Topical Bible: The Lion: Slain by Samson

◄ The Lion: Slain by Samson ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Samson slaying the lion is a significant event in the narrative of Samson, one of the judges of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges. This episode highlights the extraordinary strength bestowed upon Samson by the Spirit of the LORD and serves as a prelude to his subsequent exploits against the Philistines.

Biblical Account

The account is found in Judges 14:5-6. As Samson travels to Timnah with his parents to arrange his marriage, he encounters a young lion. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the event as follows:

"Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. 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."

Context and Significance

This incident occurs during a period when the Israelites were under Philistine oppression. Samson's birth had been foretold by an angel, and he was set apart as a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God with specific vows, including abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair (Judges 13:3-5).

The slaying of the lion is the first recorded demonstration of Samson's supernatural strength, a gift from God intended to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. The Spirit of the LORD empowering Samson signifies divine intervention and approval, marking him as God's chosen instrument despite his personal flaws and impulsive nature.

Symbolism and Typology

In biblical symbolism, the lion often represents strength, power, and sometimes danger. Samson's victory over the lion can be seen as a metaphor for God's power to overcome formidable challenges. It also foreshadows Samson's future victories over the Philistines, who are depicted as a lion-like threat to Israel.

Furthermore, the lion's carcass later becomes the source of a riddle posed by Samson at his wedding feast, after he finds bees and honey within it (Judges 14:8-14). This riddle, "Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet," not only serves as a narrative device but also illustrates the theme of God bringing good out of perilous situations.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Samson's encounter with the lion underscores the theme of divine empowerment. It is a reminder that God equips those He calls with the necessary strength to fulfill their mission. Despite Samson's personal shortcomings, God's purposes prevail, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people.

The episode also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience and the consequences of neglecting one's vows. Samson's life, marked by moments of great triumph and tragic failure, reflects the tension between human weakness and divine strength.

In summary, the slaying of the lion by Samson is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. It highlights the interplay of divine power and human agency, offering insights into the character of God and His dealings with His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 14:5,6
Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ...
... sun-setting, and said, "Nothing is more disagreeable than a lion to those ... pillars,
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 Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... And what is stronger than a lion?" And Samson said to ... With the jawbone of an ass,
have I slain a thousand ... After this Samson went down to the chief city of the ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

Samson who did to Others as they did to Him
... And what is stronger than a lion?" And he said to them ... Then Samson said ... bone of an
ass have I piled them, mass on mass; A thousand warriors have I slain with the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samson who did to others.htm

One Lion Two Lions no Lion at All
... than he can face: it is a lion, and he is neither Samson, nor David ... And then look
at the base conclusion,""There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/one lion two lions no.htm

Introduction.
... the other hand that the wedlock could not have been established unless the lion
of the tribe of Judah had been slain; and so ... This lion, then, Samson as a ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/introduction 2.htm

There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... Saul and Ahab, were slain because they desired, to have mercy on the evil ones,
and they were not slain who were ... I remember Samson that lion's whelp, who ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm

Samson Conquered
... I shall find a lesson for you in the history of Samson. ... with the jaw-bone of an ass,
have I slain my thousand ... that foe may get on him: though the lion may have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/samson conquered.htm

Peace
... Devil]. Tertullian. When Samson had slain the lion, there came honey out
of the lion; so by slaying sin, we get the honey of peace. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

The First Kings.
... Samuel, the wonderful child of Elkanah and Hannah, given to them, like Jephthah
and Samson, as a ... The juvenile shepherd and hero, who had slain a lion and a ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

A Caution to Stir up to Watch against Sin
... maintain, On purpose that thou by it might'st be slain. ... them to its will, Holds them,
as Samson grinded at ... may, 'Twill soon upon thee as a lion prey; 'Twill ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a caution to stir up.htm