Scripture Reading: Judges 13:1-14, Judges 13:24-25, Judges 16:1-31
The account of Samson (Judges 13–16) has historically been told to me as a favorite Sunday-school story about a perceived hero. In actuality, it reads like a tragedy. I’ve found that many Bible characters are often painted this way—premature hopefuls for the promised Savior. These Bible characters were all shadows of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. The difference is, Jesus saves us for all eternity and does not have even a blemish of sin.
When I go to the text, Samson, like so many others, had major sins that would make any of us blush. Though God used him to save Israel, Samson’s path was colored with failure and foolishness. On many occasions, he acted more like a Philistine than the judge of the Israelites. Samson garnered supernatural strength from God, but Samson’s strength was limited, poised on the top of his head, and could be obliterated with a mere haircut. God doesn’t tend to use these means of strength for us in modern history, but He does still give us supernatural strength.
Our family recently walked through a difficult year, and it has me reflecting on how God’s strength shows up in our lives. Our little family of four sustained a seizure diagnosis, two miscarriages, postpartum anxiety, Lyme disease that cropped up while trying to refresh on a vacation, a week-long hospital stay after a routine outpatient procedure, and then an unexpected foot procedure that had me, the mom, hobbling around. The illusion of control breaks down after a year like this.
Does God show up for us in these types of moments? And if He does, how does He do it? Christians aren’t commanded to grow our hair to keep God’s strength inside us, but He does still give us tangible ways to experience His power. When the clock ticks down on another sleepless night and anxiety is boring holes in your hope, the Bible reminds us that He is stronger than the darkness threatening to consume us. Our hearts can find rest in the leading of the Holy Spirit. When the dawn breaks, we find comfort in the rich truth of God’s power. He uses the church to come alongside us: fellow Christians to pray for us, encourage us, bring us meals, to fill our needs. He empowers us to move through our circumstances with the help of our spiritual family.
So while we know Samson isn’t the hero of our story today (or any of the stories we’re reading), we can mirror the prayer Samson offered by saying, “Strengthen me, God.” He is faithful to bring you back to Himself and give you His strength.
Written by Kasey Moffett
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56 thoughts on "Samson"
Hi Shes. I havent really been active here but wanted to give an update on a prayer request from months ago regarding a coworker who I was having issues with.. the older man who hsd anger issues. He left last week.
I am at peace with how I have handled myself the past few months. I was respectful and patient. The Lord kept telling me to just keep quiet and do my best.
The man told the owners he didn’t like me and could not work with me when they were confronting him about an issue that day. When they asked him why he disliked me, he had no real reason. Just burning anger towards my existence, lol. I laugh, but truly it has created so much sadness in my heart. I pray this man finds it in his heart to one day forgive me and see me with Christ’s eyes. I also pray he finds peace with God again.. he WAS a Christian when I met him…though all the fruit of that dissipated over the last 8 months.
Anyways, all that to say is I don’t know if he will return, but I know my boss would let him back if he made things right. I just pray to have peace always, regardless of whether or not I see this man ever again. I know I did the right thing the past few months. I sought counsel and prayed a lot. It is weird to have someone leave a great job because of “me” – but I know it isn’t about me. It is Christ in me he is rejecting.
Still processing all this but thank you for those who prayed for this situation. We are trying to hire someone new either way.
❤️ God’s will be done.
Precious Michelle, I know it is somewhat of a relief to not have to deal with this man any longer; however, I am sure it hurts to have someone who dislikes you that much. I have prayed about this situation for you and am still praying that God will give you His peace in this. ❤️
I am so comforted that God can and does use such flawed people. Throughout the reading I thought “my word – what a fool”. But how often am I foolish or selfish or just plain wrong? I am so grateful for the flaws of these men and women
For those who have prayed for my caregiver situation, thank you. It has taken a turn for the worse over the weekend. She is not at all acting like the friend I have known for years, and I am truly concerned about her mental state, but I’m pretty sure that I’m going to have to let her go. I can’t trust someone who is betraying and backstabbing be to others, and outright lying about what others have said, trying to get more money out of me. Not my job. She has never been like this before, but it’s so bizarre that I no longer feel safe having her around my son, and all this is going down on yet another holiday weekend. Please keep those prayers coming.
:-(
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Dear Margaret, I am praying that God will give you wisdom on how to handle this situation. ❤️
Sigh.
