This post is Day 30 in a series of studies about “Samson”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Samson – Day 30

When Samson prayed that final prayer, he knew it would be his last. But in his opinion, it was better to die in victory, than rot in a prison cell. Imagine the three thousand people on the roof being happy to have chosen the best place to see Samson perform.

Judges 16:29-30

Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

The Thought

Victory for God’s people through this one giant! But it meant death for Samson! When he prayed that final prayer, he knew it would be his last. But in his opinion, it was better to die in victory, than to rot in a prison cell for the rest of his life.

Imagine the three thousand people on the roof being happy to have chosen the best place to see Samson perform. How would they feel when they saw him reach for those pillars?

When that story got back to Israel, would they be celebrating the victory over the Philistines, and thinking that they had won and would be having peace for a while? Or would they be mourning the death of their champion and judge?

Would they remember that it was really God who had brought about this victory? The God who had promised never to leave His people.

Two verses are recorded in Moses farewell speech to the Israelites which speak of God’s promise to never leave His people. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for The Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8).

Action

Read Deuteronomy 31 today and apply some of those recommendations to your own life.

Think about Samson. Do you see him as saviour of the Israelites at that time, or was he just a selfish brute? Why does God use imperfect people?

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