Bible character overview - Samson

Written by: My Store Admin

May 16, 2024

Time to read 5 min

Introduction:

Welcome to an insightful character overview of Samson. Here you'll learn about who Samson was, what he did, and his strengths and weaknesses. Also, we have provided questions related to the story of Samson to provoke thought. They can also be used for personal/small-group studies.

Who was Samson from the Bible?

Key facts

When: roughly around 1200 - 1000 B.C
Where: Zorah
Name meaning: 'Of the sun'

Glimpse: Samson was a mighty judge of Israel whose main oppressors were the Philistines. He was a miracle child as his mother was barren but was healed to bear a child who would deliver Israel from the wicked hand of the Philistines. Samson's story is told in the book of Judges chapters 13 - 16.

Supernatural strength

Samson was the last judge of Israel, gifted with incredible supernatural physical strength. His strength led to remarkable feats, such as killing a lion with his bare hands, lifting a city gate and carrying it on his shoulders up a hill, and killing 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.

However, despite his power, Samson had a weakness. God granted Samson his strength according to the Nazirite vow he was raised to follow. Judges 13:4-5 states, "Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb." Samson was raised according to this vow, but his lack of wisdom and quick-tempered nature often led him into difficult situations.

The Samson card from the bible bumps game

Questions

→ What gift/talent do you believe God has given you?

→ Just like Samson couldn't shave his head, do you believe God requires a certain obedience from us?

"You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite"

Judges 13:5

Deception of Delilah

One day, Samson went to a place called Timnah and found a Philistine woman there. Samson instantly wanted her as his wife and spoke to his parents about it. His parents weren't pleased, but Samson persisted and set off to meet the woman. On his way there, a lion attacked him, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, enabling him to kill the lion with his bare hands. Samson was prepared to marry this woman, but he was eventually tricked as her father gave her away to another man. In a rage, he collected three hundred foxes, tied them together in pairs, placed torches between them, and let them loose to burn up the grain, olive groves, and vineyards of the Philistines.

Later on, Samson met a woman named Delilah and fell in love with her. However, Delilah was bribed by the Philistines to uncover the secret of Samson's mighty strength.

Questions

→ How important are those who are close to you?

→ What things can split apart relationships? How do we prevent these things?

"So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued."''

Judges 16:6

The Death of Samson

Delilah began to inquire about the source of Samson's strength. Samson lied to her, saying, “If they bind me with seven fresh bowstrings, not yet dried, then I shall become weak, and be like any other man.” So she bound him as he said and shouted, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" However, Samson broke free, and the Philistines who were rushing to bind him could not capture him. This happened two more times until Samson finally gave in and told Delilah the truth: "No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man."

Delilah did just that, shaving his head while he slept, and the Philistines captured and enslaved him. One day, during a great sacrifice to their god Dagon, the Philistines called upon Samson to come out and perform for them. They placed him between two pillars. Samson prayed to God for one last burst of strength, and as he did, he pushed against the pillars, causing the entire building to collapse, killing around 3,000 Philistines and himself in the process.

Questions

→ What stands out to you most about Samsons' story?

→ Why do you think it's so important to protect what God has given you?

“Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Judges 16:28

Strengths:

Mighty: Samson was a mighty warrior who led Israel with his supernatural strength
Called by God: Samson was called by God to deliver Israel
Courage: Samson was not afraid to go up against a whole army by himself. This was a key factor in him delivering Israel from the Philistines

Weaknesses:

Deception: Samson was easily deceived by the charm and good looks of Delilah
Rashful thinking: Samson commonly acted without thinking and it led him into some bad situations

Conclusion

Samson was an incredible man who was full of courage and had the extraordinary gift of supernatural strength. However, Samsons' lack of wisdom landed him in some bad places and eventually caused him to fall under the sly deception of Delilah. He ended his life with a last demonstration of strength but also of faith in God.

''For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life''

John 3:16

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The Author: OluKoye Williams

Koye Williams is the creator of the international game, biblebumps. His mission is to see the people of the Bible brought to life in a new and exciting way whilst also providing opportunities to spend quality time with the family.

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