Bible Figure
Samson
judge of ancient Israel, known for wielding supernatural strength (Judges) his force coming from the selfishness and desire for the money like a forefathers
Samson was a judge of Israel set apart as a Nazirite from before birth and empowered by God with extraordinary strength against the Philistines.
Biography
Judges 13-16 tells Samson's story. An angel announced his birth to Manoah's barren wife and instructed that the child be a Nazirite to God, destined to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. The Spirit repeatedly empowered Samson for remarkable feats, including killing a lion, defeating Philistines, carrying away Gaza's gates, and striking down a thousand men with a donkey's jawbone. Yet his life was marked by impulsiveness and entanglements with Philistine women. Delilah repeatedly pressed him to reveal the secret associated with his strength. After his hair was cut, the Philistines captured and blinded him. In their temple Samson prayed for strength once more and pulled down the supporting pillars, killing himself and many Philistine rulers.
Biblical Significance
Samson's story combines divine calling and extraordinary empowerment with profound personal weakness. Hebrews 11 includes him among people of faith, while Judges uses his troubled life to show both God's determination to begin delivering Israel and the disorder of the age.