Study Questions on Samson the Judge

Judges 13-16

If I had more money, then I would ...
more strength, then I would ...
more influence, then I would ...
more ...., then I would ...

God stepped into a person's life and changed a family, a person and even nations. The Spirit planned on working through Samson. The Spirit made him strong.

Is it still true today? Does God still step into the lives of people?

Why did God make it so that Samson was strong only when his hair was long?

Actually, it was not just the hair but the few regulations in the Nazarite vow. The hair was just one item. He also was to avoid strong drink.

This vow had no special power in and of itself. The vow humbled man in such a way that he knew that any special strength (in this case) was by God and not his own natural giftedness or some other power. The vow pointed back the good and beautiful to be from God. Notice when he broke the vow and his hair was cut, that he strength went out from him. Confidence is in God.

A break-thru occurs in a Bible study when God reveals something special about His person, way or plans. It is then that we realize how poor our view of God had been and that we greatly need Him to speak to us.

I opened my mouth wide and panted,
for I longed for Thy commandents.
(Psalm 119:131)

What does it mean to "be strong in the Lord?" Samson was strong but was he strong in the Lord? Explain.

Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God; And lovingkindness is Thine, O Lord, For Thou dost recompense a man according to his work. (Psalms 62:11,12, NASB).

He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. [Selah. (Psalms 62:6-8, NASB).

God is the true enabler of man. God helps those who rely on Him.

Is it not strange that when God's people started doing evil that God often stepped in and did something good?!

Actually, God knew that once He gave the Israelites into the hands of the Philistines, two things would happen:

1) The Philistines would abuse their power;
2) The Israelites would call out for help.

Samson was God's man to moderate the damage the enemy was to place upon God's people as well as to foster an awareness of the Lord's care for them during such times.


Book of Judges Directory

General Judges Articles

Making the Right Life Decisions (Judges 2:1-5)
Judges 2:1: Intro/A. The Gracious Promises of God
Judges 2:2: B. Exacting Requirements of the Covenant
Judges 2:3: C. The Severe Response of God
Judges 2:4-5: D. The Superficial Response of the People
Judges 2:1-5: Bible Study Questions
Striving for Moral Purity - The Big Race : Overcoming Sensual Lusts
Judges 13-16 Playing around with God
Playing around with God (Judges 13-16)
Judges 13-14_A. Listening to God
Responding to Authority
Judges 14-16_B. Consequences of Life
Disciplining His Children
Judges 14-16 C. Desires not Restrained
Dealing with Lust
Judges 13-16 Bible Study Questions

 

Biblical Foundations for Freedom


Paul J. Bucknell