Judges 16:26-30 – Samson’s Death
Samson has been brought to the temple of the false god Dagon that the Philistines might gloat over him. This temple was constructed with a flat roof supported by pillars surrounding a courtyard. As the sacrifices took place in the courtyard, the worshippers could watch. More important people, such as the lords of the Philistines, might watch from the shade under the roof, while others could gather on the roof and watch from above. In addition to the people below, about three-thousand have gathered on the roof, looking on Samson whom they think their god has defeated.
In his blindness, a young man holds Samson’s hand in order to guide him. Samson prevails upon him to lead him to the pillars, where he might lean to rest. Humbled now by the disciplining hand of the LORD, he calls upon Him to strengthen him once more. Graciously, God gives Samson the superhuman strength he needs to push against the pillars and bring the roof of the temple of Dagon crashing down. Three thousand Philistines on the roof, plus the worshipers under it (including the lords of the Philistines) are killed. Thus, in his death, Samson killed more of Israel’s enemies than he had in his entire life up to that point. The Philistines have brought Samson to the temple to brag about their victory over Israel, but it becomes Israel’s victory as the LORD uses Samson to defeat His people’s enemies. Not only does Samson get vengeance over the Philistines for having gouged out his eyes, but Israel receives a rest from the Philistines’ oppression.
Again, we see the sovereignty of God. He uses the enemies of his people to discipline Samson, humbling him and bringing him to a point at which he calls upon the name of the LORD. By bringing Samson to the temple of Dagon at the end of his life, He arranges the circumstances so that this god is shown to be false while Israel’s enemies are punished. We can be grateful that God orders all events for His glory and our good.
Questions
- How did God show that Dagon is a false god?
- How did He use these circumstances for His glory & His people’s good?
Prayer Points
- Pray that all things may bring glory to God.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.