where is the chink in your armor?
Samson's reputation as a strong man has grown to the point where the Philistines plan on using the people of Israel against our hero. Why should they endanger themselves further if they can manipulate someone else to do their dangerous bidding? The impelling force behind revenge is to get even and to carry out a private vendetta. Although Samson is a judge and doing God's will he is also acting on his emotions. Both parties are engaged in the revenge cycle (10-11).
In this part of his story, 3000 men side with the enemy by leaving their homes to find Samson, bind him, and turn him over to the Philistines. It appears that Samson was not too worried about being tied and led into enemy camp. This may have been the exact situation he was waiting for. After entering the camp the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon our hero and his bindings melted off his body.
Grabbing a jawbone of a donkey, Samson proceeds in the Spirit to inflict revenge on 1000 men. It's interesting to note he praises himself and not the Lord after his victory (16), “With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of a donkey have I struck down a thousand men.” Once the enemy was conquered he threw away his weapon of war apparently quite proud of himself.
After killing so many men he must have been dehydrated and tired. In this weak state he is reminded of his need for the Lord. Could the Lord be using this situation to show him his own weakness? Perhaps. The story of Samson reveals little of his spiritual acts but in this part of his legacy, he finally calls out to the Lord for help. After the Lord provides a spring, our hero revives his strength.
In this part of his story, 3000 men side with the enemy by leaving their homes to find Samson, bind him, and turn him over to the Philistines. It appears that Samson was not too worried about being tied and led into enemy camp. This may have been the exact situation he was waiting for. After entering the camp the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon our hero and his bindings melted off his body.
Grabbing a jawbone of a donkey, Samson proceeds in the Spirit to inflict revenge on 1000 men. It's interesting to note he praises himself and not the Lord after his victory (16), “With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of a donkey have I struck down a thousand men.” Once the enemy was conquered he threw away his weapon of war apparently quite proud of himself.
After killing so many men he must have been dehydrated and tired. In this weak state he is reminded of his need for the Lord. Could the Lord be using this situation to show him his own weakness? Perhaps. The story of Samson reveals little of his spiritual acts but in this part of his legacy, he finally calls out to the Lord for help. After the Lord provides a spring, our hero revives his strength.
- Have you ever felt like getting revenge on someone?
- What does it take for you to call out to God for help?
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