Judges 16:22-31
When we left off, Samson had revealed the secret of his strength to Delilah, who promptly betrayed his trust and used it to have him captured for 1,100 pieces of silver. Samson was overpowered by the Philistine rulers, blinded and forced into slavery, grinding grain in Gaza.
Of course, this made the Philistines very happy. For so many years, this one man had tormented and defeated them; making a mockery of them. Now that they could return the favor, they were overjoyed and celebrating that victory. To add insult to injury, they even sent for Samson to be brought to the party as entertainment. They just couldn't leave well enough alone - remember that part about revenge not ending.
So, Samson came, with his guide. He asked to be propped up against the two pillars supporting the temple where the festivities were taking place. With all the drunken debauchery taking place, no one seemed to think anything of this. This was especially true since they had weakened and defeated him. It, apparently, never crossed any one's mind that hair grows back or that that growth could represent a renewal of strength.
Look at God. Through the humiliation and torment, Samson knew he could always call on God. Despite all that he had done wrong to get himself in that position, he knew that if anyone could help him, it was God. Unfortunately, he had the wrong personal motive (still revenge - this time for his eyes), but God will use whatever we bring him to do what he wants done.
So Samson prayed, while the crowd was mocking him, for God to give him strength one last time. (Funny how now, all of a sudden, he recognized that God is providing the strength.) As he stood there with both his hands on the support columns, he pushed them causing the entire temple to come crashing down, killing the more than 3,000 men and women there, including the Philistine rulers...and himself (also by request). The total killed at that one time was more than he had killed over his entire lifetime.
Afterward, his brothers came to collect his body and bury him near his father between Zorah and Eshtaol. So one man terrorized an entire nation all because of revenge. At least that was the human side of it. The sovereign part was the Philistines pagan and idol worshiping practices being punished. Just as they were praising some fake gods for helping them defeat Samson, the true God stepped in to give Samson the final victory over them.
Thank you, Lord, for always having our back. When we've done wrong and turned away from you, disobeying your will, you are always waiting in the wings to forgive us and draw us back to you. Thank you, dear God, for your patience and love. Thank you for fighting our battles through us and for us. May we always acknowledge and appreciate your presence and participation in our lives. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
When we left off, Samson had revealed the secret of his strength to Delilah, who promptly betrayed his trust and used it to have him captured for 1,100 pieces of silver. Samson was overpowered by the Philistine rulers, blinded and forced into slavery, grinding grain in Gaza.
Of course, this made the Philistines very happy. For so many years, this one man had tormented and defeated them; making a mockery of them. Now that they could return the favor, they were overjoyed and celebrating that victory. To add insult to injury, they even sent for Samson to be brought to the party as entertainment. They just couldn't leave well enough alone - remember that part about revenge not ending.
So, Samson came, with his guide. He asked to be propped up against the two pillars supporting the temple where the festivities were taking place. With all the drunken debauchery taking place, no one seemed to think anything of this. This was especially true since they had weakened and defeated him. It, apparently, never crossed any one's mind that hair grows back or that that growth could represent a renewal of strength.
Look at God. Through the humiliation and torment, Samson knew he could always call on God. Despite all that he had done wrong to get himself in that position, he knew that if anyone could help him, it was God. Unfortunately, he had the wrong personal motive (still revenge - this time for his eyes), but God will use whatever we bring him to do what he wants done.
So Samson prayed, while the crowd was mocking him, for God to give him strength one last time. (Funny how now, all of a sudden, he recognized that God is providing the strength.) As he stood there with both his hands on the support columns, he pushed them causing the entire temple to come crashing down, killing the more than 3,000 men and women there, including the Philistine rulers...and himself (also by request). The total killed at that one time was more than he had killed over his entire lifetime.
Afterward, his brothers came to collect his body and bury him near his father between Zorah and Eshtaol. So one man terrorized an entire nation all because of revenge. At least that was the human side of it. The sovereign part was the Philistines pagan and idol worshiping practices being punished. Just as they were praising some fake gods for helping them defeat Samson, the true God stepped in to give Samson the final victory over them.
Thank you, Lord, for always having our back. When we've done wrong and turned away from you, disobeying your will, you are always waiting in the wings to forgive us and draw us back to you. Thank you, dear God, for your patience and love. Thank you for fighting our battles through us and for us. May we always acknowledge and appreciate your presence and participation in our lives. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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