Topical Encyclopedia SamsonSamson is one of the most renowned figures in the Book of Judges, chapters 13 to 16, known for his extraordinary strength and his role as a judge over Israel. His life is marked by a Nazirite vow, which set him apart for God's service from birth. The angel of the LORD announced his birth to his parents, Manoah and his wife, who were childless. The angel instructed them that Samson was to be a Nazirite, which included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair (Judges 13:3-5). Samson's strength was legendary, and he performed many feats against the Philistines, who were oppressing Israel at the time. His exploits include killing a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6), striking down thirty Philistines (Judges 14:19), and slaying a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15). Despite his physical prowess, Samson's life was marred by personal weaknesses, particularly his relationships with women, which ultimately led to his downfall. Delilah Delilah is a central figure in the narrative of Samson's life, particularly in Judges 16. She is a Philistine woman whom Samson loved, and her account is pivotal in the account of his demise. The Philistine rulers approached Delilah, offering her a substantial sum of money to discover the secret of Samson's strength so they could overpower him (Judges 16:4-5). Delilah's persistence in coaxing Samson to reveal the source of his strength is a key element of the narrative. After several unsuccessful attempts, where Samson deceived her with false explanations, he finally disclosed that his strength lay in his uncut hair, a symbol of his Nazirite vow (Judges 16:16-17). Delilah then betrayed Samson by having his hair cut while he slept, leading to his capture by the Philistines (Judges 16:19-20). The Fall and Redemption of Samson Once captured, the Philistines gouged out Samson's eyes and imprisoned him, forcing him to grind grain in a prison mill (Judges 16:21). However, during his captivity, Samson's hair began to grow back, symbolizing the potential for his strength to return. In a final act of faith and repentance, Samson prayed to the LORD for strength one last time. During a Philistine celebration in the temple of Dagon, Samson was brought out to entertain the crowd. He positioned himself between the temple pillars and, with renewed strength from God, pushed them down, collapsing the temple and killing many Philistines along with himself (Judges 16:28-30). Samson's life serves as a complex narrative of divine empowerment, human frailty, and ultimate redemption. Despite his failures, he is remembered in the New Testament as a man of faith (Hebrews 11:32), illustrating the enduring grace and purposes of God even amidst human weakness. Topical Bible Verses Judges 16:1-31Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in to her. Topicalbible.org Strong's Hebrew 1807. Delilah -- Philistine mistress of Samson... 1806, 1807. Delilah. 1808 . Philistine mistress of Samson. Transliteration: Delilah Phonetic Spelling: (del-ee-law') Short Definition: Delilah. ... /hebrew/1807.htm - 6k Library Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ... The Story of Samson, the Strong Man A Strong Man who Lost his Strength Science and the Savages The Turning Point Samson Conquered Sleep Not Praying Saints of the Old Testaments Strength Profaned and Lost Sovereignty and Salvation Resources What was the source of Samson's strength? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some of the riddles in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about nagging? | GotQuestions.org Samson: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Samson is Avenged for the Estrangement of his Wife Samson is Blinded by the Philistines and Confined to Hard Labor in Prison Samson: A Danite, Son of Manoah Samson: A Judge (Leader, Hero) of Israel Samson: Cohabits With Delilah, a Prostitute; Her Machinations With the Philistines to Overcome Him Samson: Desires a Philistine Woman for his Wife; Kills a Lion Samson: His Marriage Feast and the Riddle Propounded Samson: Kills One-Thousand Philistines With the Jawbone of a Donkey Samson: Kills Thirty Philistines Samson: Miraculously Supplied With Water Related Terms |
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