RPG Adults
SAMSON (XII)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Judges 16:1-3
1 Corinthians 10:1-14
“…by means of a whorish woman
a man is brought to a piece of bread…”
SAMSON (XII)
Judges 15 closes with a summary that Samson judged Israel twenty years. In the accounts of the previous judges, such a summary would conclude the account of the judge’s life. However, in the case of Samson, we are still given incidents in his life, events that present both his strength and weaknesses. In the section before us today, the wayward and sensual nature of Samson is highlighted. One would think that past grace would be enough to change a man. If only he remembered how God had delivered him when the men of Judah gave him up to the Philistines. If only he remembered how he had thought he would die of thirst and God refreshed him and provided water. If only he remembered how the Philistines had assembled an army to pursue after him.
“Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her” (Judg 16:1). The first thing that comes out in this verse is the fearlessness of Samson. He ventured into Philistine territory. Not only did he enter the city, he even slept in the city. The Philistines were not hasty; they lay in wait seeking an opportune time, wary of their enemy as they knew of his legendary strength. The second thing in this verse is Samson’s weakness and wilfulness. His wandering eyes still wandered. In the past, he saw a Philistine woman who pleased him well, and that nearly killed him (were it not for God’s grace and strength when he was handed bound to the Philistines). Now, again, it is pointed out that while at Gaza, he “saw there an harlot” (Judg 16:1). The deceitfulness of sin takes advantage of the carelessness of man. The scripture rightfully exhorts, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).
“And Samson…arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city…” (Judg 16:3). We see in this section the long-suffering of God towards His servant. Samson was complacent because of his supernatural strength. The physical ability hid the spiritual immaturity. The fact that God uses us is not evidence that God approves of everything we do. God’s approval is measured in obedience.
THOUGHT: “Yield not to temptation for yielding is sin.”
PRAYER: Father, may I never doubt Thy ability.