Judges Part 3: SamsonSample

The Head-Scratching Life of Samson

In life, many people learn from their mistakes, make some sort of moral progress as they age, and eventually start passing their tests in the school of hard knocks. However, on occasion, we meet a friend or family member whose life is a befuddling, head-scratching series of decades spent doing the same stupid thing over and over until their life implodes and ends.

Samson is one of those guys. His name means “sunny,” but, sadly, he is not very bright. God cared for him, but he did not care much for God. God pursued him, but he did not pursue God. God blessed him, but he did not bless God. God told him what not to do, and that is exactly what he did. A Bible dictionary says, “No biblical character is more paradoxical than Samson (Judges 13–16). A figure of heroic physical strength, he is also a morally and emotionally weak person whose frailty is highlighted by the tragic pattern of the OT story.” (1).

Samson is the last of the 12 judges whose history is reported in the Book of Judges. The story of Samson in Judges 13-16 is unique for three reasons.

First, he is the most famous character in Judges and one of the most well-known characters in the Bible. People who don’t know the difference between Habakkuk and a hammer know something about his legendary Hulk-like strength.

Second, spanning four chapters and 96 verses, the story of Samson’s life is given more airtime than that of any other judge.

Third, despite being so well known for generations and receiving so much attention in the Scriptures, Samson’s life in Judges 13-16 is one of the least preached, because his life is so complicated, and his character is more fitting for a murderous revenge plotline starring a hitman with a penchant for wild women than a hero of the faith.

In yet another head-scratcher, he is listed in the “heroes of the faith” hall of fame found in Hebrews 11:32-40! Clearly, Samson was saved and kept by God’s grace alone, because his ongoing penchant for murder, alcohol, and prostitutes would prevent him from even qualifying as an unpaid intern at the most liberal church.

What do you know already about the story of Samson? What do you hope to learn about Samson’s life and legacy from this study?

(1) Leland Ryken et al., Dictionary of Biblical Imagery (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 755.