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SAMSON (XIII)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Judges 16:4-5

1 Kings 11:1-13

 

“…his wives turned away his

heart after other gods…”

 

SAMSON (XIII)
 
The troubles of Samson as given in the biblical accounts have the recurring temptation of a Philistine woman: from the woman at Timnath, to the harlot at Gaza. His downfall would be occasioned by Delilah at Sorek. The answer to his riddle was revealed after the importunate pestering of the woman he loved. The secret of his strength was pursued by the Philistines through the agency of a woman. Just as Daniel’s enemies sought for an occasion against him (Dan 6:4), the enemies of Samson also sought for an occasion against him. But, alas, unlike Daniel whose enemies found no fault and noted that an occasion must be found “concerning the law of his God” (Dan 6:5), the Philistines did find it in the person of Delilah to whom they offered silver.
 
“…Entice him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what means we may prevail against him…” (Judg 16:5). The enemy changed their tactics, they did not send an army, neither did they lie in wait with city gates closed, but rather, they took advantage of Samson’s weakness. The one who had given in to the lust of the flesh was now attacked through it. Trials and dangers abound in the world, and God gives grace to us to avoid and overcome them. We may trust God and pray that He leads us not into temptation, but delivers us from evil. However, this does not give us permission to embrace temptation or put ourselves in the path of evil just because God is able to save. We are not to run into danger trusting that we will overcome or be delivered or as Paul puts it: “continue in sin, that grace may abound” (Rom 6:1- 2). It was not Samson alone who was tempted, but Delilah too. The lords of the Philistines, knowing the grave danger of the task they had asked of her, enticed her themselves with a reward that would blind her to the threats and dangers. The bribe promised her had to be considerable lest she considered the danger involved too great. It was dangerous both physically, if her errand be found out, and also emotionally, if her attachment to him made her change her mind. Delilah, having been ensnared by the lords of the Philistines, would become their snare to entice and bring Samson to them weak and helpless.
 
THOUGHT: “Keep thy heart with all diligence…” (Prov 4:23).

PRAYER: May I trust in Thee daily, Father.

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