Wayne and I finished our reading for the week tonight. The story of Samson was really interesting to read again. It's hard to believe that after Delilah told her people the secret that Samson revealed to her as the reason for his strength three previous times and she ran and told her people that he finally told her the real truth thinking that she wouldn't tell the 4th time? Why did Samson finally trust her with the real truth the 4th time?
Could Samson have been deceived so much that he trusted her and didn't think that she was going to tell her people the secret of his strength after he revealed it to her? What would make him think that she wouldn't do the same thing that she had already done three times before? Did he feel that he was too strong to ever allow anyone to cut his hair?
Why do you think Samson finally gave in to her and told her his secret? It doesn't make any sense from a logical standpoint so it must have been an emotional decision. Maybe there is more behind the scripture Judges 16:16 that wasn't recorded.
"And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, so that his soul was vexed to death; that he told her all his heart..." Did Samson finally give up because he loved her more than God, was his faith gradually weakened to the point that he didn't care anymore, or did he have so much pride in his abilities that he didn't think that he'd lose his strength even if his hair was razored.
From Judges 16: 20 we get the idea that Samson still thought he had his strength when he was awoke out of his sleep. At what point do you think he realized that his hair was shaven and his strength gone? What are your thoughts?
From this example, I realize even more now that I need to stay strong by continually praying, obeying the Lord's commandments, repenting of my mistakes, hold on to the word of God and endure to the end. I'm sure Delilah exposed Samson to unrighteous practices and beliefs that eventually weakened him. We know that Delilah's love of money was her weakness. She loved money more that Samson and God but then again she was an unbeliever. How can we all apply what we have learned here in our own lives?
This week we are reading Judges Chapter 17-21, Ruth 1-4, through 1 Samuel chapter 5. It's never too late to join "Wonky's Book Worms." Just jump in and start reading. We'd love to have everyone start reading that has a desire to join us at any time. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas. It adds so much!
5 comments:
Kathy I think all your ideas are right in some way. I also feel that pride could of played a part. You brought up a good point when you asked when his strength really left him, probably when his hair was cut. However, I think it is just like sin in our own lives - we give in the first time, then the second time is easier and so on. Each time we give into sin- a little bit of our closeness with God seeps away. I think Samson, like we, just assumed that God was always going to be there - not that He isn't - but we have wandered so far from Him, that WE don't realize just how far away from God that WE have allowed ourselves to become. I wish sometimes that we could discuss this in person, some of these topics are really thought provoking.
The world that doesn't believe in God can allure people in so many ways.
We as humans are weak in that regard. Then again, isn't it part of the the spiritual journey we are all on to gain strength spiritually and make that conscience decision to be close to God?
Love of Money, worldly goods, certain lifestyles, and earthly desires can lead people away from God so they can justify their actions.
Funny how making such choices never leads to happiness and is always so easily destroyed.
Wow, I honestly don't know what Samson was thinking when he finally revealed the truth about his strength to Delilah. I mean, three times she made it clear that she meant to betray him by running to tell her people how to capture Samson. And how could she complain to him: "You must not love me, if you won't share the truth with me?" (paraphrased). After three previous betrayals, how could he believe she loved him? Why would he trust her with the truth? All I can think of is his pride....maybe he really thought he was invincible, and that he would prevail no matter what she did. Maybe that's a lesson for us today....to not get prideful and complacent, thinking that the Lord is with us no matter what we do. I agree with you, Kathy, that it's so important to remember to keep praying, obeying God's commandments, and repenting of our mistakes. We need to be humble before the Lord. If we aren't, God might just step back and withdraw His support enough to allow us to stumble and learn a hard lesson. You know the old saying: "Sometimes God allows us to fall on our backs in order to get us to LOOK UP!"
Wendy
Canada :)
I have never really understood Samson's thinking.
Didn't he know the requirements of God that he placed on his life - that he was not to cut his hair or drink fermented beverages? Surely someone explained that to him when he was younger.
I agree that we become complacent in our faith. We don't pray or read Scripture as we have been commanded and we become spiritually weak - just like Samson became physically weak. Samson must have really learned humility in being forced to labor and perform for the Philistines while being blind. God was still listening to his prayers and granted his last request.
I read scripture saying that she nagged him so much he just gave up. Like Eve did with Adam really. We need to watch our tongues with our men as we can lead them away from what God wants for them.
I see God's grace in the end. Hair grows by itself without our help & that is when he begged God just one more time to remember him & God did. Something as simple as repenting daily & listening to Him we will be be blessed.
I wrote something really good before this post but my computer wouldn't accept the cookies from the site or something & lost it all & it was so good too, so trying again!
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