Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:Samson, a judge of Israel, is a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 13 to 16. Known for his extraordinary strength, which was a gift from God, Samson's life was marked by feats of strength and acts of vengeance against the Philistines, who were oppressors of Israel at the time. His account is a testament to the power of God working through an imperfect vessel to achieve divine purposes. Samson's Prayer: The specific prayer of Samson that stands out occurs in Judges 15:18-19. After a significant victory over the Philistines, where Samson slew a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey, he found himself in dire need of water. Exhausted and on the brink of death, Samson cried out to the Lord in desperation. His prayer is recorded as follows: "Then Samson became very thirsty, and he cried out to the LORD, 'You have accomplished this great deliverance through Your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?'" (Judges 15:18). This prayer reflects Samson's acknowledgment of God's role in his victory and his dependence on God for sustenance. Despite his previous acts of self-reliance and impulsiveness, here Samson turns to God in a moment of vulnerability, recognizing that his strength and survival are ultimately in God's hands. God's Provision: In response to Samson's plea, God provided for him in a miraculous way. Judges 15:19 states: "So God split open the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned, and he revived. Therefore he called it En-hakkore, which is in Lehi to this day." (Judges 15:19). God's provision of water not only quenched Samson's physical thirst but also served as a spiritual reminder of God's faithfulness and power. The name "En-hakkore," meaning "the spring of the caller," commemorates this divine intervention and underscores the importance of calling upon the Lord in times of need. Theological Significance: Samson's prayer and God's subsequent provision highlight several key theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and seeking His help in times of distress. Samson's acknowledgment of God's deliverance and his plea for sustenance illustrate a moment of humility and dependence on divine grace. Secondly, this narrative demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even when they are led by flawed individuals. Despite Samson's personal failings, God remains committed to delivering Israel from their enemies, using Samson as an instrument of His will. Lastly, the episode serves as a reminder of God's readiness to respond to the cries of His people. It encourages believers to approach God with their needs, trusting in His ability to provide and sustain them in every circumstance. Subtopics Samson is Avenged for the Estrangement of his Wife Samson is Blinded by the Philistines and Confined to Hard Labor in Prison Samson: A Danite, Son of Manoah Samson: A Judge (Leader, Hero) of Israel Samson: Cohabits With Delilah, a Prostitute; Her Machinations With the Philistines to Overcome Him Samson: Desires a Philistine Woman for his Wife; Kills a Lion Samson: His Marriage Feast and the Riddle Propounded Samson: Kills One-Thousand Philistines With the Jawbone of a Donkey Samson: Kills Thirty Philistines Samson: Miraculously Supplied With Water Related Terms |