Samson was one of the great Judges, who led Israel prior to the age of Kings. He was a Nazarite, which meant he was dedicated to God with special vows. He was not to consume alcoholic drinks, was to always remain ritually pure, and he was never to cut his hair. For Samson, his hair was the source of incredible physical strength. He once killed and tore apart a lion with his bare hands, and killed 1000 Philistines, Israels mortal enemies, with a donkey’s jawbone. Samson, whose weakness was his attraction to beautiful women, fell for Delilah, a Philistine. The Philistine leaders had been looking for a way to master him. They bribed Delilah to find out his weakness, and finally after several failed attempts she got him to divulge his secret. She then had his hair shaved off while he slept, and Samson lost all of his strength. The Philistines captured him, gouged his eyes out and imprisoned him. One day Samson was made to entertain the Philistines in their pagan temple. His hair had begun to grow back, and he asked God to remember him one last time. His strength returned and in one final act, which claimed his own life, he stood between some pillars and brought the entire temple down upon his enemies.
Judges 13:1–25 The announcement of Samson’s birth to his parents by an angel.
Judges 14:1–20 Samson’s marriage and the riddle at the wedding feast.
Judges 15:1–20 Samson’s conflicts with the Philistines, including killing many with the jawbone of a donkey.
Judges 16:1–31 Samson and Delilah, his betrayal, capture, and final act of strength when he brings down the Philistine temple.
Illustration by: Colton Rompala