Samson, the Strongest Yet Weakest Man
349
condition as a Nazarite, of which his unshorn hair was a symbol. Had
Samson obeyed the divine commands, his would have been a nobler
and happier destiny. But association with idolaters corrupted him.
The town of Zorah being near the country of the Philistines, Sam-
son came to mingle with them on friendly terms. A young woman
dwelling in the Philistine town of Timnath engaged Samson’s affec-
tions, and he determined to make her his wife. To his God-fearing
parents, who endeavored to dissuade him from his purpose, his only
answer was, “She pleaseth me well.” At last the marriage took place.
Just as he was entering on manhood, the time above all others
when he should have been true to God, Samson connected himself
with the enemies of Israel. He did not ask whether he could better
glorify God when united with the object of his choice. To all who seek
first to honor Him, God has promised wisdom. But there is no promise
to those bent on self-pleasing.
How often inclination governs in the selection of husband or wife!
The parties do not ask counsel of God nor have His glory in view.
Satan is constantly seeking to strengthen his power over the people of
God by inducing them to enter into alliance with his subjects. In order
[406]
to accomplish this he endeavors to arouse unsanctified passions.
But the Lord has instructed His people not to unite with those who
have not His love abiding in them: “What concord hath Christ with
Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what
agreement hath the temple of God with idols?”
2 Corinthians 6:15, 16
.
At his marriage feast, Samson was brought into familiar association
with those who hated the God of Israel. The wife proved treacherous
to her husband before the close of the marriage feast. Incensed at her
perfidy, Samson forsook her for the time, and went alone to his home
at Zorah. When, afterward relenting, he returned for his bride, he
found her the wife of another. His revenge, in wasting all the fields and
vineyards of the Philistines, provoked them to murder her, although
their threats had driven her to the deceit with which the trouble began.
Samson had already given evidence of his marvelous strength by
slaying, singlehanded, a young lion, and by killing thirty of the men of
Askelon. Now, moved to anger by the barbarous murder of his wife,
he attacked the Philistines and smote them “with a great slaughter.”
Wishing a safe retreat he withdrew to “the rock Etam,” in Judah.