Written by Paul J Bucknell on October, 30, 2018
Judges 13-16 Study Questions on Samson’s Strength and Weaknesses
A Bible study on Judges 13-16
If I had more money, then I would ...
If I had more strength, then I would ...
If I had more influence, then I would ...
If I had more ...., then I would ...
God stepped into a person’s life and changed a family, a person, and even nations. The Spirit planned on working through Samson. God called him, and His Spirit made him strong.
Is it still true today? Does God still step into the lives of people? Yes, most definitely.
Why did God make Samson strong only when his hair was long?
Actually, it was not just the hair, but the few regulations part of the Nazarite Vow. The hair was just one item. He also was to avoid strong drink.
This vow had no special power in and of itself. The vow humbled man in such a way that he knew that any special strength came from God and not by one’s own natural giftedness or other power. The vow pointed back to God. Only when he broke the vow and his hair was cut, did his strength leave him. Confidence is in God.
A break-through occurs in a Bible study when God reveals something special about His person, way or plans. It is then that we realize how poor our view of God had been and that we greatly need Him to speak to us.
I opened my mouth wide and panted,
for I longed for Thy commandments.
(Psalm 119:131)
What does it mean to “be strong in the Lord?”
Samson was strong and his strength came from the Lord?
Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God; And lovingkindness is Thine, O Lord, For Thou dost recompense a man according to his work. (Psalms 62:11,12, NASB).
He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. [Selah. (Psalms 62:6-8, NASB).
God is man’s true enabler. God helps those who rely on Him or as we see here, are called by Him for God’s own purpose. Samson did not, like David, capture the glory of wisdom and praise. He knew his strength was from God but we do not see a relationship with God. The Lord recorded only one prayer from Samson, the one upon his death.
28 Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” (Judges 16:28-30)
God wants people everywhere to realize all their strength, wisdom, health, etc., comes from Him alone. How pitiful that many never discover this and that others, like Samson, have their first spiritual lesson upon their death.
Is it not strange that when God’s people started doing evil that God often stepped in and did something good?
Actually, God knew that once He gave the Israelites into the hands of the Philistines, two things would happen:
1) The Philistines would abuse their power;
2) The Israelites would call out for help.
Samson was God’s man to moderate the damage the enemy was to place upon God’s people as well as to foster an awareness of the Lord’s care for them during such times.
Bible Study Questions on Judges 13-16
- How did Samson get his extraordinary strength (ch. 13)?
- Why do you think the Lord spent a chapter (13) describing how Samson got his superpower strength?
- Why did God give Samson so much strength?
- What were some wrong things Samson did?
- Why was Samson still super strong even when he lived in sinful relationship with God?
- Why did Samson only lose power when his hair was not cut and not when disobedient?
- What did God accomplish through Samson’s life despite his sin?
- Why is Samson’s only prayer at the end of his life?
- Why do you think Samson had to have his sight taken away before he came to spiritual see?
