Judges 16:23-31
Today's Passage: Judges 16:23-31
In Hebrews 11, Samson is listed in the “Hall of Faith.” At first glance, this list of believers may be considered a list of heroes, but in looking at Samson’s story we see that the “heroes” listed are normal people used by God in extraordinary ways to bring Him glory.
Our passage today does not begin with people glorifying God.
The Philistines captured Samson and worshiped Dagon believing that this false god had given Samson into their hands. They looked at Samson and declared that Dagon was better than the one true God.
The end of Samson’s life is both a tragedy and victory. The final way that God used Samson was be through his death.
Samson prayed, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Samson’s final use of the strength God gave him led to his suicide but also the righteous judgment of the Philistines.
In David Guzik’s commentary on the text he describes these final moments as, “A picture of the believer in disobedience. God used him, but he did not benefit from it.”
Throughout his life, Samson acted as if the strength he possessed was his own. He looked to himself and only now at the end of his life do we see him humbled. The Lord brought Samson to the end of himself, and now he sees that it is only through turning toward God that he is truly used for the glory of God.
Written By: Paulette Black
In Hebrews 11, Samson is listed in the “Hall of Faith.” At first glance, this list of believers may be considered a list of heroes, but in looking at Samson’s story we see that the “heroes” listed are normal people used by God in extraordinary ways to bring Him glory.
Our passage today does not begin with people glorifying God.
The Philistines captured Samson and worshiped Dagon believing that this false god had given Samson into their hands. They looked at Samson and declared that Dagon was better than the one true God.
The end of Samson’s life is both a tragedy and victory. The final way that God used Samson was be through his death.
Samson prayed, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Samson’s final use of the strength God gave him led to his suicide but also the righteous judgment of the Philistines.
In David Guzik’s commentary on the text he describes these final moments as, “A picture of the believer in disobedience. God used him, but he did not benefit from it.”
Throughout his life, Samson acted as if the strength he possessed was his own. He looked to himself and only now at the end of his life do we see him humbled. The Lord brought Samson to the end of himself, and now he sees that it is only through turning toward God that he is truly used for the glory of God.
Written By: Paulette Black
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