The question is; "Is Samson's story one of wasted talent?" Today's message explores the story of Samson and discusses the possibilities that he may have done more with his strength to help the Israelites and God. Elder Steve reviews the story of Samson in detail while identifying key points where opportunities had been lost. He sums the message up with how we might apply what we learned today in put personal lives.

Message Outline

Introduction:

v     Is Samson’s story one of great talent that was squandered and that never truly realized benefits for the Israelites or God?  You make the decision.

v     Samson’s story is found in the book of Judges and begins after the Israelites again do evil in the eyes of the Lord and are now in the hands of the Philistines.

v     History –

o       We are fresh out of the book of Joshua where Joshua has picked up from Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

o       But generations have passed and no one is left that remembers the “Journey” and what God has done for the Israelites.

o       While the Lord has delivered many nations to the Israelites they continue to fall back into evil and sin.

o       Judges – not what we think of today but meaning to govern, lead, or rule

o       Judges is more of a book of individual leaders noted with helping to deliver Israel

o       Believed that there are 13 Judges in total, 12 of which precede Samson.

Others before him were picked during their life but Samson is born specific for the role of a judge

Judges 13:1-5

1. Couple key points here

   •  “Samson is to be a Nazirite . . .”

   • “Samson will begin the deliverance of Israel . . .”

First - Being a Nazirite is defined in Numbers 6:1-8 (read)

1. Make a formal swearing of an oath of service to God for a specified length of time (vow of separation)

2. Abstain from drinking wine and fermented liquor, including vinegar derived from either wine or any fermented liquor, and will abstain from eating grapes fresh or dried or eat anything that comes from the vine.

3. Let his hair grown uncut for the length of the vow

4. For the entire period of the vow he must not come in contact with a corpse

We will see that Samson ultimately breaks this vow by letting his hair be cut.

Second - “He will begin the deliverance of Israel . . .” (13:5)

v     While judges preceding Samson deliver Israel from their oppressors at the time, Samson never completes the task in 20 years of leadership.

v     God did not use Samson to lead His armies like Gideon and Barak

o       He used Samson’s great strength to defeat many prominent Philistines

The story of Samson has five encounters with the Philistines

v     Samson picks a Palestinian bride (Judges 14:1-20)

o       Against his parent’s wishes (why uncircumcised people?)

o       Goes to meet with her

o       First visit kills lion, second visit eats the honey

o       Tells a riddle based on his killing a lion (14:12-14)

o       Kills 30 Philistine men and takes their cloths

v     Samson burns their fields and kills many more Palestinian men (Judges 15:1-10)

o       His wife is given away and he seeks to get even (15:3)

o       He catches 300 fox and burns their fields

o       She and her father are killed

o       Samson gets revenge on more Palestinian men

v     He agrees to turn himself in Judges 15:12-13)

o       Only if his clan does not kill him

o       He brakes the ropes

o       Using a donkey jawbone he kills 1000 Philistine men

v     He falls in love with Delilah (Judges 16: 1-22)

o       Delilah is seduced with coin to get Samson’s secrete for his strength

o       3 times he deceives her

o       He finally gives in, Judges (16:15-22)

o       It costs him his vow, eyesight, and relationship with God (16:20)

v     He kills over 3000 Philistines

o       God chose a time the Philistines were worshiping their god

o       The Philistines had not noticed Samson’s hair growing back

o       Not only 3000 Philistines but people of great importance (16:27)
 

So in light of the story did Samson squander his talent?

v     He failed to truly keep his vow

o       Unclean by the lion’s carcass?

o       Laying with prostitutes

o       Failed to listen to his parents wishes

o       Cut his hair

v     He abused his talent

o       Used it for revenge (15:3, 16:28)

v     He became conceited in his talent

o       I believe he took advantage of his notoriety to get what he wanted

Conclusion -

What, then, shall we say in regards to Samson’s life and his accomplishments? Was it a squandered talent or was there gain by it?  God uses Samson for His own purpose. Even though Samson did certainly err in many ways, God found a use for Samson. Through Samson's death many more Philistines met their end, and perhaps some refreshment was found for Israel. Moreover Samson paved the way for the eventual successes of David over the Philistines.

One more thing – I believe Samson was not a Hulk Hogan with bulging muscles.  Note that when he was to use his strength the Bible states “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him in strength.” 

Many times we believe that we have no talent.  But like Samson, the Spirit of the Lord will come upon us when our talent is needed.