Samson

Lore & Background

Samson's role begins with his birth and blessing by the Lord (Judges 13:24). He then goes to Timnath, where he sees a Philistine woman and insists on marrying her despite his parents' objections (Judges 14:1-3). During the wedding feast, he poses a riddle to the Philistines, which they solve by threatening his wife, leading to his anger and the eventual loss of his wife to his companion (Judges 14:12-20). Later, Samson seeks revenge on the Philistines by catching three hundred foxes, tying firebrands to their tails, and setting their fields ablaze (Judges 15:4-5). The Philistines retaliate by burning his wife and her father (Judges 15:6). Samson then declares he will be avenged, and later kills a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ass (Judges 15:7-16). He is later bound by the men of Judah and handed over to the Philistines (Judges 15:10-12). Samson's encounter with Delilah involves her repeatedly asking the secret of his strength; he initially deceives her with false answers, but eventually reveals that his strength is tied to his hair (Judges 16:6-13). The passages do not record the final outcome of this revelation.

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Samson as a man of great physical strength and impulsive actions, often driven by personal desire and vengeance. His marriage to a Philistine woman is presented as a source of conflict, as his parents question why he would take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines (Judges 14:3). His riddle and subsequent anger show a pattern of provocation and retaliation. His revenge using foxes and firebrands (Judges 15:4-5) and his slaughter of a thousand men with a jawbone (Judges 15:16) emphasize his formidable power. However, his strength is also a point of vulnerability, as Delilah's persistent questioning reveals that he can be deceived (Judges 16:6-13). The men of Judah's willingness to bind him and hand him over to the Philistines (Judges 15:10-12) indicates that his actions sometimes put his own people at risk. Overall, Samson is depicted as a flawed but powerful figure whose exploits are both destructive and self-destructive.

Did You Know?

• Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend (Judges 14:20).
• Samson caught three hundred foxes, tied firebrands between their tails, and set them loose in Philistine fields (Judges 15:4-5).
• Samson carried the doors of the city gate of Gaza, with the two posts and bar, to the top of a hill before Hebron (Judges 16:3).
• Delilah bound Samson with seven green withs, new ropes, and weaving his hair, but he broke free each time (Judges 16:7-13).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Samson was the last of the judges of the ancient Israelites mentioned in the Book of Judges (chapters 13 to 16) and one of the last leaders who "judged" the twelve tribes of Israel before the institution of the monarchy." — Samson "And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle." — Samson "And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men." — Samson "And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes." — Samson