Then we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, and the Lord heard our voice and saw our misery, toil and oppression. (Deuteronomy 26:7 NIV)
In my Bible Recap readings, I’m nearing the end of the book of Judges. This book is known for its recurring pattern: the people of ancient Israel would fall into godlessness and sin, then cry out to God for help. In response, God would send a judge or leader to deliver them, and once they were rescued, the cycle would begin again. Although Proverbs 26:11 hadn’t been written yet, it captures the essence of this cycle. The verse says, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly” (NIV), which seems to reflect the repetitive nature of their mistakes.
Samson is one of the judges featured in the book of Judges. His godly parents raised him according to God’s calling on his life—as a Nazarite. Despite this, Samson repeatedly chose to sin, pursuing relationships with various women, and his pride worked against him. His lust and arrogance ultimately led him to give in to the woman who relentlessly pressured him. He revealed the secret of his strength to her and, perhaps due to his ability to sleep deeply, he fell asleep in her presence. Unfortunately, with this newfound knowledge, she had his strength taken away by cutting off his seven braids. Judges 16:20 (NIV) tells us, “He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had left him.” To me, this is one of the saddest moments in the Bible—that God would choose to leave someone. Although Samson’s choices led to this abandonment, the consequences he faced—losing his sight and freedom—were severe.
The book of Judges is a compelling yet troubling narrative, filled with cycles of sin and redemption. In the midst of these cycles, Judges 10:16 tells us, “God could bear the misery of Israel no longer” (AMP). In His love and compassion for His deeply sinful people, God was grieved by their sin. We’re also told that “God took Israel’s troubles to heart” (Judges 10:16 MSG).
As for Samson, I imagine that his humiliation was deeply painful—his eyes gouged out, forced to do the women’s work of grinding grain at the mill, and used as a source of entertainment for a pagan celebration. Realizing that God had left him due to his own choices must have been devastating. Yet, in his misery, God still saw him. Over time, Samson’s hair began to grow back, and with it, his strength returned.
Perhaps—though this is just my speculation—the regrowth of Samson’s hair symbolized a deeper repentance and humbling of his spirit. Perhaps, in the depths of his humiliation and captivity, God met Samson. Perhaps Samson repented for rejecting his Nazarite calling.
Then 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.” Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. (Judges 16:28-30 NIV)
God’s rescue of Samson was not a restoration of his eyesight or his freed life. Instead, God used this re-strengthened man to exact vengeance on 3000 pagans. Samson’s sin had consequences. Yet, like the Psalmist, we are reminded, “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” (Psalm 18:6 NIV). When Samson cried out for rescue, God heard. God’s rescue may not look like we expect, but his compassion and lovingkindness are unending.
God,
Thank you for the stories in the Bible that show how you use ordinary people, just like Samson and each of us. Thank you for reminding us that, even when we struggle with cycles of sin, you are always ready to rescue and restore us. Thank you for assuring us that when we call out to you, you hear us and will help us. We are grateful for your great compassion and lovingkindness. Help us to cry out to you for freedom from our destructive habits and to trust you for deliverance. We ask this in Jesus’s name, AMEN.