By Faith: Samson
Samson has a very complicated story. The evidence in the book of Judges paints a picture of a man who was a judge of Israel, a strong and courageous warrior who had a great weakness. What makes this more complicated is that Samson is mentioned in Hebrews 11 among the faithful. So how do we reconcile the sins and poor decisions of Samson with someone who is numbered among the faithful witnesses of Hebrews 11?
Samson’s Strength
From birth, the child Samson was set apart by Jehovah when he opened the womb of Manoah's wife. The child was to take part in a Nazirite vow, and he would be a savior for Israel from the Philistines (cf. Judges 13-14). The child was born and became a man of supernatural strength and functioned as a judge over Israel (Judges14:6).
Samson’s Weakness
Samson's weakness was women. First, he sought a Philistine wife despite the weak attempt of his parents to dissuade him from marrying outside of Israel. This led to a close and troublesome relationship with his extended family and their countrymen. Now, God was able to use the situation for the deliverance of Israel but notice how Samson's weakness for women caused compromise in his life. He attached himself to a harlot and then became attached to a woman named Delilah (cf. Judges 16) who led him to give up his weakness and cause him to break his Nazirite vow. This weakness caused him to lose all his strength. This was not the end of Samson's story though.
Samson’s Strength in His Weakness
Samson's strength in his weakness was Jehovah. Judges 16:28ff is the account of his prayer of return and repentance. As far as Scripture is concerned, this is the first instance in the Scripture of Samson praying since Judges 15:18 where he gave God credit for his strength and asked for water.
He called to Jehovah and implored him to strengthen him one more time. Samson knew that his strength was from more than his locks of hair. His strength came from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. He knew that if he would ever regain his strength, he would use it for God's agenda. His prayer was to be avenged of the Philistines. It was in the mind of Samson what he would do if God answered his prayer. Previously, Samson had requested that he could rest upon the two pillars that held the house up; this request was granted by the Philistines and they mocked him, making sport of him as he was there incapacitated. Samson's state was miserable. He was blind, weak, and without hope. It was at that moment he turned to Jehovah.
Samson proceeded to take hold of the pillars with both hands, and he prayed and said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” It was then that he pulled with all his might, and the house collapsed, killing everyone in it. It was noted that Samson killed more in this instance than in his entire life. Some have the understanding that Samson committed suicide by his actions. I do not think the text implies that in this account. He was praying in verse 28, he took the pillars in verse 29, and in verse 30 it seems clear that he is praying again. Who else could grant him the power to die with the Philistines? Samson has been subdued in the first place by the Philistines because his strength left him when his vow was broken. He prayed that His strength would return to him so that he might be avenged of the Philistines. Jehovah restored Samson's strength, He answered His prayer. Without Jehovah, Samson would stay where he was weak and subdued.
The text makes it pretty clear that God granted Samson's prayer and allowed him to destroy the house, the enemy therein, and die in faith. Samson did not care to remain in the state he was in. Samson's actions are similar to a soldier running into battle to fight the enemy where death is almost certain. We might also compare it to our police and firemen who put their lives on the line with a greater purpose in mind. Samson wanted to destroy the enemies of God who happened to be his enemies as well. Just consider the boast of the Philistines after subduing Samson, "And the lords of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand" (Jud. 16:23). The Philistines occasion was purposed in glorifying a false god for the capture of Samson. Samson wanted that stopped immediately. God granted his prayer. Finally, if Samson committed suicide, then it would be classified as Jehovah-assisted suicide because Samson could never pull down those pillars alone, could he? How then would Samson be considered faithful if he simply killed himself in desperation? It would be in direct violation of the law of Moses, “Thou shalt not kill (murder)” (Ex. 20:13). I think we forget this simple detail—God answered Samson’s prayer and allowed him to do what he asked to do. Samson’s prayer sought to accomplish the will of God by destroying the Philistines who oppressed His people. Samson was willing to give his life to accomplish this, and, in turn, he would be relieved of the condition that he suffered.
The Faith of Samson
Samson’s faith in God is recognized among others in the book of Hebrews.
And what shall I more say? for the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah; of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens.
Hebrews 11:32-34
Was not Samson made strong from weakness? The New Testament certainly gives us a more complete view of the life and faith of Samson. We need not read more into this account than what is written. Samson sinned, he repented, his strength was restored and he died in faith.
How can we be made strong again? Sin destroys, defames, and weakens, yet God’s lovingkindness, mercy, and favor are extended to the ones who turn back to Him in faith. Sometimes we need to remember it's not how you start or where you are at right now that has to define where you end up. You can turn to God and let Him give you strength.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
