This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Judges 16 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Judges 16 the saga of Samson concludes in this chapter where we see a picture of Christ. Even Samson as weak as he was, illustrated to us the power of grace at work in lives as weak as our own.
The Philistines almost trap Samson in Gaza, but he rips off the city gates and deposits them close to Hebron. The distance from Gaza to Hebron is no less than 60 kilometres according to Google maps. There is also a difference in elevation of 916 meters, so the gates of the city are removed to such an extent they are not recoverable. God has removed the thing which blocks us and traps us so completely that it is impossible for the evil one to contain us, whilever we are in Christ. Samson’s feat is a picture of the work of Christ, carrying the cross up the hill. Jesus is the gate according to John 10 and here we see a picture of this reality.
Finally he falls in love with Delilah, who is offered 5 lots of 1100 silver pieces to betray him. Considering Abraham bought a block of land for 400 shekels of silver. THis is probably a million dollar sum being offered.
Eventually Delilah works out his secret and the seven locks of his head are shaved off, and he loses his strength and is captured, adn blinded. A lot of people question what the seven locks are, given there doesn’t seem to be seven natural sections of hair on anyone’s head. I suggest his was simply how he had done his hair for his own practical purposes. He had a lot of hair to manage and tying it up in sections was probably how he did it. There were simply seven locks in his hair, and it's not an indication of all humanity.
One of the clear lessons here in the Samson story is that the enemy within can be stronger than the enemy without.
In Samson’s final moments he is put between two pillars. He prays for strength and pushes them over and the building collapses killing thousands of Philistines, and himself. Here we are given a picture of Christ. Samson stretches out his arms and dies, and in doing so he destroys the enemy who has placed the people of God in bondage. He dies so that others will be liberated.
Aug 26, 2021 | Message by David Alley