Samson - 7/27/08am

Nazarite
We see outlined the basic guidelines for a Nazarite: someone who was dedicated and set apart for God’s use. The vow was taken for a period of time anywhere from 30 days to life.
Judges 13:1-7, 24-25 -Samson is born into the Nazarite vow
Numbers 6:1-8 -Nazarite vow is established
I Corinthians 6:9-11 -Christians are sanctified (set apart)

Strength
Samson is known for his strength. In fact, it’s what’s he’s mostly known for, whether in comic books or cartoons. And while it is common knowledge, where he got hi strength, we will look at that aspect in a few minutes.
Judges 14:5-9 -Kills a lion with his bare hands
Judges 16:1-3 -Carries the gates of Gaza to Hebron (40 miles)
Philippians 4:10-13 -I can do all things through God who strengthens

Useful to God
Once again we see one of the way God operates: through men. He can take the things men do, and use them to further His plans.
Judges 14:1-4 -Samson picks out a wife from the Philistines
II Timothy 2:20-21 -Vessels of gold, vessels of wood
Matthew 25:15-30 -Parable of the talents

Accomplished Much with God
We see in the stories that are recorded that Samson accomplished much in his life against the Philistines. Shortly after Samson burns fields full of grain (in retribution for his wife having been given away), the Philistines burn his wife’s father, and Samson kills a number of them for that, the Philistines hunt Samson. The results could only have been accomplished with God’s help
Judges 15:9-20 -Samson kills 1,000 men, God gives him water











Had Evil Companions
Samson was a poor judge of character it seems. He continually picks out people to associate with that do not help him, but rather bring him to harm.
Judges 16:4-22 -Samson and Delilah
I Corinthians 15:33 -Evil companions corrupt good morals
We see also, his strength being in his hair, that he was weakened by its loss. More to the point, the long hair was the sign of a Nazarite. One could not be under the Nazarite vow (if any part of it was broken, the head must be shorn) without hair. By disclosing the information, and thus allowing his head to be shorn, he sacrificed his being set apart for God, and gave it up. He thus chose to separate himself, losing the strength God provided. So it is with us: when we choose to give up our sanctification, we lose the strength that God provides.

Prayed for God’s Will
Samson was used by God to achieve His ends. His final prayer, in the temple to the Philistine god Dagon, was in accordance with what God wanted: disorder and punishment of the Philistines. Think about who would have been there: the leaders and priests, those who followed the false god… In the end, Samson put his trust in the Lord.
Judges 16:23-32 -Samson’s final prayer
Luke 22:42 -”Your will be done”

Did wrong, yet…
We can look at the things Samson did in his life: and we see one error after another. We look through Samson’s actions, and see one sin after another. Yet, then we consider what the New Testament has to say about him, and it seems surprising.
Judges 14:1-2 -Married a Philistine
Judges 16:1 -Harlotry
Judges 16:4 -Delilah
Judges 16:7,11,13 -Lying
Hebrews 11:32-40 -Samson numbered among the heroes of faith
Remember, Samson was a judge for 20 years. We are only given a small number of what were probably many more actions. What we are left with is a consideration of God’s forgiveness, and an understanding that no matter what we may do in sin, we can repent and turn to God.
II Peter 3:9 -The Lord is patient, wanting all to repent