Topical Bible: Samson: A Danite, Son of Manoah

◄ Samson: A Danite, Son of Manoah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Samson, a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, is one of the most renowned judges of Israel. Known for his extraordinary strength and tumultuous life, Samson's account is a testament to the complexities of human nature and divine purpose. He is a member of the tribe of Dan and the son of Manoah, a man from Zorah.

Birth and Nazirite Vow:
Samson's birth was foretold by an 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. This vow included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair (Judges 13:3-5).

Early Life and Marriage:
Samson's life was marked by his interactions with the Philistines, Israel's oppressors at the time. His first recorded act of defiance against them was his marriage to a Philistine woman from Timnah, which was "from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines" (Judges 14:4). This marriage led to a series of conflicts, including the famous incident where Samson posed a riddle to the Philistines and later killed thirty men in Ashkelon to settle a wager (Judges 14:12-19).

Feats of Strength:
Samson's strength was legendary, and he performed several feats that demonstrated his power. He killed a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6), struck down a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15), and carried the gates of Gaza to the top of a hill (Judges 16:3). These acts were often driven by personal vendettas but served the larger purpose of weakening the Philistine hold over Israel.

Delilah and Betrayal:
Samson's downfall came through his relationship with Delilah, a woman from the Valley of Sorek. The Philistine rulers bribed her to discover the secret of his strength. After several failed attempts, Samson finally revealed that his strength lay in his uncut hair. Delilah betrayed him, and the Philistines captured and blinded him (Judges 16:4-21).

Death and Legacy:
In his final act, Samson's strength returned as his hair began to grow back. During a Philistine celebration in the temple of Dagon, Samson prayed to the LORD for strength one last time. He pushed down the temple pillars, killing himself and thousands of Philistines, thus achieving a significant victory for Israel (Judges 16:28-30).

Theological Significance:
Samson's life is a complex narrative of divine empowerment and human weakness. Despite his personal failings, he fulfilled his role as a judge and began the deliverance of Israel from Philistine oppression. His account illustrates the sovereignty of God in using flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes and serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from divine commandments.

References in Scripture:
Samson's account is primarily found in Judges 13-16. He is also mentioned in the New Testament as a man of faith in Hebrews 11:32, highlighting his role in the history of Israel and his inclusion among the heroes of faith.

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Judges 13:2-7,24,25
And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bore not.
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