Samson

1. Samson Heb 11:32-34

2. Introduction • Samson: A man of faith? • Certainly a man of strength • Certainly a warrior • But he lived such a sinful life • Not really a “role-model” • So why is he listed with great men of faith like Abraham, Noah, Moses and David?

3. Samson’s story • The Philistines had been oppressing Israel for 40 years (Jdg 13:1) • This was due to the Israelites own sins • They wouldn’t allow Israelites to own iron • Prevented them from making good weapons

4. Samson’s story • An angel appears to Manoah’s barren wife- Jdg 13:3-5 • Announces the forthcoming birth of a son • The son would be a lifelong Nazirite • Must not drink any grape or alcoholic product • Must not eat anything unclean • Must not cut his hair • The boy would “begin to deliver Israel” from the Philistines

5. Samson’s story • Jdgs 13:25 – 14:4 • Samson chooses a Philistine wife • Samson’s only reason is she is beautiful • God uses Samson’s desire to further His own plan • God didn’t force Samson into wickedness

6. Samson’s Story • Jdgs 14:5-6 • Samson and parents go to meet the woman • Samson kills a lion along the way • Does so by tearing it apart (not choking it) • Later at time for wedding, Samson finds the carcass • Bees have formed a hive within • Samson eats of the honey • The honey would be unclean because touched a dead body

7. Samson’s story • Samson held a seven day feast for the wedding • Samson offers a riddle (Jdg 14:12-13) • The men threaten Samson’s wife if she doesn’t get the answer • She whines and begs • Samson finally gives her the answer • Samson knows how they solved the riddle • So he kills 30 Philistines and gives their clothes to the men who “solved” the riddle • It’s the first blow against the Philistines • See how God is using Samson

8. Samson’s Story • Samson went home without his wife • Brought a goat when he came back to her • Her father had already married her off to another • Samson uses 300 foxes to destroy the grain ready for harvest and the vineyards and olive groves • An economic blow to the Philistines

9. Samson’s story • Philistines inquire about the burning • Kill Samson’s wife and father by burning • Samson again enraged (Jdgs 15:7-8) • He struck them “ruthlessly with a great slaughter” • No body count but certainly into the hundreds due to later comparisons • Another blow by God against the Philistines • Samson wanted to quit and hide afterwards • But God wasn’t done with him

10. The men of Judah ask Samson to surrender • They were afraid of reprisals from Philistines • Samson surrenders and is delivered to the Philistines bound with 2 new ropes • Jdgs 15:14-16 • Uses donkey’s jawbone (unclean) • Kills 1,000 men • The blows of God against Philistines are getting more powerful (Jdgs 15:18)

11. Jdg 15:20 – Samson judged Israel for 20 yrs • Likely to have been some skirmishes with Philistines during that time • Or perhaps Philistines decide to back off for a time • Now story jumps ahead those 20 years • Samson perhaps late 30s or early 40s • Samson sleeps with a Philistine prostitute • He is still not a righteous man • Trapped in the city by Philistines • Removes gates and carries them away 7 miles, uphill

12. Samson then falls in love with another Philistine woman, Delilah • Lords of Philistines offer Delilah money to find out secret of his strength • There were 5 lords of the Philistines • 3 times she begs Samson, 3 times he lies and escapes • Jdgs 16:15-17 she “nags” for days

13. Samson’s story • Samson tells her about his Nazirite vow • Samson doesn’t really believe shaving his head will make a difference • Probably because he had broken the vow several times already • But God let him be captured (Jdgs 16:19-21) • Samson failed to realize he was being used by God for God’s purposes • Thought he was the one in control

14. Samson is blinded, chained, and put to work like an animal grinding grain • His hair begins to grow, but his strength doesn’t return • The 5 lords hold a celebration and bring in Samson to entertain them (Jdgs 16:23-24) • Samson prays (Jdgs 16:28-30) • He finally learned the true source of his strength • Wanted to make one final effort to strike a blow against the Philistines • All 5 lords, 3,000 on the roof, unknown how many others inside – all killed

15. What can we learn? • God can use wicked people to accomplish His plans • God punishes the wicked, even if that punishment seems delayed • Sin takes you farther than you want to go • Samson started by chasing the wrong woman • He became proud of “his” accomplishments • He kept getting deeper into sin • Ignored all warnings

16. What can we learn? • Sin and its consequences will hold you longer than you want to stay • Samson blinded, imprisoned, forced labor, humiliated • Sin will cost you more than you care to pay • Cost Samson sight, freedom, pride, and life • God will forgive anyone who truly repents and turns back to God

17. How do we know Samson was forgiven? • He prayed • God heard his prayer • God answered his prayer • God listed him in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith • It is only at the end of his life that we see Samson display any real faith in God

18. Conclusion • No matter who we are … • No matter what we’ve done … • No matter how often we may have failed in the past… • God wants us to turn to Him in faith, repentance and obedience • Why not now?