‘…“How can you tell me, ‘I love you,’ when you don’t share your secrets with me? You’ve made fun of me three times now…She tormented him with her nagging day after day until he was sick to death of it.” – Judges 16:15-16 (NLT)
The Philistine kings hated the long-haired strongman who had set their fields afire and slain a thousand of their countrymen. Each had offered Delilah an incredible sum – hundreds of shekels of silver! All she had to do was deliver the secret of Samson’s strength.
Samson tricked Delilah with faked stories about new ropes and braided hair. Finally, Delilah confronted him about making a fool of her three times. Worn down by her nagging, Sampson gave in.
“No razor has ever been used on my head,” he confided, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.” (V 17) Samson broke the stipulation of his vow, preferring the good graces of a woman to the favour of his God.
She then cut his hair while he slept. Finally, she announced, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” (V 20). This time Samson awoke from his sleep unable to resist his enemies, who quickly seized him, gouging out his eyes.
Samson violated his vow and God’s vows on many occasions by confiding in the wrong people. He was controlled by sensuality and used his gifts and abilities unwisely. We can accuse him of wasted potential, yet, in his final act before dying; he began to rescue Israel from the Philistines truly.
Lessons to be learned from Samson’s life:
- Great strength in one area of life does not make up for great weaknesses in other areas.
- God’s presence does not overwhelm a person’s will.
- God can use a person of faith in spite of his or her mistakes.
- Heed the voice of God
Remember, God will use anything and anyone to accomplish His purpose. Our deliverance is purely a matter of grace. But how much better if we become people set apart for His service, whose inner strengths match our outer strengths, enabling us to live out our destiny?
Read: Psalm 25:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 15:31-33; Proverbs 16:1-7; Acts 19:14-41; I Kings 22
