Topical Bible: Revenge: Samson

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Topical Encyclopedia

Samson, a judge of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure known for his extraordinary strength and complex relationship with the Philistines, the oppressors of Israel during his time. His life, as recorded in the Book of Judges, is marked by acts of revenge that highlight both his personal vendettas and his role as a deliverer of Israel.

Background

Samson's birth was foretold by an angel to his parents, who were instructed that he would be a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God (Judges 13:3-5). As a Nazirite, Samson was to abstain from wine, avoid contact with the dead, and never cut his hair. His strength was a divine gift, intended to begin the deliverance of Israel from Philistine oppression.

Acts of Revenge

1. The Riddle and the Foxes: Samson's first act of revenge occurs after his marriage to a Philistine woman. During the wedding feast, he poses a riddle to the Philistine guests, wagering garments as the prize. When his wife is coerced into revealing the answer, Samson retaliates by killing thirty Philistines to pay the wager (Judges 14:12-19). Later, upon discovering his wife was given to another man, Samson captures 300 foxes, ties their tails together with torches, and releases them into the Philistines' grain fields, vineyards, and olive groves, causing widespread destruction (Judges 15:3-5).

2. The Jawbone of a Donkey: In response to the Philistines' retaliation for the burning of their fields, Samson allows himself to be bound by the men of Judah and handed over to the Philistines. Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, he breaks free and slays a thousand Philistine men with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:14-16). This act of revenge further establishes his reputation as a formidable adversary.

3. The Gates of Gaza: Samson's exploits continue when he visits a prostitute in Gaza. The Philistines lay in wait to capture him, but Samson escapes by uprooting the city gates and carrying them to the top of a hill (Judges 16:1-3). This act not only humiliates the Philistines but also demonstrates his strength and cunning.

4. Final Act of Revenge: Samson's most significant act of revenge occurs at the end of his life. Betrayed by Delilah, he is captured, blinded, and imprisoned by the Philistines. During a celebration in the temple of Dagon, Samson prays to God for strength one last time. He pushes against the temple pillars, collapsing the structure and killing himself along with thousands of Philistines (Judges 16:28-30). This final act fulfills his role as a judge who begins to deliver Israel from Philistine domination.

Theological Implications

Samson's life is a testament to the complexity of divine purpose and human frailty. His acts of revenge, while personal, are also seen as part of God's plan to confront the Philistines. Despite his flaws and impulsive nature, Samson is listed among the faithful in Hebrews 11:32, indicating that his life, with all its imperfections, played a role in God's redemptive history for Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 15:7,8
And Samson said to them, Though you have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 16:28-30
And Samson called to the LORD, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray you, and strengthen me, I pray you, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

At that Time Samson Ruled Over the Hebrews, the Philistines Having ...
... it. And now Samson, conscious of his recovered strength, was only waiting
for an opportunity of righteous revenge. The Philistines ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxviii at that time.htm

Samson who did to Others as they did to Him
... Then Samson said to them, "If this is the way you do, I will not stop until I have
had my revenge on you!" So he fought fiercely and killed many of them; then ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samson who did to others.htm

Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ...
... it one of the greatest misfortunes, if he should not be able to revenge himself
when ... with three thousand men in it, who were all slain, and Samson with them. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the fortitude.htm

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
... that his son might not remember the injuries which the Athenians had done to him,
nor revenge his blood. ... Shall I die for thirst?' says Samson (Judges 15:18). ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/13 the nature of spiritual.htm

Here, by Way of Objection, Several Questions are Raised. ...
... and revenge (Judges 9:20); and hence God, by complying with the execration, seems
to approve of passionate impulses. Similar fervour also seized Samson, when ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 15 here by way.htm

Vain Confidence and Self-Deception.
... He slept on pleasure's lap, and woke. Shorn of his strength Poor Samson found. ... Brought
death with his revenge at length. The wily traitor was betray'd. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn xxxvi vain confidence and.htm

Jesus Before Herod.
... Romans, make a disturbance on the festival day, and take the most inhuman revenge. ...
Gaza, who gave vent to their wrath by tormenting poor blind Samson; were far ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xx jesus before herod.htm

The Power of God
... God's power will bind the sinner in chains. His power serves to revenge the
wrong done to his mercy. He ... believer. It was Samson's riddle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... ch.37., that Samson's prayer was heard, but that it was before this his transgression ...
as set down in Josephus, that he had abstained from just revenge, puts me ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Exile Continued.
... had killed Goliath, the scenes of Samson's exploits were all about him. Thither
fled to him his whole family, from fear, no doubt, of Saul's revenge falling on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm