INTRODUCTION: We see a strange mixture of great strength and great weakness in Samson. He had great physical strength, but his inordinate desire for sinful women caused him to have some terrible weaknesses. He had already gotten into trouble because of the woman from Timnath. This chapter finds him lusting over two other women and finally losing his strength, his sight—the eyes that got him into so much trouble—and his life.
His life was a riddle—similar to the riddle that he had told to his companions. His riddle told of a lion (a symbol of great strength) and honey (a symbol of great sweetness—see Proverbs 25:16, 27). In the end, the lion was beaten by the honey. Samson’s strength was destroyed by his lust after the so-called sweet things of the flesh. He chose “to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25), but found that lust “bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15).
God wants us to refuse to give place to the Devil (Ephesians 4:27). When we give place to him, we do so voluntarily because the Devil cannot force his will upon anyone. We must understand that everyone is tempted when they are drawn away from the right place by waiting until the sin stage to attempt to get the victory. Victory is only possible in the temptation stage—not in the sin stage. When lust joins the enticement, there is going to be a sinful conception (James 1:14-15). Samson shows why our theology must never be based upon our experience but on the truths of scripture.
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