge us for our sin? | GotQuestions.org Judge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judge: Appointed by the Persians Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Judge: Corrupt: The Judges of Jezreel Judge: Judges (Outstanding Leaders) of Israel: During the Time when the Land Was Ruled by Judges Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Judge: Samson: Samuel As the Leader (Judge) Judge: Samson: The Sons of Samuel Related Terms |
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