In the stories of the Old Testament, we find Moses, David, and some of the prophets proclaiming the words “The Lord is my strength”. In the case of Samson, one of the great Judges of Israel prior to the age of Kings, this was true in a unique way. Samson was a Nazarite, which meant he was dedicated to God in a specific manner, and was not allowed to drink wine or strong drink. He was to remain ritually pure, and he was not allowed to cut his hair. For Samson, his uncut hair was the source of incredible physical strength. IN THIS CARD is the image of when Samson killed and tore apart a lion with his bare hands. Many other stories of Samsons strength abound, but what is most important is that Samson received this strength because of his obedience to his vows to God. His final act was to destroy the Philistine temple by bringing down the pillars as he prayed O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God…” Judges 16:28.
Judges 14:5–6 “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him…” and Samson tears a young lion apart as easily as a young goat.
Judges 14:19 The Spirit of the LORD comes upon him again, and he kills 30 men to pay off his riddle wager.
Judges 15:4–5 He captures 300 foxes, ties them in pairs, and burns the Philistine fields.
Judges 15:14 When bound with fresh ropes, Samson breaks them off “as flax that was burned with fire.”
Judges 15:15–17 One of the most famous strength events — he single-handedly defeats a massive force.
Judges 16:3 Samson tears loose the massive city gates, posts and all, and carries them to the top of a hill near Hebron.
Judges 16:28–30 After praying for restored strength, Samson collapses the temple, killing the Philistine leaders and many inside.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala