Day 95 – Judges 16-18

Talking Points

• Samson continues his self-serving ways. His parents had dedicated him to the LORD, but Samson lives in disregard for His name. He falls in love with Delilah, a woman willing to serve the lords of the Philistines. She accepts a bribe, talks Samson into revealing the source of his strength, and betrays him to the Philistines. Samson is captured, his eyes are gouged out, and he serves as an amusement for the Philistines.
• Samson asks for God’s strength one last time and pushes the columns of the house down, killing thousands of Philistines and himself in the process.
• Micah seeks to build for himself all the trappings of worship, believing God would bless it. He even commissions his very own priest. Instead of honoring God, what he ends up with is a house of useless idols. When the men of Dan take his idols and priest, he claims they have taken away everything. Be sure, any hope placed in anything other than the one true God will perish. As easily as an idol is snatched away, any hope placed in one will likewise perish. Praise our God — no one can take Him away from us! Let this teach us to be careful to worship Him the way He commands, and not the way we want.

Thoughts

The account of Samson brings up more questions for me than answers. Why did he have such disregard for his vow? What did his parents think, after having prayed so fervently about how to raise their son? Why did God continue to strengthen him, despite Samson’s dishonor of His name? How did Samson not see what Delilah was all about when she tried to trap him three different times?! Was he really that arrogant?

So, when I read an account that leaves me reeling with questions, I have to stop and think, “What can I learn from this? What can I learn about God? What is the application for me?”

The starting place for me was the fact that Samson is mentioned in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Despite his disgusting, vengeful, lustful, and pompous actions, God saw him as a man of faith.

And, this is where I see some things about God’s character: He is merciful. He is patient. He will hold back His wrath, which is justly deserved by sinful people, and use those same sinners for the glory of His name. He is pleased by faith. God is pleased by our faith.

The consequences of sin are real, and sin is not something to take lightly. When Samson’s chasing after sin had finally caught up with him, and he stands as a clown, bound in chains, blinded by the enemies of God, serving them, he finally recognized this, and he cries out to the LORD. This moment must have been where Samson’s faith pleased God.

So, what is the application for us? Lord, help us avoid entanglement with sin. Help us recognize that You are merciful, patient, and willing to hold back the wrath that we justly deserve and use us for the glory of Your name. Let us praise You in response! Let us marvel at the fact that You are pleased when we have faith in You. Oh, God, please increase our faith!