Pray: "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."

1. 1

   What do you learn about God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways, or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

2. 2

   In chapter 16, how does the "lust of his eyes" lead him to enter Gaza, which is the heart of the Philistine territory? The Philistines find out he is in town and plan to capture him, but Samson escapes. How loud would his escape have been? Ponder: why didn't the men hear him? Could this have been an act of God?

3. 3

   In verses 4-14, Samson loves Delilah. Is there any evidence that she loved him back? How do the Philistines get her to betray him? In this section, there are three attempts to discover Samson's strength and capture him. In each case, who performs the action that Samson states will remove his strength? Who is waiting in the chamber? (Note: from the narrative, it is unlikely that Samson knew men were waiting in the chamber to attack him. He continues to trust Delilah and may have thought they were playing some sort of game.)

4. 4

   In verses 15-17, how does Delilah finally accomplish her goal to discover the source of his strength?

5. 5

   In verses 18-27, when Delilah had the men remove Samson's hair and told him the Philistines are upon him, what was Samson's first thought? Why did Samson's strength leave him; was it actually his hair being cut? What did the Philistines do to Samson? Who did the Philistines give credit to for capturing Samson?

6. 6

   Ponder: Samson's hair symbolized his devotion to God under the Nazarite vow. However, Samson's actions did not match his vow. He was arrogant, self-centered, pursued the lust of his eyes, and allowed his love for women to blind him to their lack of devotion to him. He took his calling for granted, and loved the things of this world more than he loved God. His pride even led to the Philistines crediting and praising their gods for Samson's capture! Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." And great was Samson's fall. He lost his eye sight and suffered great humiliation before the 3,000 Philistines. They took great pleasure in mocking and belittling him. However, look closely at verse 22. What ray of hope do you see?

7. 7

   In verse 28, what is the evidence you see for Samson's change of heart? How does Samson die?

8. 8

   Ponder: This is the first time we see Samson praying to the Lord for strength before he takes action. He also finally displays humility in his prayer to "Lord God," the word for Yahweh as master and the covenant keeping God of Israel. Samson's suffering and humiliation had humbled him and turned his heart toward God. He recognized where his true strength came from, not his hair that had grown long again, but in the almighty power of the living God. How about you? Do you let pride and arrogance distract you from devotion to God and recognizing His power and strength in your life? Read James 4:6 and Philippians 4:13. How does this lead you to pray?