Samson was a man set apart by God from birth, empowered with supernatural strength, and bound by Nazarite vows. Despite his divine calling, Samson repeatedly made destructive choices—he was a powerful man with a dangerously weak will. He had so much God-given potential, yet again and again, he made poor decisions and self-destructed. But while Satan loves to make strong men weak, God delights in making weak men strong.

Put It into Practice: Thank God for His strength in your life and share with Him how His strength has affected you. Confess where your attitude needs adjustment, and when your will is weakest, ask Him to help strengthen you.

 

Day 1    Judges 13:1-25

Reflect: How does this passage prepare the way for Samson’s story, and what does it suggest about God’s purpose even before someone is born? What does it teach us about trusting God?

Apply: How do you relate to Manoah’s desire for more guidance and assurance from God? Have you ever been in a similar position? Who are you more like in this story: Manoah or his wife?

Pray: Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and empower me to serve You faithfully. May Your Spirit move within me, guiding me and inspiring me to be a servant of Your Kingdom.

 

Day 2     Numbers 6:1-8

Reflect: What are the key components of the Nazirite vow? What do these restrictions symbolize? How does Samson’s Nazarite vow in Judges 13 differ from this standard vow?

Apply:   How does understanding the Nazarite vow enrich your understanding of Samson’s calling and his eventual downfall? Have you ever made a commitment to God and struggled to keep it?

Pray:    Father God, grant me strength to remain steadfast in my commitment to You, to abstain from worldly pleasures, and to seek Your will in all things.

 

Day 3     Judges 14:1-9

Reflect: What are some signs of weakness in Samson’s character in this passage? What does his desire for the Philistine woman reveal about his priorities and values? How did he violate his Nazarite vow, and what does that tell you about his attitude towards his sacred calling?

Apply:   Why do you think Samson didn’t tell his parents about the lion’s carcass? What have you not told someone? In what ways can small compromises lead to greater spiritual weakness over time?

Pray:    Jesus, forgive me for any pride or rebelliousness that may have led me to make choices that are not aligned with Your will. Help me to see that my desires can sometimes reflect a heart that is not fully submitted to You.

 

Day 4     Ezekiel 22:23-31

Reflect: What accusations does God bring against the people? What does verse 30 imply about Israel’s moral condition? How does Samson’s behavior reflect that same spiritual and moral failure?

Apply:   What would it look like to pursue integrity and spiritual leadership in a world much like the one in both Ezekiel and Judges? What does it mean to “stand in the gap” spiritually today?

Pray:       Lord, I pray that You will reveal the depths of my sins and awaken a sense of repentance in my heart. I pray for revival in my heart and the restoration of Your Spirit within me.

 

Day 5      2 Samuel 11:1-27

Reflect: In what ways are David’s and Samson’s moral failures similar? In what ways are they different? David eventually repents (see Psalm 51). How is his response different from Samson’s?

Apply:    What warning signs can you learn from David and Samson’s stories to help guard your heartagainst temptation and compromise? What are some action steps you can take to overcome them?

Pray:     God, I pray that You will help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. May I be an example of Your grace and mercy to others, to always seek and honor You in all I do.