Judges 15-16
We will just say Samson and the Philistines had a volatile relationship.
I mean, Samson let a bunch of foxes with torches tied to their tails loose in the grainfields of the Philistines.
In retaliation, the Philistines burned Samson's estranged wife and her father. Like to death.
So in turn, Samson killed "many" Philistines.
Do you see a pattern here?
One thing I have to say is that Samson, even in all of his weakness (not physical weakness, but more weakness of the heart), had favor with God.
God gave Samson strength to ward off the Philistines.
God even opened up the ground to bring forth water for a thirsty Samson.
But I mentioned that Samson had weaknesses.
Like women.
And in much of this story, that woman was Delilah.
The Philistines apparently had figured out Samson's weakness.
They offered Delilah big money to find out the source of Samson's strength.
At first, Samson stood strong (sorry for the pun...it was only fitting).
But the fourth time Delilah came weeping to him about wanting to know his secret, Samson buckled. Big time.
He shared the reason for his strength.
His hair.
His never cut hair.
Of course, Delilah couldn't wait to share that information with her people.
And soon after, while he slept in her arms, Delilah cut off Samson's hair.
And at that moment, God left Samson.
In the end, Samson's hair returned. And even more, his senses returned.
In one last heroic action, Samson used his strength (returning with his growing hair) and the grace of God to bring down their temple. Several Philistines lost their lives, as did Samson.
In fact, Samson killed more Philistines in his death than he did during his life!
Tomorrow's reading:
I think it is Judges 17 and 18 but I am not positive. And right now I have a dog on my feet, so I can't check. :)
Reba
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