Samson, one of the most renowned judges of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative for his extraordinary feats of strength, which were divinely bestowed upon him. His life and acts are chronicled in the Book of Judges, where he is depicted as a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth, a vow that included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair. Samson's miraculous strength was a direct result of his Nazirite vow and the Spirit of the Lord coming powerfully upon him.

The Slaughter of the Philistines with a Jawbone

One of the most notable miracles performed by Samson is the slaying of a thousand Philistines using the jawbone of a donkey. This event is recorded in Judges 15:14-17. As Samson was bound and delivered to the Philistines by the men of Judah, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and the ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands. Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he reached out, took it, and struck down a thousand men. Samson then declared, "With the jawbone of a donkey, I have piled them into heaps. With the jawbone of a donkey, I have slain a thousand men" (Judges 15:16). This miraculous victory demonstrated God's power working through Samson, delivering Israel from their oppressors.

The Collapse of the Temple of Dagon

Another significant miracle occurred at the end of Samson's life, as recorded in Judges 16:23-30. After being betrayed by Delilah and captured by the Philistines, Samson was blinded and imprisoned. During a celebration in the temple of Dagon, the Philistines brought Samson out to entertain them. Standing between the two central pillars of the temple, Samson prayed to the Lord, saying, "O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one final blow I may take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes" (Judges 16:28). God granted his request, and Samson pushed with all his might, causing the temple to collapse, killing more Philistines in his death than he had during his life. This act was a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the flawed and fallen to achieve His purposes.

Theological Significance

Samson's life and the miracles he performed serve as a powerful reminder of God's ability to use individuals for His divine purposes, regardless of their personal failings. His victories over the Philistines were not merely acts of personal vengeance but were part of God's larger plan to deliver Israel from oppression. Samson's account illustrates the theme of divine empowerment and the consequences of straying from one's divine calling. Despite his shortcomings, Samson's faith is acknowledged in the New Testament, where he is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32. His life underscores the truth that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, and His purposes prevail despite human frailty.Judges 14:19
And the Spirit of the LORD came on him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments to them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 15:15
And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... "Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and ... villages, and exacting probably
tolls from caravans passing through his domain ... Baalzebub was the god of Ekron ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... dwells in the laws, legends and miracles of Antichrist. ... are dead: yea, as they wrought
mischiefs, and ... God's dark and intricate dispensations, through which she ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .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

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

What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org

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