23: Samson’s victory through his death (Judges 16:23 – 31)

“He killed many more people in his death than he had killed during his life.” This could be a conclusion of Samson’s ministry.

Read Judges 16:22 - 31

Q1. How did the Philistines interpret Samson’s fall? (23 – 24)

They thought their god, presumably Dagon, handed Samson over to them.

The Lord had departed from him, and he lost his strength. Their attributing the Lord's deeds to other gods is a serious error. In Scripture, whenever the Lord’s name is dishonored or His servant suffers unjust persecution, it often marks the approach of divine justice and restoration.

Q2. In his first and last prayer, Samson doesn’t seem to confess his wrong but only seeks revenge on the Philistines. Why do you think God answered his plea? (13:4 & 7, 16:22)

It is because God had planned for Samson to live as a Nazirite and to deliver Israel through him. The shaving of his hair symbolized the renewal of his Nazirite vow, and being blinded and confined in chains compelled him to rededicate himself as a Nazirite. Although Samson sought strength motivated by a desire for revenge, the Lord answered his plea because Samson was the deliverer the Lord had chosen and prepared.

In his one and only recorded prayer, Samson does not appear to confess his wrongdoing. However, he recognized that all power comes from the Lord and humbly sought His strength, acknowledging His sovereignty.

We might feel sorry for Samson's fall and death and want a happier ending. However, Samson's death conveys a deeper theological message that God's salvation would start from the point of death of the flesh. This could be a reason that God allowed his fall and death. Burial to his father's land implies he was accredited as legitimate member of God's family though he carried many defects.

Q3. These two sentences conclude Samson’s ministry. He killed more people in his (           ) than he had killed during his (            ). His brother and (       ) his family went down and brought him back.

These two sentences conclude Samson’s ministry. He killed more people in his ( death  ) than he had killed during his ( life  ). His brother and ( all ) his family went down and brought him back.

We might feel sorrow over Samson's fall and tragic death, wishing for a happier ending. Why, then, does the Bible emphasize Samson's final victory through death more than his earlier accomplishments?

Samson's death holds profound theological significance, highlighting that the salvation of God is to deliver us from the sinful flesh, and thus it begins with the death of the flesh. This perspective may help us understand why God permitted his downfall and death. 

All of the family came down and brought his body and buried it in his father's land. This signifies that, despite his many flaws, Samson was recognized as a legitimate member of God's family and was given an honorable burial as the leader of Israel.

Samson’s story hints at how God would save His sinful people, repeatedly sinning as seen in Judges, particularly through Jesus Christ:

• God prepared the Savior, even when the people did not ask for one (Judges 13).

• God’s providence is often mysterious and puzzling, yet always faithful to His promises (Judges 14).

• The mighty Savior was betrayed and delivered to His enemies by His people (Judges 15).

• He brought salvation through His death and was glorified after it (Judges 16).

As a conclusive episode of the Book of Judges, Samson’s story imparts these key truths:

• Salvation only comes from the Lord. 
• The root of our problem is our hearts. Our failure is not due to a lack of physical strength but a lack of faith and devotion to God.
• The first step in renewing your heart is to deny yourself, which means dying to yourself.
• The two bleak episodes following Samson’s story underscore our sinfulness and inability to fix it ourselves. They highlight the need to wait for God to send the perfect Savior—Jesus Christ—who is fully obedient and dedicated to God’s will.