The name Samson (also spelled Sampson) has Hebrew origins and carries meaning within that context. In Hebrew, the name Samson is spelled שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon) and is derived from the word “shemesh,” which means “sun.” Therefore, the name Samson is often interpreted to mean “like the sun” or “sun-like” in Hebrew. This name reflects the strength and radiant qualities associated with the sun, which align with the powerful character and abilities of the biblical figure Samson.
Samson’s parents were Manoah and his wife. In the biblical account, an angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife, who was barren at the time, and announced that she would conceive and bear a son (Judges 13:2-3). The angel instructed her to abstain from wine and certain foods during her pregnancy and to raise the child as a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth (Judges 13:4-7). Manoah and his wife followed the angel’s instructions, and Samson was born as a result of God’s intervention.
Samson was a prominent figure in the Holy Bible known for his incredible physical strength and his role as a judge of Israel. His story, found in the Book of Judges (chapters 13-16), showcases his extraordinary feats. Here are some key events and corresponding scriptures:
- Birth and Nazirite Vow: An angel appeared to Samson’s parents, announcing his birth and instructing them to raise him as a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth (Judges 13:3-5).
- Marriage to a Philistine Woman and the Riddle: Samson desired to marry a Philistine woman from Timnah. On his way to Timnah, he encountered a lion and killed it with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6). Later, he proposed a riddle to the Philistines at his wedding feast (Judges 14:12-14).
- Acts of Strength: Samson displayed remarkable strength throughout his life. For instance, he caught 300 foxes, tied their tails together with torches, and set them loose in the Philistines’ fields, destroying their crops (Judges 15:3-5). He also killed a thousand Philistines using the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:14-16).
- Delilah’s Betrayal: Samson’s relationship with Delilah, a Philistine woman, led to his downfall. The Philistines offered her a reward to discover the secret of his strength. After deceiving her multiple times, Samson finally revealed that his strength resided in his uncut hair (Judges 16:15-17).
- Capture, Blinding, and Death: Delilah cut off Samson’s hair while he slept, causing him to lose his strength. The Philistines captured him, gouged out his eyes, and imprisoned him (Judges 16:18-21). However, during a Philistine festival, Samson’s hair began to grow back, and he prayed to God for strength one last time. God granted his request, and he pushed against the supporting pillars of the temple, causing it to collapse, killing himself and thousands of Philistines (Judges 16:28-30).
The story of Samson demonstrates the interplay between his incredible strength, personal weaknesses, and God’s empowerment. Despite his flaws, Samson’s acts of strength were instrumental in delivering Israel from the Philistines.
- Breaking Free from Ropes: On multiple occasions, the Philistines attempted to capture Samson by binding him with ropes or cords. However, he effortlessly broke free from their restraints, demonstrating his immense physical strength.
- Carrying the Gates of Gaza: In one incident, Samson carried the city gates of Gaza—a massive and formidable structure—on his shoulders, uphill, and placed them at the top of a hill outside the city. This act showcased his extraordinary strength and served as a symbolic gesture of defiance against the Philistines’ control.
- Defeating the Philistine Army: After being handed over to the Philistines by his own people, Samson was bound and taken to Lehi. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he broke his bonds. With the jawbone of a donkey, he fought off a thousand Philistine soldiers, single-handedly defeating them in a remarkable feat of strength.
- Toppling the Temple of Dagon: Samson’s final act of strength occurred during a Philistine festival held in a temple dedicated to the god Dagon. Blinded and weakened, Samson was brought into the temple as a spectacle for the Philistines. However, as he stood between the supporting pillars of the temple, he prayed to God for strength one last time. God granted his request, and Samson pushed against the pillars, causing the entire temple to collapse, killing himself and thousands of Philistines present, effectively delivering a significant blow to the enemy.