The lesson today comes from Judges 16:15-31 and is a familiar story. This is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. The verses from Judges telling of Samson and Delilah did not sound so scary when I was a kid. Deceit, gouging out of eyes? Death? As we study this chapter, we understand that this story is not only about Samson’s strength and temptation, but also about sin’s consequences. It is a warning against trusting people blindly, as Delilah betrayed Samson and caused him to lose his strength and ultimately his life.
This lesson looks at the story of how the Philistines tricked Samson into revealing his secret source of strength, and captured him as a result. The good news is that we can learn from Samson and Delilah. The story reveals insight into how to make wise choices in our own lives. By reflecting on Samson and Delilah’s story, we can gain valuable wisdom about how to handle our own difficult decisions.
These events show what happens when Samson disregards God’s plan for him. So basically, this Scripture lesson is about how NOT to choose your friends.
The other thing I learned during this study is that Samson and Delilah were not married – at least I couldn’t find where they were. Remember that Samson’s wife was burned along with her father.
Samson and Delilah – The Secret Revealed
Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me?
You have deceived me these three times and have not told me where your great strength is.”
It came about when she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, that his soul was annoyed to death.
So he told her all that was in his heart and said to her, “A razor has never come on my head, for I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb.
If I am shaved, then my strength will leave me and I will become weak and be like any other man.”
When Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up once more, for he has told me all that is in his heart.”
Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands.
She made him sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair.
Then she began to afflict him, and his strength left him.
She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.”
But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.
Then the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes; and they brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze chains, and he was a grinder in the prison.
However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it was shaved off.. – Judges 16:15-22 NASB
Vengeance of the Lord
Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left.
And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he bent with all his might so that the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it.
So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed in his life.
Then his brothers and all his father’s household came down, took him, brought him up and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father.
Thus he had judged Israel twenty years. – Judges 16:28-31 NASB
The Deceit of Delilah – The Desire of Samson
The reading here shows that Samson was swayed by Delilah’s beauty. His desire for her was stronger than the truth of who she really was. His infatuation for her was like a ship sailing into stormy waters without charts or caution. But Samson discovered that its destination was a cliff. Ultimately, his decision to trust Delilah cost him his life.
As it has been for centuries, people tend to choose who they spend time with because of appearance – what’s on the surface.
They never consider who the person is underneath. They often focus on superficial qualities such as looks, clothes, and possessions without considering the person’s character, values, or interests. This can lead to shallow relationships that don’t last very long.
Natural beauty and sensual desire can last for a while but most of the time spent with a mate is not in the bedroom. It is spent in everyday situations. So, they must be willing to face life’s bumps and hurdles together. This is what builds a meaningful relationship. Ultimately, it is through shared experiences, not physical beauty, that a lasting bond is formed.
How to Choose Your Lifelong Mate
I’m sure I don’t know all the answers and I’ve made my share of mistakes. But finding my wife was not one of them. I realize now that God put Jean into my life to help me become closer to Him. Overall, I am grateful for the gift of meeting Jean and for the journey we have embarked on together.
You may have already found your true love. But, if not here are 3 guidelines to help you choose the right person:
1. Before using desire
or beauty for your obvious choice, make sure the person you fall in love with is of good character. For example, look for someone who is trustworthy, honest and respectful of others. All of these qualities are important, but it is character that matters most when it comes to love.
There are so many people these days who turn to single bars looking for love. Is this wrong? Not always, but it’s not the right option. It’s important to remember that relationships are built on trust and understanding. Going to singles bars may provide the opportunity to meet potential partners, but it doesn’t necessarily give you the chance to get to know them in a meaningful way. It’s important to take the time to build a strong foundation of trust and understanding before committing to a relationship.
2. Think about his or her personality
and commitment to your life together before you say “I do.” Ask yourself two questions:
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What really lies beneath that beautiful face and pleasant appearance?
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Is this a person you can see living with for years to come?
The secret here is patience. Don’t rush into a marriage that will end badly. Take the time to get to know someone before you make a commitment to them.
3. Pray for guidance.
Ask God to help you choose. He might just send your “soul mate” to you! When you take the time to get to know someone, you can better determine if they are the right person for you. Praying for guidance can also give you clarity and direction. This helps you to connect with the right person.
Delilah only wanted money. Samson believed she loved him blindly. The Book of Judges tells us how the story ends. Finally, praying and getting to know someone can help you make an informed decision and avoid disastrous mistakes. We can learn from these two biblical characters.
Choose wisely.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 here.