What a foolish, foolish heart Samson.
Hadn’t you heard, fool me once, Shame on you.
Fool me twice, Shame on me.
And there you go stupidly into the third & final round of arrogance & deception in dalliance with Delilah.
What a foolish heart, foolish heart
that only God in the end game can use for His good purpose.
And the Philistine temple came tumbling down.
Yes, it always amazes me that he was in this situation twice and chose to go through it again. He was wise but appeared to common sense. Sounds sort of like us sometimes. Thanks be to God for taking care of us even when we are dumb.
Amen!
I loved this reading. God can and will use us for His purposes even when we falter.
I loved that God blessed Samson’s parents by opening his mother’s womb to birth others babies because she was obedient. God allowed them to take Samson and give him a proper buried. God gave them closure.
KASEY MOFFETT- God bkess you, sister, with better days ahead! ❤
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Pinging off of all the wonderful insights you sisters have shared:
Once again we see God use what was meant for evil (Samson’s blindness) to be used for Good- it brought Samson back to God. And what Samson wanted for revenge (God’s strength), God used to accomplish His will.
It’s so sad that Samson didn’t cry out to God desiring relationship with Him or to fulfill his calling to save his people from the Philistines – only revenge for what they had done to him.
Praise God Jesus is our true Savior.
Love, hugs, and prayets! ❤
Kasey Moffett, what a year! Praying for better years ahead!
The story of Samson always makes sad, even how it ended. He only wanted to avenge himself not glorify God. BUT, God still heard and gave him strength! It shows how much God loves us.
When we cry out to Him no matter where we are, He hears us and will strengthen us! He is so faithful!
Praying for all!
Resonated with what Kasey said: “When the clock ticks down on another sleepless night and anxiety is boring holes in your hope, the Bible reminds us that He is stronger than the darkness threatening to consume us.” Many nights (and as my daughter is next to me and sharing) as I sat on the corner of that black couch crying out to God and I know He heard me, “Strengthen me, God.” And He did! God is good!
I am struck by the faithfulness of his father and mother. We don’t know much about them, but they did not question what the angel Sampson‘s mother. What an amazing couple.
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God has formed us and knit each of us in the womb…giving us our uniqueness, talents, abilities, personality. ALL for doing his work. We will either use our life and gifts for him in a positive way or, unknowingly perhaps, in a negative way. The thing is, it seems most are really just living in the middle unknowingly, doing life for their own pleasure, wants, needs, and desires. Then life starts to spiral and throws the “can’t fix it,” “can’t control” situations, traumas, or hurts in. Each time this happens it’s a chance, an opportunity to see we are not as in control of our life as we had presumed, and the need of a Savior. Some of us are the stiff-necked that take many, many times to see because of course we are blind. God, open our eyes. I was blind for many years as a young adult, trying to figure it all out on my own. Wanting fun and a loose grip of you. But, you had more for me. Maybe you used those years of a “this is not how you act as a Christian” influence. You surely used it to break ME down, until rather than using other bandages that would further harm me, I looked to you…called out to you on my knees. Just like Samson. Thank you Jesus. He was living wrong, I was living wrong. I got new eyes. Thank you Jesus!
I hope I use my anointing in a way that glorifies you always. I don’t want to lose your strength Lord. It certainly doesn’t come from me! Let me share a funny story…that has since been affirmed twice by God in two messages! Last Wednesday, leading at jail ministry, ya’ll know how nervous I get speaking, but have gotten somewhat comfortable in the overall flow. But, I have had to do the salvation call when new ladies come. The week before..it was smooth and wonderful with 4 new ladies raising their hands! Hallelujah! Then, this week, it started awkward..but I began anyway after asking anyone else to lead (that’s another issue—Why aren’t we as Christians READY to lead others to call Jesus into their hearts??!!) and them shaking their heads. I got a few sentences in and totally went blank, then got in my head, nervousness…I couldn’t recall what I had said and what “I” needed to still say!! No–no great recovery.
In church Sunday…the speaker was talking about how a “not so good” teacher was leading and did the alter call and he thought..he was so boring…I feel bad for him…no one is raising their hands….oh geez! THEN…one hand started raising and another, and many!! Thank God it is the HOLY SPIRIT working in their hearts!
And then on the radio this morning…same thing…(both were referring to Acts..when the Spirit landing on the disciples and others) that there was a “not so good leader” but luckily it wasn’t about him!
