TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
In modern day language we might describe Samson as a juvenile delinquent. Although his parents dedicated him to the Lord at his birth, he was prideful and had a lack of wisdom and maturity. As a young man, though, the Lord used his great strength to help overthrow the Philistines and drive them from the land of Israel. But, like many great leaders, Samson’s pride and sin brought him down and he was captured by the Philistines. In a last moment of humility and repentance Samson came back to God and was used to sacrifice his own life to win a final great victory over the idolatrous foes of Israel.
(Judges 16) 23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.”
24 When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain.” 25 While they were in high spirits, they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them.
When they stood him among the pillars, 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform.
28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “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.” 29 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.
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