*Judges 16:22-31
Blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines, Samson regains his strength and brings down a temple upon himself and his enemies in a final act of vengeance.
- Samson’s Imprisonment and Humiliation:
- The Philistines capture Samson after Delilah betrays him by cutting his hair, the source of his supernatural strength.
- They gouge out his eyes and bind him in chains, subjecting him to humiliation and mockery in their prison.
- Samson’s Prayer for Strength:
- Despite his weakened state and loss of sight, Samson calls upon the Lord, pleading for a return of his strength one last time.
- Samson’s Revenge at the Philistine Temple:
- The Philistines gather at their temple to celebrate their triumph over Samson, bringing him out to entertain them.
- Unbeknownst to them, Samson’s hair begins to grow back, symbolizing a restoration of his strength.
- Samson positions himself between two central pillars supporting the temple, asking a young servant to guide him.
- With a prayer to God, Samson summons his strength and pushes against the pillars, causing the entire temple to collapse.
- The structure crushes Samson along with the Philistine rulers and a multitude of people, resulting in his death.
- Samson’s Ultimate Victory and Legacy:
- In his death, Samson kills more Philistines than he did during his lifetime, delivering a severe blow to Israel’s oppressors.
- Despite his flaws and weaknesses, Samson’s final act of bravery and sacrifice cements his place as one of Israel’s most renowned judges.
Judges 16:22-31 shows us that even after failure, God can still use us when we turn back to Him. Samson had made mistakes, but in his final moments, he prayed to God and was given strength one last time. This reminds us that no matter how many times we fall, God’s grace allows us to start again. When we humble ourselves and seek Him, He can use us for His purposes, even in our weakest moments. It’s never too late to trust in God and let Him work through us.
Judges 16:22-31 (WEB)
16:22 However, the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaved.23 The lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.” 24 When the people saw him, they praised their god; for they said, “Our god has delivered our enemy and the destroyer of our country, who has slain many of us, into our hand.”25 When their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson, that he may entertain us.” They called for Samson out of the prison; and he performed before them. They set him between the pillars; 26 and Samson said to the boy who held him by the hand, “Allow me to feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean on them.” 27 Now the house was full of men and women; and all the lords of the Philistines were there; and there were on the roof about three thousand men and women, who saw while Samson performed. 28 Samson called to the LORD, and said, “Lord GOD, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested and leaned on them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” He bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell on the lords, and on all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than those who he killed in his life.31 Then his brothers and all the house of his father came down and took him, and brought him up and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the burial site of Manoah his father. He judged Israel twenty years.