Topical Bible: Lion: Killed by Samson

◄ Lion: Killed by Samson ►

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The account of Samson killing a lion is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the extraordinary strength bestowed upon Samson by God. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 14:5-6. Samson, a Nazirite from birth, was set apart by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. His feats of strength are legendary, and the slaying of the lion is one of the first demonstrations of his God-given power.

Biblical Account:

In Judges 14:5-6 , the Scripture recounts: "Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, and 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. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done."

This passage highlights several key elements:

1. Divine Empowerment: The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon Samson, enabling him to perform this incredible feat. This divine empowerment is a recurring theme in Samson's life, underscoring that his strength was not of his own making but a gift from God for the purpose of delivering Israel.

2. Symbolism of the Lion: In biblical literature, the lion often symbolizes strength, power, and danger. Samson's victory over the lion can be seen as a metaphor for his role in overcoming the Philistine oppression, a task that required divine intervention and strength beyond human capability.

3. Secrecy and Personal Struggle: Samson's decision not to tell his parents about the incident may reflect his personal struggle with his identity and calling. Throughout his life, Samson often acted independently, sometimes in ways that conflicted with his Nazirite vows and divine mission.

4. Foreshadowing: This event foreshadows Samson's future exploits against the Philistines. Just as he overcame the lion, he would later confront and defeat many Philistines, albeit with a complex interplay of personal failings and divine purpose.

Theological Implications:

The account of Samson and the lion serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ways in which He equips His chosen servants for their tasks. It also illustrates the tension between human weakness and divine strength, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Samson's life, marked by both triumph and tragedy, reflects the complexities of human nature and the need for reliance on God's power.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, lions were considered formidable predators, and tales of lion slayers were part of the heroic tradition. Samson's encounter with the lion would have resonated with contemporary audiences as a demonstration of divine favor and heroism. The setting in the vineyards of Timnah also situates the event within the broader narrative of Samson's interactions with the Philistines, as Timnah was a Philistine territory.

Overall, the account of Samson killing the lion is a powerful testament to the ways in which God can use individuals, despite their flaws, to accomplish His purposes. It serves as an enduring symbol of divine strength triumphing over seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 14:5-9
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... At last Samson yielded, and told his wife how he had killed the lion and
afterward found the honey in its body. She told her people ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

Samson who did to Others as they did to Him
... And what is stronger than a lion?" And he said to them: ... and he went down to Ashkelon
and killed thirty of ... a while, at the time of wheat harvest, Samson went to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samson who did to others.htm

A Bible-Riddle
... unexpectedly sometimes. And they would devour your souls just as this lion
would have eaten up Samson had he not killed it. And when ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a bible-riddle.htm

Meeting the Lions
... Face your trials boldly, and the Spirit of the Lord will come mightily upon you
as it did upon Samson, and you will ... The lion must be killed before the bees ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk six meeting the lions.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... it is a lion, and he is neither Samson, nor David ... that this sluggard said that there
was a lion without, and he ... a novel thing for people to be killed by lions ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... Who was in Samson, when he killed the lion that met him as he went to get a wife
among strangers, but He who, when going to call His Church from among the ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Concerning Persecution
... Samson's strength was in his locks. ... wrapped his shirt about his arm and thrust it
into the lion's mouth and taking hold of his tongue killed the lion. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... "Dan," he says, "is a lion's whelp;" and ... Well, the prophecy had its partial fulfilment
in Samson, but its ... man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... it and tamed it; and I slew a lion, and plucked a ... hand; and I slang stones at them,
and killed four of ... 19:43), and with the Timnathah where Samson's wife dwelt ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

New Uses for Old Trophies
... he wonder if, when next he goes forth, as Samson of old ... at length we perceived that
it must be killed or it ... You slew the lion, and you slew the bear, and this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/new uses for old trophies.htm