Samson's Prostitute: Jesus' Relationships with Israel


Many of the names are followed by their Hebrew meanings in bracketed text.

Samson (the Light) left his parents and went to Gaza (the fierce enemy) where he saw a prostitute. – Judges 16:1

Jesus is the true light (John 1:3-4). He left heaven to live a human life with us (John 1:14). He came to be with his people Israel (John 1:11).

Often Israel is referred to as adulterous or a prostitute because she substituted relationships with other countries and idols for her relationship with God. (Matthew 15:7-9)

Jesus’ fierce enemy was the leadership that men put in place –primarily the religious leadership– which would not come into the light where they could see their condition. (Matthew 12:38-39)

He Came at Night

Samson went in to spend the night with her. – Judges 16:1

Jesus –the light of men– came into the darkness to be with men. (John 1:4-5)

The enemy was told that Samson was there. – Judges 16:2

John the Baptist announced His coming. (John 1:29)

The shepherds were told about His coming by angels. (Luke 2:8-9)

It was even proclaimed by heavenly signs. (Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 2:9)

Plot to Kill Him

They surrounded him and prepared to kill him at dawn. – Judges 16:2

The political leaders plotted to kill Jesus as a child. (Matthew 2:7-8, Matthew 2:16)

The religious leaders also plotted to kill Him –just as the prophets said would happen. (Luke 22:1-2)

He left at midnight when his enemies weren’t expecting it. – Judges 16:3

And when He gave up His Spirit, it became dark –the sun stopped shining (Luke 23:44-45).

Doorposts on the Hill

When He left the prostitute, Samson took the city’s security (the gate’s doors, two posts and bar) with him. – Judges 16:3

When He died, Jesus took away the false security that the religious body had been hiding behind (the law). (Luke 23:45-46)

They considered their access to God to have been through keeping the law –like the priests access to God in the Holy of Holies was through the veil. The access was moved; it is now through Jesus who is up in heaven. (Acts 17:24, Hebrews 10:19-20, Hebrews 10:21-22)

He carried the doors, posts and bar on his shoulder up the hill in front of Hebron (the place of meeting). – Judges 16:3

The doors, posts, bar –much like the door and and its frame of a house at Passover– were a shadow of the cross and what it represented. (Exodus 12:6-7) It was the full payment for the sins of the entire world. (John 19:30 and 1 John 2:2)