Judges 16:20

Then she called out, "Samson, the Philistines are here!" When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, "I will escape as I did before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him.

Study Bible

Then she called out
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative. Delilah's call is not just a physical alert but a spiritual betrayal. The Hebrew root for "called out" (קָרָא, qara) often signifies a proclamation or summons, indicating the gravity of her actions. Historically, this reflects the cunning and deceit that Samson faced, a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers encounter.

Samson, the Philistines are upon you!
The mention of "Philistines" is significant, as they were the perennial enemies of Israel. The Philistines represent the worldly powers and temptations that seek to ensnare God's people. Samson's name, meaning "sun" in Hebrew, contrasts with the darkness of his situation, highlighting the tragic irony of his fall from grace.

But he awoke from his sleep
Samson's physical awakening is symbolic of a spiritual slumber. The Hebrew word for "awoke" (יָקַץ, yaqats) suggests a sudden realization or awareness. This moment serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the need for vigilance in one's faith journey.

and thought, 'I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.'
Samson's confidence in his own strength reflects a tragic misunderstanding of the source of his power. The phrase "shake myself free" (נָעַר, naar) implies a violent effort, yet it underscores his reliance on past victories rather than on God. This serves as a warning against presumption and the importance of humility before God.

But he did not know
This phrase is a sobering reminder of the consequences of spiritual blindness. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) often implies intimate understanding or relationship. Samson's lack of awareness signifies a broken relationship with God, emphasizing the need for continual communion with the Lord.

that the LORD had departed from him
The departure of the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the most tragic element of this verse. It signifies the loss of divine favor and protection. In the broader scriptural context, this serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God. Theologically, it underscores the necessity of God's presence for true strength and victory in life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samson
A judge of Israel known for his supernatural strength, which was a gift from God tied to his Nazirite vow.

2. Delilah
A Philistine woman who was used by the Philistine rulers to discover the secret of Samson's strength.

3. Philistines
A group of people who were enemies of Israel and sought to capture and subdue Samson.

4. Nazirite Vow
A special vow taken to set oneself apart for God, which included abstaining from cutting one's hair, consuming alcohol, and avoiding contact with dead bodies.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, whose presence and power were the true source of Samson's strength.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God
Samson's account reminds us that our strength and abilities come from God. Without His presence, we are powerless.

The Danger of Complacency
Samson assumed he could escape as before, showing how complacency can lead to spiritual downfall.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Samson's disregard for his Nazirite vow and God's commands led to the loss of God's presence and his strength.

The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
We must remain vigilant in our spiritual lives, aware of the enemy's schemes and our own weaknesses.

Repentance and Restoration
Although Samson fell, his account later shows that God is merciful and can restore those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Samson's overconfidence in Judges 16:20 serve as a warning for us in our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we remain dependent on God's strength rather than our own abilities?

3. How does the departure of the LORD from Samson compare to other biblical figures who experienced a similar loss of God's presence?

4. What practical steps can we take to avoid spiritual complacency and maintain vigilance in our walk with God?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you seek restoration, and what can you learn from Samson's eventual repentance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 13-15
These chapters provide the background of Samson's life, his Nazirite vow, and his previous exploits against the Philistines.

1 Samuel 16:14
This verse describes how the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, similar to how the LORD departed from Samson, highlighting the importance of God's presence.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks about pride leading to a fall, which is relevant to Samson's overconfidence in his own strength.

John 15:5
Jesus teaches about the necessity of abiding in Him, as apart from Him, we can do nothing, paralleling Samson's loss of strength without God's presence.