Samson’s Defeat and Death

BY Abby Flynn

When we start to talk about Samson’s story, it can be easy to say what he should have done and how he should have reacted. Why would you give your secret away to this woman who is so obviously trying to trap you? But I’m learning that when we take a few steps back and ask the Lord for perspective, things can start to shift. 

When in my own life have I gone against what is right and true to blend in and be accepted? How often have I chosen comfort or the shiny new thing that I wanted instead of submitting and waiting for God’s timing and God’s way?

Maybe Samson’s story is in some ways a warning to all of us. It’s a reminder of what happens when we choose sin and the things of this world over the strength and mighty purpose of God. And isn’t it just like God to still accomplish His will, even in the middle of the mess that Samson made?

Like the prophet Jeremiah—“You know, LORD; remember me and take note of me” (Jeremiah 15:15)—at the end of Samson’s life, we see him ask God to still bring vengeance and justice despite the situation he got himself in. There at the end of his life, when he had been mocked, embarrassed, and rejected, Samson asked the Lord to give him strength again. Despite the absolute mess that Samson made and the dark end that it came to, God still made His power and glory known to the Philistines (Judges 16:28–30).

It’s easy to think that all the men and women God used throughout the Bible were perfectly spiritual, without blemish or fault. But nothing could be further than the truth. All throughout the Bible, God used broken, imperfect people whose lives were tainted by mistakes to accomplish His will and point others back to Him (Hebrews 11:32–34). How often I need this reminder that God’s power is beyond our understanding—and so are His ways.

While we wrestle with stories like Samson’s and so many others throughout Judges, I’m grateful that we serve a God who stays the same, today and forever. Yes, He is a God of judgment. He is a jealous God. But He also reveals His glory through imperfect people—and for that, I’m so grateful.