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Samson’s Downfall

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And Samson called unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

[Judges 16:28]

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A person whose eyes had been gouged out and a prisoner of the Philistines.

This had become Samson’s fate.

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Samson was born with special grace from God. God told Samson that no razor shall come near his head. While keeping this promise, God let him become very strong and powerful so that no one could defeat him.

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But Samson told the secret about his hair to Delilah and she betrayed him with that secret.

Samson, who had been strong, but because of his hair being cut, lost the power that God had given him.

The Philistines arrested him, gouged out his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza where they bound him with bronze shackles; and put him into a prison house.

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The Philistines mocked Samson by saying:

"Where is your God? Has God ever tried to help you, even once?"

"Do you know that our god, Dagon, is stronger than your God?"

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Finally, Samson realized how big of a mistake he had made.

By the grace of God, the hair of his head began to grow again even after it had been shaved.

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Today is the day when the lords of the Philistines will gather together to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god.

They said, "Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands."

They were so glad.

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Five of the lords of the Philistines said to the people,

“Samson has spoiled our land and killed our people.

Our god, Dagon, has helped us to catch him. Ha Ha Ha."

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The Philistines were very joyful.

"Bring out Samson to entertain us,"

said the lords and they ordered Samson to be brought out.

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They brought Samson out of the prison, and Samson performed for them. The people laughed at him and said blaspheming things against God.

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 After his performance, Samson stood between two pillars.

Samson said to the servant who held his hand.

"Let me touch the pillars of the temple. I want to lean against them."

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Leaning on the pillars of the temple, Samson prayed to God.

"Oh Lord, remember me. Please strengthen me just once more.

Let me, with one blow, get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes."

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Samson stretched out his hands between the two pillars.

The whole temple was supported by these two pillars.

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Samson shouted, "Let me die with the Philistines."

Then he pushed with all his might.

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God listened to Samson's prayer and gave him great power once more.

The temple collapsed. At that time, there were over 3,000 Philistines in there. He killed more people that day on his death than all the days when he had been alive.

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God listened to Samson's prayer when he realized his own mistake and turned back to God.

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Even though a person makes a mistake, God forgives the person who realizes their fault and repents. Let’s check our own lives today and see if we are following whole heartily after God!