It is so good to be humble (which I have no problem thinking I am good on my own!).
Even though I humble laughed at myself afterwards, it was still a call to practice and know what God wants me to say because it’s in his word. And then the Holy Spirit will do the rest! Our leader will be out for another good 4 weeks…so I get much time to pray/practice, pray/practice..Lord help me to be a vessel for you, but you ultimately open their eyes to see, their ears to hear, and their heart to receive. It is a GLORIOUS, AMAZING thing when it happens…I jump for joy and praise with all the angels in heaven when one lost sheep is found!!
My nephew is currently in jail,(for the first time) he is a lost sheep. Would you all pray that this situation is one of the “can’t fix it or control on your own” moments. That something would penetrate his mind and heart to turn to God in prayer?! My sister asked me this morning to send him a note of encouragement (and maybe my group as well). I need the right words to say to him. Thank you! And pray for me as I go to jail ministry each Wednesday to feel confident as a daughter of the King, that has made me in the womb to do His good works!!
Have a good Memorial day friends, honoring and blessing those that have served and laid down their lives.
Praying for your nephew Rhonda. I pray he will turn the corner in jail. Happy Memorial Day. I attended an event this morning with my friend in my town. It was very touching and beautiful.
Thank you sweet friend!
That is wonderful you attended an event- I have to say I feel guilty not to attend any, I think we really need to be more focused on the aspect of what the day is really about. What a selfless act to serve.
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When we release the control we think we have, we can experience God’s true rest by trusting Him in the darkness and the storm. Like Jesus we can sleep in the bow of the boat while the storm rages, Mark 4:38. It isn’t easy but the peace that comes from God in that moment is unmatched and amazing. I beyond grateful to have experienced that peace
Oh that’s good, that might be just the phrasing I need for my note above^^^
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Thanks for your comments and your testimony!❤️
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Like Kasey, I had the Sunday School version of Samson in my narrative for many years. I was definitely much older before I had that misperception corrected. With a corrected view and better understanding we see yet another man that God used despite a wayward heart. Created for a purpose that God intended and then so mixed up along the way. Truly, a reflection of my own heart. Mixed up, easily distracted, not fully surrendered, functioning out of independence rather than dependence on the God and yet somehow, some way, He has carried, guided, protected and always been the One to strengthen. No matter where I find myself, the Lord answers when I (we) call out. He is merciful, patient, forgiving and so faithful to be by my side. Thank you Lord❤️
Thank You Abba that you are mighty to save and merciful to all you call on Your name. In Jesus name. Amen
Beautiful, Kimberly
My God of mercy & strength,
I come to You today like Samson—called, yet often conflicted… gifted, yet flawed.
You formed me with purpose, just as You formed him, and I want to live out that calling, even when I don’t fully understand it.
Sometimes, I rely too much on my own strength.
Sometimes, I drift away—chasing what feels good instead of what is right.
Like Samson, I’ve made choices that led me away from You, and I’ve felt the weight of those decisions.
But You are still here.
You were with Samson in the darkness, and You are with me now.
You never stopped working in his story—and I believe You are still working in mine.
Lord, I surrender my pride, my past, my regrets.
Where I am blind—open my eyes.
Where I am weak—be my strength.
Where I am lost—lead me home.
Use even my failures for Your glory.
Make me bold, not in my own power, but in Yours.
And in the end, let my life point back to You—just like Samson’s did.
In Jesus’ name,
Beautiful!
Amen
Beautiful, Kimberly
Amen. Thank you for this prayer Kimberly. May my life point to Jesus.
Well said! May God give you what you need to fulfill His purpose.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Yes, Kimberly.
Pray, at the end, even stronger than Samson. Giving glory to the one true God.
❤️
Yes! Amen!
Amen! I’m thankful that God is our Defender. In a world where we are quick to retaliate & defend ourselves, may we be slow to anger & quick to surrender to our Heavenly Father!
Many years ago I heard a sermon on this account of Samson. The one thing that I’ll always remember from it is the truth we learn from Samson’s fate – sin blinds, sin binds, sin grinds… We must call on the power of God to rescue us from temptation – it is by His strength alone that saves us from falling.
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“Strengthen me, God.”
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“He is stronger than the darkness threatening to consume us.” Praise God! There is no darkness to great that He is not able to conquer it.
