Judges 16

Holman Concise Bible Commentary Samson (13:1–16:31)

The story of the Danite hero Samson epitomizes the spiritual and political disarray of the nation. There are many contrasts in the story which the author used to highlight the moral impotence of the people. Samson was strong physically but weak morally. Though he made poor decisions and could not control his emotions, God used his mistakes as occasions to demonstrate His sovereign power. Another startling contrast is the sanctity of his Nazirite vow versus the disregard he showed for his Hebrew heritage. The victories of Samson were incomplete, and it was not until David that the Philistines were finally subjugated

Key Places:

Valley of Sorek- Delilah's hometown

Gaza-

Key People:

Samson

Delilah

The Philistine lords- The lords of Gaza, Gath, Ashdod, Ekron, Ashkelon

The temple worshippers

Key Lessons to be learned;

Judges 16:1-3

The first act of presumptuous sin opens the door for worse sins

debauchery is never the place to turn in disappointment or trouble

it is dangerous to ignore apparent warning that the Lord is displeased with us

Judges 16:4-31

continued sin causes us to go to sleep as it were and not recognize when the devil is about to trap us

it is never too late for one to repent and restore his relationship with God as long as he lives

It may have been a selfish prayer but it showed a few things:

Samson’s repentance

His recognition that God was the source of his strength

It was not Dagon that brought Samson down

It would bring the oppression down to a lull for a while

one may so shipwreck his life that he is of very little use more to the lord and may be taken out of the world