The account of Samson killing a lion is a remarkable demonstration of divine empowerment and serves as a testament to the miraculous strength bestowed upon him by God. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 14:5-6.

Context and Background

Samson, a Nazirite from birth, was chosen by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. His life was marked by extraordinary feats of strength, which were manifestations of the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him. The incident of the lion's death occurs as Samson is on his way to Timnah to seek a Philistine woman as his wife, a decision that was part of God's sovereign plan to confront the Philistines.

The Encounter with the Lion

As Samson traveled to Timnah with his parents, he detoured into the vineyards of Timnah. It was there that he encountered a young lion. The Scripture in Judges 14:5-6 narrates, "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."

Significance of the Miracle

1. Divine Empowerment: The tearing of the lion with bare hands is a clear indication of the supernatural strength given to Samson by the Spirit of the Lord. This act was not merely a display of physical prowess but a divine intervention that equipped Samson for his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel.

2. Symbolism: The lion, often a symbol of power and ferocity, represents the formidable challenges and enemies that Israel faced. Samson's victory over the lion prefigures his future triumphs over the Philistines, showcasing God's ability to deliver His people through chosen instruments.

3. Secrecy and Humility: Samson's decision not to disclose the incident to his parents highlights a moment of humility and discretion. It underscores the personal nature of his calling and the private confirmation of God's presence and power in his life.

4. Foreshadowing: This miraculous event foreshadows the greater victories Samson would achieve against the Philistines. It serves as an early indication of his potential and the divine purpose for which he was set apart.

Theological Implications

The killing of the lion by Samson is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to equip His servants for the tasks He sets before them. It illustrates the principle that when God calls an individual, He also provides the necessary strength and resources to fulfill that calling. This miracle, like others in Samson's life, points to the ultimate deliverance that God provides through His chosen instruments, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer.

In summary, the account of Samson killing the lion is a vivid example of a miracle wrought through a servant of God, demonstrating divine strength, foreshadowing future deliverance, and affirming God's ongoing involvement in the lives of His people.Judges 14:6
And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily on him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... and the woof is the holy flesh wrought (woven) by ... merchants of the earth are waxed
rich through the abundance ... on the earth by means of those miracles which he ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

Concerning Persecution
... He will be wrought as wax. ... You Baynham, you papist that look for miracles, I feel
no more pain ... He casteth out devils through the prince of devils' (Matthew 9:34 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... it dwells in the laws, legends and miracles of Antichrist ... now they are dead: yea,
as they wrought mischiefs, and ... of those that are slain, thrust through with a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that ... means of his salvations,
he has wrought upon them ... in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that ... means of his salvation,
he has wrought upon them ... he, 'in his kindness towards us through Christ Jesus ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... While these were passing through the mountains they called ... alarmed at its advent,
and exclaimed, "God is come ... ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ... But this shall not fail to
be wrought in them ... He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... his dream, the man that cut his way through his enemies ... and so, with the Man that
hath wrought it for ... They also began to vilify His servants, and to count the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the ... had sinned himself quite out of
hopes of God's mercy; and ... a venturous man and cut his way through the armed ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

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