Judges 16:23-30
23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.”
24 When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying,
“Our god has delivered our enemy
into our hands,
the one who laid waste our land
and multiplied our slain.”
25 While they were in high spirits, they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them.
When they stood him among the pillars, 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 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, 30 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.
Related Text:
Psalm 3
Isaiah 1
Isaiah 24
Jeremiah 5:7-9, 29
Hebrews 11:32-34
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Who He Wants
Samson is written about in the Bible more than any of the other judges, but he was the least likely of all the judges to be morally qualified for his leadership position. Also, he was the only judge who didn’t bring the Israelites any lasting relief from their painful and oppressed condition.
So why does Samson get so much attention? Bible scholars are unclear as to why there is so much more information about Samson than the other judges in Israel’s past. But what is clear is very comforting.
It’s good to know that God uses people even if they don’t have it all together. Now, that’s not an excuse to live however we want and sit back and wait for God to do something, but it is very comforting and exciting to know that God can use us even though we stumble, and mess up, and sin.
We’re not perfect, but God can still do great things for the Kingdom through our lives. What He needs from us is obedience and willingness to serve.
