Most of us have heard the fanciful story of Samson the judge who killed a thousand of Philistines with a jawbone and how he died by pushing apart two pillars after being tempted by women. We Christians don't talk much about his relationships with women. In fact, those who do talk about such things refer to him as a womanizer who was married once, visited a prostitute, and loved another who betrayed him.
However, if we look at him strictly as God describes him to us, all we know is the facts about his birth, relationships with three women, and his death. And one more thing: He is listed in the Hebrews chapter 11 "Hall of Faith" as being a man who lived by faith!
This study is intended to show how Samson's story is a set of four allegories depicting Jesus' birth, His relationship with the three groups of mankind, and His death. Each section is presented in a format which summarizes a sequential little piece of Samson's story followed by a short description of how the allegory tells about Jesus; this is then followed by a few of many possible Scripture passages that relate Jesus' life. Enjoy and let the Spirit lead you into all truth as you find that the entire Bible is about only one thing: It's all about Jesus!
Names and Their Meanings
The meanings of Hebrew names can almost tell the whole story by themselves. They show how the allegory is assembled. For example: Samson means "the light" and Jesus is "the Light of men." His father's name is Manoah which means "peace or rest" and God provided peace between Him and us through the death of His Son. Delilah means "one who is heavily burdened" and Jesus said "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened."
Samson's Birth
Samson was born in similar circumstances to John the Baptist: His parents were childless and his birth was announced by an angel. Yet, when viewing this story as an allegory about Jesus, the mother more closely resembles John the Baptist who introduced Jesus' as the Lamb of God into the world --like Samson's mother introduced him into the world.
Samson's Wife
This relationship of Samson and his wife can provide insight about the motivating love of God demonstrated through Jesus coming into the world to save all of mankind. And the story doesn't stop at Jesus' death. It even contains the battle with Satan; how the free gift of righteousness is obtained; the overcoming of sin and death; and much of the end times as described in Revelation.
The Prostitute
The next relationship shows Samson visiting a prostitute. It is found in just three short verses, but captures what happened when Jesus came to His own --the people of Israel-- and they received Him not. It touches on the Passover and the fulfillment of the law.
His True Love: Delilah
The final relationship is about Samson's true love Delilah. And it is also a rich picture of Christ's love for His Bride. There are the three temptations by Satan in the desert; a presentation of the gospel; His crucifixion, death and resurrection; and the fulfillment of the law and new priesthood.
Next: Name Meanings Are Key...