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John 8:12 -“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
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Colossians 1:13 -“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,”
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1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
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Matthew 4:16 – “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”
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No matter how dark things seem, our God is greater. And it is in the darkest times that His light shines the brightest.
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Happy Monday She’s. May we remember all who have gone on before us, especially those who gave their lives fighting for our country and our freedoms, on this Memorial Day.
Amen. Thank you for this ❤️
Sin blinds, sin binds, sin grinds. I have never heard that before. Thank you for sharing the NT scriptures.
Agreed Tanya. Well put & worth remembering, SJG.
Sharon, great post! I was going to share this quote until I read it in yours. ☺☺☺
“Someone has said that Judges 16:21 reminds us of the blinding, binding, and grinding results of sin.” NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible.
Amen Sharon!
Samson allowed his physical appetites to make him forget who he was.He was a Nazarite.He had been consecrated to G-d in utero. The angel of the Lord had give his mother instructions to take the vow of the Nazir while she was carrying him. This was a temporary consecration for her but a lifetime for Samson.
CSB Study Bible says,”Samson is a picture of Israel.Israel was chosen for holiness but defiled by sinfulness.”
Chapter 16:20 states, “…But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” CBS Study Bible says ,” This is a tragic warning to anyone who tries to continue doing the Lord’s work when the Lord’s blessing and power have left.”
However in the darkness of his captivity,”He called out to the Lord…”Judges 16:28.
This is finest hour.When God renewed his strength the end result was that” those he killed at his death were more those he had killed in life.”
We can always call out to G-d.
One of the most heartbreaking verses in the Bible:
“But he did not know that the Lord had left him” (Judges 16:20b).
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Samson had God’s strength, but no relationship with Him. He did not seem to love the God who gave him a mission from before he was born. He used the gifts of God for his own purposes over seeking God for direction. Yet God’s purpose and plan for Samson to be the one to begin liberating Israel from the Philistens did come to pass.
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INDIANA ELAINE – praying for the Lord’s interventionto bring healing from the sciatic pain.
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LINDA IN NC – praying for you and Gene
Thank you for the prayers, Kelly (NEO) Had a CT done today. Basically bone on bone in L3L4L5 region. No quick fixes at this time. Heading to Ortho Dr and PT next.
Samson was selfish to the end, thankfully Jesus was selfless to the end. Both gave their lives but Samson wanted to avenge his honor and his eyes being lost. I’m so grateful Jesus gave His life for /m
Selfish and selfless. Thank you for pointing out the contrast.❤️
Great insights, Erica! ❤
Oh what a mess Samson was, allowing himself to be controlled by Delilah after having already been betrayed by his wife with the nearly the same MO. Kasey was right in pointing out that Samson was not the hero of this recounting – God is always the hero. Even in Samson’s last act, though it ultimately helped free the Israelites, his cry to God for strength was for his own vengeance and not a desire to help his people.
“Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”
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Lord, let my cries for strength be to ultimately honor You by my faith, believing and trusting that You can and will guide and carry me through anything and everything. Thank You, Lord.
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INDIANA ELAINE – praying for relief from debilitating sciatic pain, consider requesting referral to neurosurgeon? Mine was able to offer non surgical options for some relief in addition to PT
GWINETH52 ❤️
WENDY B ❤️
RHONDA J ❤️Sunday drives … my family didn’t do that when I was growing up but hubby and I will sometimes when one of us asks, wonder where that road goes? Humming now, Oh Lord our Lord, How Majestic is Your Name in All the Earth! (Michael W Smith)
LISA H – praying for Andrew and that the Lord will guide any treatment needed.
JENN – thank you for the testimony you shared ❤️
LINDA J – our God is an awesome God! Thank you for your testimony of His wonder working power with your daughter’s liver function!
CEE GEE ❤️
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KASEY MOFFETT – goodness, what a year p! Praying this year will be a smooth one!
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Great summary and commentary as always!
“God is always the Hero…” Amen!!!
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Thanks for your counsel, searching. It looks like I am heading that way. Did a CT scan this morning. Basically there are no Discs in L3L4 L5 region. OUCH!! They have disintegrated. No quick fixes. Next step is with ortho and PT. I am fortified with more and stronger meds.
Dear Elaine, praying for relief soon from pain.
Thank you for the prayer,AZ Walker.
Ouch! They do have some new innovations for disks..praying you find the right doctor to help!