Samson’s Strength Wasn’t Just In His Hair.
When many people think of Samson, they picture a man with long, wild hair and incredible strength who made terrible choices for love. But behind everything, Samson’s life is really about his calling, conflict, and what happens when someone who is set apart for God, struggles to live up to their purpose.
Samson was born a Nazirite. According to the scriptures, the Nazirite vow, described in Numbers 6, was a sacred promise. Nazirites were not allowed to drink wine, cut their hair and they were not allowed to touch dead bodies. Being a Nazirite and following the Nazirite vow was a way of showing the world that someone was wholly dedicated to God and set apart for a special task.
People offered this vow voluntarily, but Samson was different. The Bible tells us that Sampson was set apart by God before he was born.
Judges 13:5 tells us that an angel visited Samson’s mother and told her, “For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazarite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.“
Samson’s story isn’t a simple one. Despite being chosen by God, he struggled to honor his vow, especially when it came to his weakness: women. Especially Delilah, who finally cost him his strength and freedom.
But in the end, after a dramatic downfall, Samson prays for strength and in a final act of faith and repentance, he brings down the Philistine temple, killing more enemies in his death than during his entire life. His story shows how his true power didn’t come from his hair but rather from his reliance and faith in God.
You can read Samson’s entire story in Judges 13–16.
The Verse
“He killed many more in his death than in his life.”
Judges 16:30
What Samson Teaches Us
Reflection & Journaling Prompts
Affirmation
God’s power is strongest when I’m weak.
Prayer for the Day
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You don’t give up on me, even when I fail or fall. Help me to surrender my pride and weaknesses to You. Teach me to rely on Your strength, not my own. Like Samson, may I find new life and purpose when I return to You. Use my story, flaws and all, for Your glory.
Amen.
