Judges 14-16

March 18

Judges 14-16

Samson was a man used of God, but he was what we think of as a man with a lot of brawn and not much brain. Women easily deceived Samson, but men could not overpower him. It is obvious from our reading that Samson received his power from God. He was able to strike down a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey, then God refreshed him with and revived him with water in a dry place.

Delilah was Samson’s final downfall. He knew she tried to deceive him. He knew she was trying to find out the secret to his strength, but her constant nagging finally wore him down and the Philistines were able to overpower him after they shaved his head while he was asleep.

It seems odd that his power was in his hair. In reality, his power was in his obedience to God. God had instructed his mother before his birth that he was not to cut his hair. As long as he did not have his hair cut, God was his strength. When his hair was cut, it symbolized separation from God and Samson became as weak as other men.

When we walk in obedience to God, He will give us strength. We may not be asked to fight a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey, but God may ask us to do things we do not think we can accomplish. God’s desire is for us to walk in obedience to Him. Samuel told Saul;  “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Samuel 15:22, NIV)

God wants to do amazing things in us and through us if we will just walk with Him, trust Him and obey Him. 

Where is your strength?