Judges 16b Commentary
Samson’s story isn’t a good example for men. But the story of Joseph is. While Samson willingly exposes himself to wickedness, Joseph runs away from the scene of wickedness. The outcomes and impact of both men are worlds apart.
Then we have Joab, Israel’s military commander, who is the exact opposite of Samson. “Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.” 2 Samuel 10:12. Samson’s ever care was for his personal gratification.
A man with a heavenly assignment to save Israel never thought about Israel!
It’s probably about this period that the LORD hatches yet another plan to raise a shepherd. Boaz and Ruth are lovebirds who nurse baby Obed, who would later father Jesse. Jesse would become the father of the shepherd boy, David.
David’s assignment isn’t different from Samson’s. The scripture hasn’t said it, but we guess David kills both the lion and the bear on two different occasions under the power of the Spirit of God. The LORD God loves this shepherd boy who “risks” all to save his sheep. What a resume for a man who would face Goliath in battle because Goliath has insulted the Creator God! Not because Goliath has taken his girl!
The scripture can be strange when the LORD decides to use real-life experiences as parables or teaching aids. It’s strange when Samson’s Hair keeps the anointing regardless of his sexual immorality! Eli’s sons weren’t so lucky!
The story of Samson has a lot to say about God’s gifts, assignments, and our responses.
The Philistines are Israel’s enemies, cruel slave masters who must be defeated to free Israel. But Samson marries them! He sees beauty in them, but they see a victim in Samson. Philistine women are Samson’s flowers, but they see money, advantage, and property in Samson. He must die, and there is money on his head!
The saint in a compromised position must have the right view of the sinful things they love!
We could look at Samson as a project and examine the Balance Sheet. It’s a terrible project! Probably no one investment is like this project! The colossal investment in time and care that came with the gift yielded close to zero benefits.
Look at John the Baptist, a child with similar angelic announcements. His life’s outcome and impact represent a good return on heavenly investment. Not Samson! It remains a warning to the saint how a love for vanity (wickedness) can ruin the purposes of the LORD for one’s life.
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