Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionSamson, a judge of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure whose life and death are recorded in the Book of Judges. His account is often discussed in the context of suicide due to the manner of his death. Samson's life is marked by extraordinary feats of strength, personal failings, and ultimately, a sacrificial act that leads to his demise. Biblical Account Samson's narrative is found in Judges 13-16. He was born to Manoah and his wife, who were visited by an angel of the Lord announcing that Samson would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. As a Nazirite from birth, Samson was set apart for God's service, and his uncut hair was a symbol of his vow and the source of his strength (Judges 13:5). Throughout his life, Samson exhibited both great strength and moral weakness. His exploits against the Philistines included tearing a lion apart with his bare hands (Judges 14:6), striking down thirty men (Judges 14:19), and killing a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15). The Fall and Capture Samson's downfall began with his entanglement with Delilah, a Philistine woman. Delilah, bribed by the Philistine rulers, coaxed Samson into revealing the secret of his strength. Once his hair was cut, Samson's strength left him, and he was captured, blinded, and imprisoned by the Philistines (Judges 16:19-21). Samson's Death The climax of Samson's account occurs during a Philistine celebration in the temple of Dagon. The Philistines brought Samson out to entertain them. Standing between the temple's pillars, Samson prayed to the Lord, "Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes" (Judges 16:28). God granted his request, and Samson pushed the pillars apart, causing the temple to collapse, killing himself and many Philistines (Judges 16:30). Theological Considerations Samson's death raises complex theological questions about the nature of his final act. While some may view it as a form of suicide, others interpret it as a sacrificial act of deliverance. Samson's prayer and the subsequent empowerment by God suggest divine approval of his final act, aligning it with his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. Moral and Ethical Reflections From a conservative Christian perspective, Samson's life and death serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of personal failings and the importance of faithfulness to God's calling. His account underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and the possibility of redemption, even in one's final moments. Samson's inclusion in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11:32 further highlights his role as a flawed yet faithful servant of God. Conclusion Samson's account is a complex narrative that intertwines themes of strength, weakness, and redemption. His death, while often debated, is seen within the broader context of God's deliverance of Israel and serves as a reminder of the power of faith and repentance. Nave's Topical Index Judges 16:29,30And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. Nave's Topical Index Library Whether it is Lawful to Kill Oneself? Gifts and Talents. Seventh Commandment The End Compel them to Come In Encouragement for the Depressed New Uses for Old Trophies The First Kings. The Betrayal Three Decisive Steps Resources Mental Illness ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgMiscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org In end-of-life decisions, when should quality of life be a consideration? | GotQuestions.org Suicide: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |