Samson

We’re skipping ahead to Israel’s final formal judge; his story is one that you might be familiar with. In fact, his story is one of the best examples of a “flawed hero” because even though he messes up over and over again, God still empowers and uses him.

Of course, Israel is in trouble again—

Judges 13:1 | Again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, so the Lord handed them over to the Philistines, who oppressed them for forty years.

God needs to raise a judge and to do this, the Angel of the Lord (Jesus) is back. He visits the wife of Manoah and tells her—

Judges 13:3 & 5 | The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and said, “Even though you have been unable to have children, you will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son… You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazarite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.”

Watch to see how this story ends!

Family Discussion:
How did God show His power in Samson’s life?
How did Samson struggle?
Does it surprise you that Samson struggled to do right even though he personally experienced God’s power? Why or why not?
Why does giving into temptation get in the way of us following God? How can this be seen in Samson’s life?