ADULTS STS LESSON 176: THE RISE AND FALL OF SAMSON
Memory Verse
“And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes” (Judges 16:28).
Texts
Judges chapters 13 to 16
The preceding chapters of the book of Judges marked a period of recurrent backslidings, servitude, and deliverances in the history of the children of Israel. After the death of Abdon, the son of Hillel, the Pirathonite, the twelfth judge in Israel, “…the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years” (Judges 13:1). This was the longest period of servitude that preceded the birth and ministry of Samson.
He was a hero of Israel known for his great physical strength as well as his moral weakness. He was a Nazarite from birth, like Samuel and John the Baptist. Samson fell far short of God’s standard with his sin and disobedience. His life is a clear warning against the dangers of self-indulgence and lack of discipline. Sin is ruinous, but God is always ready to save and deliver from its power and consequences, as this lesson reveals.
Prophecy of Samson’s Birth and Ministry
Texts: Judges 13:1-25; 1 Samuel 1:1-18; Jeremiah 1:4-10; Luke 1:5-17; Genesis 18:9-15; 25:20-25
God sent His angel to the household of Manoah of the tribe of Dan, from Zorah, to foretell the miraculous conception and birth of Samson, whose primary mission was to “…deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5).
Manoah’s wife had been barren prior to the coming of the angel of God to announce that, “Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son” (Judges 13:3).
Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth experienced delays but God eventually intervened and gave them wonderful children—Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Samuel, and John the Baptist—who did exploits for the Lord. Believers who are experiencing delays should not lose hope because God, who did it for others, will grant their expectation (Numbers 23:19).
Samson’s Inordinate Affection and Missteps in Marriage
Texts: Judges 14:1-20; Genesis 24:1-27; Exodus 34:15-16; 1 Kings 11:1-4; Deuteronomy 7:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
At the onset of his ministry, Samson chose a Philistine woman for marriage (Judges 14:1-2). His parents opposed his decision, reminding him of God’s command that forbids marriage with unbelievers (The Power of Confession and God’s Forgiveness).
During this period, Samson slew a lion through the Spirit of the Lord (Judges 14:6). Later, he found honey in the carcass, symbolizing how God can bring sweetness from bitter experiences.
At his marriage feast, Samson posed a riddle to the Philistines, which his wife betrayed under pressure. Enraged, Samson slew thirty Philistines in Ashkelon. His marriage collapsed, and his wife was given to his companion. This episode shows that unrighteous relationships end in sorrow (What True Repentance Looks Like).
Samson Distresses the Philistines
Texts: Judges 15:1-20; Romans 12:18-21; Matthew 5:13-16, 38-48; 1 Corinthians 6:1-7
When Samson later returned to his wife, he discovered she had been given away. In anger, he destroyed the Philistines’ crops with firebrands tied to foxes. The Philistines retaliated by killing his wife and father-in-law. Samson struck them down in vengeance.
Bound by his own people and handed to the Philistines, Samson broke free under the Spirit’s power and slew a thousand men with a donkey’s jawbone (Judges 15:14-15). Afterwards, God miraculously provided him water in answer to prayer (Judges 15:18-19).
Samson’s supernatural exploits included:
- Killing a lion with bare hands (Judges 14:6)
- Gathering honey from its carcass (Judges 14:9)
- Slaying thirty men in Ashkelon (Judges 14:19)
- Burning Philistine fields (Judges 15:5)
- Slaying 1,000 with a jawbone (Judges 15:15)
- Carrying Gaza’s gates to a hill (Judges 16:3)
These exploits, however, did not excuse his moral failings. Only holiness and obedience can secure eternal life (Matthew 7:21-23).
Samson’s Lust and Fall
Texts: Judges 16:1-21; Matthew 5:28; Proverbs 6:25-29; Galatians 5:19-21; James 4:4
Samson’s downfall came through his lust. He first consorted with a harlot in Gaza, then fell for Delilah in Sorek. The Philistines bribed her to uncover the secret of his strength. After persistent pressure, Samson revealed that his power was tied to his Nazarite vow symbolized by his uncut hair.
Delilah betrayed him, and he was captured, blinded, and enslaved. His enemies mocked God, attributing their victory to their idol, Dagon. Samson’s fall warns believers that lust, immorality, and disobedience lead to shame and destruction (How to Return to God After Falling into Sin).
Samson’s Recovery, Death, and Burial
Texts: Judges 16:22-31; Luke 15:11-24; 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 11:32-34
In prison, Samson repented, and his hair began to grow again. In humility, he prayed, “O Lord GOD, remember me…” (Judges 16:28). God answered. Leaning on two pillars of the Philistine temple, he pulled it down, killing more in death than in life (Judges 16:30).
This shows that God forgives the repentant. Samson, despite his failures, is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32-34. His story reminds believers to finish their race faithfully and fulfill their God-given mission (How to Walk Daily in God’s Will, How to Serve God After Failure).
Questions for Review
1. Explain the pitiable plight of Israel before the conception and birth of Samson.
Israel was in bondage under the Philistines for 40 years because of their disobedience and idolatry (Judges 13:1). They were weak, oppressed, and without a strong leader until God, in His mercy, raised Samson to begin their deliverance.
2. What can believers learn from the birth of Samson?
Samson’s birth teaches that God has a purpose for every life from conception. His mother’s obedience to God’s instructions (Judges 13:3–5) shows the importance of parental godliness, consecration, and training children in God’s way from birth.
3. Highlight the divine prescription on the choice of a marriage partner in Samson’s parents’ counsel.
Samson’s parents reminded him that God’s will is for believers to marry “in the Lord” (Judges 14:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Marriage should not be based on physical attraction or personal desire alone but on God’s guidance, spiritual compatibility, and obedience to His Word.
4. What are the pitfalls in the life of Samson that believers should avoid?
- Yielding to lust and immoral relationships (Judges 16:1).
- Disregarding godly parental counsel (Judges 14:3).
- Overconfidence in natural gifts and strength.
- Carelessness with divine secrets and consecration (Judges 16:17).
- Playing with temptation instead of fleeing from it.
5. Mention some of Samson’s exploits and explain why baptism with the Holy Ghost is indispensable.
Samson killed a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:6), defeated many Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15), and pulled down the gates of Gaza (Judges 16:3). These feats were possible because “the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him.” Likewise, believers today need the baptism of the Holy Ghost for power, boldness, spiritual victory, and effectiveness in service (Acts 1:8).
6. How can a believer overcome lust?
- By fleeing every appearance of evil (2 Timothy 2:22).
- By renewing the mind daily with God’s Word (Psalm 119:9,11).
- By living in constant prayer and watchfulness (Matthew 26:41).
- By yielding fully to the Holy Spirit’s control (Galatians 5:16).
- By maintaining godly relationships and accountability.
7. What can believers learn from Samson’s recovery?
Samson’s repentance and prayer in his final moments (Judges 16:28–30) show that God is merciful and willing to restore a backslider who truly repents. However, his story also teaches that wasted opportunities and consequences of sin may remain. Believers must repent early, remain watchful, and depend wholly on God’s grace to finish well.
External Bible study resources: Bible Gateway, GotQuestions, Blue Letter Bible
