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Educator Guide

Samson Bible Study Guide

Judges · 1115 BC – 1075 BC (40 years)

Nazirite judge of Dan; tore down the Philistine temple in his death.

Teaching prompt

Why is Samson's greatest victory also his death?

Reflection

Where have you misused a gift or strength God gave you for self-interest instead of His purposes?

Points to Jesus

Samson kills more Philistines in his death than in his life, dying with arms outstretched between the pillars () — an imperfect but real foreshadowing of the far greater deliverer whose death, arms outstretched on a cross, would decisively break the power of the true enemy ().

Discussion questions

  1. What is announced about Samson before he is even born?
  2. How does Samson lose the strength that was meant to serve God's people?
  3. How does Samson's final prayer and act defeat more enemies than his whole life before it?

Scripture

Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is in the public domain.