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Suicide or Sacrifice?

First let me say that Samson is an awesome story. I still remember vividly as a little boy in Sunday school when I first heard of the strongest man in history. Some of the feats done by Samson were truly incredible. One can't even imagine the special effects needed to recreate a single man killing thousands with a donkey jaw bone! But unfortunately as other stories have epic moments, this story also has a sense of tragedy. Samson was betrayed by a women named Delilah. She tricked him into cutting off his hair, which was the source of his strength. Samson being a Nazirite, could not have any razor touch his head. Once he fell into Philistines hands the end was near as they blinded him and he was put out to the people as a spectacle.


But the question remains: Did Samson commit suicide or was it an act of self-sacrifice?


There Are Four Reasons Why Samson Did Not Commit Suicide.


#1 He Was fulfilling his Godly purpose

Samson's mission, as described in the Bible, was to serve as a judge and deliverer of Israel from the oppression of the Philistines. The Book of Judges describes how the Israelites had turned away from God and were being punished through their oppression by the Philistines. God then chose Samson, a Nazirite from the tribe of Dan, to serve as a deliverer for his people.



#2 Israel and Philistine were at war

The Book of Judges, which tells the story of Samson, describes a period of history in which the Israelites were ruled by judges and were in constant conflict with the neighboring nations, including the Philistines. The Philistines were a powerful and technologically advanced people who lived along the Mediterranean coast and had been in conflict with the Israelites for many years. They were known for their advanced iron weapons and their military prowess, and they posed a significant threat to the Israelites. Samson was called upon by God to defeat the Philistines and free his people from their oppression. Throughout his life, Samson engaged in many battles and acts of sabotage against the Philistines, such as burning their grain fields and killing their soldiers.



#3 Samson sacrifice was authorized

In Judges 16:28-30, "Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life."


In this prayer, Samson prays to God for strength one last time, and God grants him the strength he needs to bring down the temple and defeat the Philistines.Samson then uses his remaining strength to push against the pillars of the temple, causing the temple to collapse and killing himself along with all of the Philistines inside.

Samson's final prayer is a poignant moment that shows his unwavering dedication to his mission to defeat the Philistines and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his people. It also demonstrates his faith in God and his belief that God would ultimately bring justice and deliverance to his people.




#4 Samson is mentioned in the Hall of Faith

Samson is mentioned in the "Hall of Faith" in the New Testament book of Hebrews, chapter 11. The Hall of Faith is a list of individuals from the Old Testament who demonstrated great faith in God, and Samson is included among them. In Hebrews 11:32-34, it says, "And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies."



The Wrap Up
This Bible highlights Samson's strength and the great acts he accomplished through faith, including defeating the Philistines and protecting his people. However, it's worth noting that Samson's inclusion in the Hall of Faith does not necessarily mean that he was a perfect or faultless individual, as his story in the Book of Judges contains numerous instances of his moral failings and weaknesses. Rather, his faith in God and his dedication to his mission as a judge and deliverer of Israel are what earned him a place among the great examples of faith in Hebrews 11.



In His Awesome Service.

 

Be Bless,

 



KS Brady

 

Keir S. Brady is the minister of the Central Union Church of Christ, located in Nolanville Texas.

 


Central Union Church of Christ at Nolanville
100 West Avenue G, Nolanville Texas 76559
http://www.mycufamily.org

 



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