Samson’s Exploits

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Judges
• Chapters: Judges 14-16
• Summary: Samson repeatedly strikes the Philistines through acts of extraordinary strength and personal conflict.

Details

Samson tears a lion, gives a riddle, burns Philistine fields, kills enemies with a donkey’s jawbone, and carries away Gaza’s city gates. His victories are real, but his motives and desires remain tangled.

Key People Involved

• Samson — Nazirite judge

Key Places

• Zorah — Samson’s home region
• Valley of Sorek — Later setting of betrayal

Important Verses

“And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him…” — Judges 14:6

Cross-References

• Related events: Samson’s Birth, Samson’s Downfall

Notes

Samson’s life shows power without mature obedience.