The 3 “Loves” of Samson’s Life Fatal Attraction : The 3 “Loves” of Samson’s Life

--------------------------------- Lover #1: Bride from Timnah (Judges 14 & 15) --------------------------------- - Philistine Woman - Hasty Marriage - She betrays his trust - He abandons her - She marries another - She is murdered

Numbers 6 “If a man or woman wants to make a special vow , a vow of separation to the Lord as a Nazirite…” 1.) No drinking of any alcohol 2.) No cutting of any hair on head 3.) No contact with any dead body

---------------------------- Lover #2: “Call Girl” in Gaza (Judges 16: 1-3) ---------------------------- - Philistine Woman - “No Strings” - Regular contact - Likely accomplice for the Philistines’ ambush attack

Judges 16:3 … [Samson] got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, together with the two posts, and tore them loose, bar and all. He lifted them to his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron.

The translation of this passage leaves open the possibility that Samson may have carried this city gate all the way to Hebron… 40 Miles East of Gaza!!!

as impressive as this latest feat But… as impressive as this latest feat of strength was, Samson selfishly ignored another chance to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines.

----------------------------- Lover #3: Delilah (Judges 16: 1-22) ----------------------------- - Jew or Philistine? - Lover, not Wife - Accepts a large bribe to hand over Samson to the Philistines

3 warning signs that Delilah was untrustworthy. Judges 16: 6-16 In an amazing mix of obliviousness and arrogance, Samson chooses to ignore at least 3 warning signs that Delilah was untrustworthy.

“No razor has ever been used on Judges 16:17 “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.”

to endure betrayal, as well as compromise his integrity. Samson wanted to find and hold on to love so badly that he was willing to endure betrayal, as well as compromise his integrity. Samson definitely worshiped “idols” : Lust & Vengeance

Judges 16:21 “Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding in the prison.”

Judges 16: 23-31 The Death of Samson

God’s favor and strength, Samson’s final mighty act was Despite seeking God’s favor and strength, Samson’s final mighty act was all about him and his endless need for personal vengeance. God still worked through this act to “begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” (13:5)

Judges 17 – 21: A Descent into Chaos False priests endorsing idol worship Bandits attacking defenseless towns Priests openly having concubines Rape & murder of women Vengeful genocide against Benjamin

God sends a guiding light: Out of the darkness in the time of the Judges, God sends a guiding light: A True Nazirite

Samuel: The Final Judge

Themes in Judges: God’s Faithfulness vs. Israel’s Sinfulness God Can Work Through Anyone or Anything True Repentance is Needed for True Progress