Hair is often seen as a symbol of strength. Samson (Hebrew: Hebrews 16:22) had supernatural power attributed to his seven long braids of uncut hair that never needed cutting. God was his source of strength; however, when he was betrayed by the Philistines and had his hair cut short, he lost it all.
Samson’s Vow
Before Samson was even born, his mother made a promise to God and took a Nazarite vow. This extended religious vow required strict spiritual practices like abstaining from alcohol and direct contact with dead bodies and keeping long hair. This consecration required her to stay long locks for as long as possible during his lifetime of blessing.
Samson’s Strength
Samson was an extraordinary Nazarite who displayed superhuman strength. At one point, he dismantled a lion’s jaws with only his hands without telling his dad or mother what had occurred.
Samson’s Betrayal
Delilah persuaded Samson to reveal the source of his strength by telling three lies to him; on her final attempt, she managed to trick Samson into sleeping on her knees before asking someone else to shave off seven locks of hair (Judges 16:20). Philistine capturers went so far as to gouge out his eyes before chaining him up for grain grinding at Gaza prison.
Samson’s Revenge
Parents should be aware that this movie contains violence, including blood and death scenes and sexual content. Samson quickly falls in love with Delilah, the Philistine woman. However, the Philistines convince Delilah to reveal Samson’s source of strength so they can capture and torture him. Instead, she attempts to trick Samson by putting him to sleep first before ordering someone to cut off seven braids of his hair – after which his strength quickly disappears.
Samson’s Death
Blind and imprisoned, he soon discovers that God can restore his power if only He grants it back. So he asks Him for strength against his enemies who were acting wickedly, successful but also discovering that His strength came from Him rather than from long hair or any other source; in doing this final act of power before his death, this was his last act of courage before death took his life.
Lessons Learned
Samson is the biblical Hercules, an exceptional warrior yet mortal. His story illustrates how to avoid pride and recklessness while warning us against repeating seemingly minor sins that can have severe consequences. Lessons can be drawn from this story beyond its moral: that revengeful acts can have tragic results. However, it reveals how seemingly minor sins can add to more severe offenses over time. Samson’s death reveals his weakness for women as one of his primary issues, as well as violations of his Nazirite vow – such as having wine at his wedding feast and possibly touching 30 of those he killed at his jawbone massacre – violating several times it. Family and friends should have warned Samson how quickly his path was moving away from God. Scripture warns against prideful self-centeredness, which can lead to tragic outcomes; Samson was an unforgettable example.
