(story told in Judges 13-16)
Samson’s story began before he was born. An angel appeared to his parents, telling them that their son would be set apart by God to help deliver Israel from the Philistines. As a sign of this calling, Samson was never to cut his hair, drink wine, or touch anything unclean. From his youth, God gave him incredible physical strength, which he used to fight Israel’s enemies.
As Samson grew older, his temper and poor choices often got him into trouble. He married a Philistine woman against his parents’ advice, and during his wedding feast, a riddle he gave led to anger and revenge. Later, he fell in love with another Philistine woman named Delilah, who became part of his downfall.
The Philistine rulers promised Delilah money if she could discover the secret of Samson’s strength. After many attempts, Samson finally told her the truth—that his strength came from his uncut hair. While he slept, Delilah cut his hair, and the Philistines captured him. They blinded him and forced him to work in prison, mocking the man who once terrified them.
In time, Samson’s hair began to grow again. During a great celebration in the temple of the Philistine god Dagon, Samson prayed to God for strength one last time. God heard him, and Samson pushed down the temple pillars, collapsing the building and defeating many enemies—even as he lost his own life.
Samson’s story shows that great strength without self-control can lead to ruin, but also that God’s mercy can bring purpose even out of failure. Through Samson, God showed His power to deliver His people, despite human weakness.