Who was Samson?
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Main Question for today...
Is Samson who we think he is?
The purpose of this series is to use a biblical approach in studying the characters, themes, and teachings of the Bible in order to bring us to a more mature faith in God.
As we look at the character of Samson today, consider how your perspectives of Samson changes as we learn from the biblical narrative of his life.
Opening thought
Imagine you are sharing your faith with someone who is not a Christian and they ask you "Hey, I've heard of the name Samson before, but I don't know anything about him. Tell me who Samson was and tell me his story." What would you say?
Think about what you would tell a person if you had one minute to give the story of Samson. Write these things down for you to see.
Consider this...
Read Numbers 6:1-12, 21
As you read this passage, write down everything that a Nazarite must NOT do during the duration of his/her vow.
This list should include:
Refraining from drinking wine/strong drink including wine vinegar or other vinegar
Must not drink any grape juice or eat grapes, skins, or seeds.
No razor is to come to their head to cut their hair
Shall not go near a corpse even if it is their own father or mother
If someone dies suddenly near them, they must shave their heads and offer sacrifices
Breaking it down
Read through all three chapters and write down things you notice about the story of Samson. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to read through. Pay extra attention to the list that you have given about the Nazarite vow. Try to find any verses where Samson breaks this vow.
Additionally, take note of any verses where Samson breaks any Law of Torah that you are aware of.
If you are unsure, make a note of the verse and come back to it later.
How does Samson break his Nazarite vow?
Does Samson break any other kinds of Laws that are present in the OT that are forbidden for the Hebrews to do?
If so, which laws does he break? How?
Does Samson break the same law more than once? Which ones and how?
- Judges 14:1-2—Israelites were strongly advised to not marry outside of the Israelite people as the Canaanites and other peoples would lead Israel away from God (See Gen. 24:3; Exod. 34:16; Judg. 3:6).
- Judges 14:5-6—Samson killed a Lion with his bare hands and came into contact with the carcass of a dead animal—making himself unclean (Broke Num. 6:6; Lev. 11: 24-25, 28)
- Judges 14:9 – If he wasn’t unclean from killing the lion, he was definitely unclean after he scooped up honey from the carcass with his bare hands. Additionally, since he was unclean, he also made his parents unclean by giving them the honey to eat (Broke Lev. 11:24-25, 28).
- Judges 14:19-20—Although the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson, Samson killed a group of 30 men out of anger and revenge for those who cheated his riddle. (See Num. 6:9; Exod. 20:13; Deut. 32:35)
- Judges 15:4-5—Foxes/Jackals are animals that walk on paws and all-fours—an unclean animal (Broke Lev. 11: 27)
- Judges 15:7-8—Samson attacks the Philistines out of Revenge (See Deut. 32:35)
- Judges 15:15—Samson touched another corpse (a “fresh jawbone of a donkey”) + killed 1000 men (Broke Num. 6:6; Lev 11:24-25, 28).
- Judges 16:1—Samson hires a prostitute. (God forbids Israelites from encouraging prostitution—implied it was not a great practice the people of God should be indulging in—See Deut. 23:17; Lev. 19:29, Lev. 21:9)
- Judges 16:4—Samson marries a non-Israelite again (See Gen. 24:3; Exod. 34:16; Judg. 3:6)
- Judges 16:17-20—Samson allowed for his head to be shaved (Broke Num. 6:5)