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Judges · Old Testament

Samson

Nazirite Judge of Great Strength

Name meaning
Of the sun; sunny
Name origin
Hebrew: שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon), commonly associated with "sun"

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Judge of Israel
  • Nazirite
Birthplace
Zorah (between Judah and Dan)
Modern-day location
The Zorah area near modern Tzora in central Israel.
Family
  • Son of Manoah
  • Wife from Timnah (Philistine)
  • Involved with Delilah
First mention
Judges 13:1-5
Last mention
Judges 16:30-31
Key artifacts
  • Uncut hair (Nazirite vow)
  • Jawbone of a donkey
  • Temple pillars

Key verses

  • “for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb.”

    Judges 13:5

  • “And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid.”

    Judges 14:6

  • “O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God.”

    Judges 16:28

Biography

Early Life

Samson was born after his barren mother received a promise from an angel. He was to be a Nazirite from birth, set apart with uncut hair and restrictions, to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines.

Defining Biblical Moments

Samson tore a lion, killed Philistines with a donkey's jawbone, and carried away Gaza's gates. Entangled with Delilah, he revealed his vow, lost his strength, was blinded and imprisoned, then in a final act prayed for strength and brought down the temple of Dagon.

Strengths

Samson displayed extraordinary physical strength and, at the end, repentant dependence on God.

Weaknesses & Lessons

Impulsiveness, disregard for his vow, and entanglement with forbidden relationships led to downfall; strength without self-control proves destructive.

Life Lessons for Today

Gifts without character can harm the giver and others; even after failure, humble return to God can redeem a life's purpose.

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Samson appears in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #15 in Heroes, Kings & Prophets of the Old Testament

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