Judges 16:1-31 Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in to her.… I. HUMILIATION AND WEAKNESS ARE SURE TO FOLLOW THE FAILURE TO KEEP COVENANT WITH GOD. He lacks the highest motive and the holiest hope who has not consciously agreed to fulfil the conditions on which the exceeding great and precious promises of God are given. II. THE DISCIPLINE OF HUMILIATION IS THE ONLY WAY TO A RESTORATION OF STRENGTH. All great endowments bring with them also especial weaknesses. This big burly body carried great passions with it. This giant strength led easily to over-confidence. But a sudden gleam of light seems to show him the opportunity to complete his mission as the champion of Israel. Blind and alone, he may yet gain a victory for God and for His people over their oppressors. Now he confesses that his strength is in Jehovah. To Him he cries for help. His hair has grown again, but he does not put his trust in that. Perhaps he feels the vigour of his returning power, but in his blindness he needs God, however strong he may be. And as soon as he can pray again he is the hero again. III. WHILE ONE WHO HAS BROKEN COVENANT WITH GOD CAN NEVER COME BACK AND BE WHAT HE WAS BEFORE, GOD MAY SOMETIMES ACCOMPLISH MORE THROUGH A FALLEN MAN RESTORED THAN IF HE HAD NOT FALLEN. Poor Samson never could get back his eyes. No penitence or prayer could restore the lost faculty. Even though his strength came back, his eyesight did not. He must beg the aid of a boy to find his way. It is thus with all who fall from God and fail from duty, who turn their back upon the Lord and neglect the conditions of His blessing. The scars remain though the man is healed. One who has fallen into gross sin may be restored, but he is weakened. Do not let us think too lightly of the peril of sin, and especially of the sin of one who is pledged to God. The disability which comes from the violation of a conscious obligation is more severe and more lasting than any other. (G. M. Boynton.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.WEB: Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a prostitute, and went in to her. |
    |