9. SAMSON
Samson's life is based on his actions carried out for his own safety
against the people known as the Philistines.
THE BIRTH OF SAMSON. Samson's mother had no children. One day an
Angel informed her she was to bear a son to be named Samson. He was not
to drink wine or strong drinks nor ever have his hair cut as he was to be
consecrated to God. He would fight the Philistines who were Israel's enemies.
SAMSON IS BETRAYED. Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah. The
Philistines asked her to find out the secret of his great strength. At first he
refused to tell her. After repeated requests, he told her that his strength
came from his long hair. If it were to be cut, he would lose all his strength.
She informed the enemy who encouraged her to cut his hair. She did this when he
was asleep, and he lost all his strength. He was then captured by the enemy,
and they gorged out his eyes.
SAMSON'S DEATH. While a large number of Philistines were celebrating a
feast, Samson was brought to the celebration for the people to ridicule him. He
asked to be placed between two columns which held up the temple where the
celebration was taking place. He then asked God to give him back his strength.
With his great strength, he pushed on the two columns causing the collapse of
the structure killing all the people and himself. Those he killed at his death
were more than he killed during his lifetime.
Samson fought the Philistines who were Israel's enemies. When his long
hair was cut, he lost his strength. He was then captured by the enemy. Upon
regaining his strength, many were killed including himself.
