Study together · The Cast

Samson

A man set apart from birth with great strength, who spent most of it on his own appetites.

The story

1. Promised from the womb Judges 13:2-25

   The angel announces a son set apart to God, and the Spirit begins to stir him.

2. “Get her for me” Judges 14:1-9

   He demands a Philistine wife because she is right in his eyes, and eats honey from a dead lion's carcass. Scripture adds that the LORD was at work against the Philistines.

3. Riddle and revenge Judges 14:10-15:8

   His wedding riddle ends in betrayal, murder, burned fields, and a cycle of vengeance.

4. Jawbone and thirst Judges 15:9-20

   His own people hand him over. He strikes down a thousand men, then cries to the LORD for water and is answered.

5. Gaza and Delilah Judges 16:1-19

   He goes to a prostitute in Gaza, then gives Delilah the secret of his strength after days of pressure.

6. Blind at the mill Judges 16:20-22

   His hair is cut, the LORD has left him, and the Philistines gouge out his eyes and set him to grinding. His hair begins to grow.

7. One last prayer Judges 16:23-31

   He prays to be strengthened once more and pulls down the temple, dying with the Philistines.

Key verses

“But he did not know that the LORD had left him.” Judges 16:20 (ESV)

Read together: Judges 13:2-25 · Judges 14:1-9 · Judges 14:10-15:8 · Judges 15:9-20 · Judges 16:1-19 · Judges 16:20-22 · Judges 16:23-31

Questions to sit with

1. Samson did not know the LORD had left him. What habits in you might be dulling your sense of God's presence?
2. God answered Samson's prayers even near the end. How does that shape the way you pray after failure?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.