The Bible: It's All About Jesus

Samson

Introduction: Samson - Jesus' Relationships with Us

Most of us have heard the fanciful story of Samson, the judge, who killed a thousand Philistines with a jawbone; how he died by pushing apart two pillars of a temple; and how he was tempted by women. We Christians don't talk much about his relationships with women. In fact, those who do talk about such things refer to him as a womanizer who was married once, visited a prostitute, and loved another who betrayed him.

However, if we look at him strictly as God describes him to us, all we know are the facts about his birth, relationships with three women, and his death. And one more thing: He is listed in the Hebrews chapter 11 "Hall of Faith" as being a man who lived by faith!

This study is intended to show how Samson's story is a set of allegories depicting Jesus' birth, His relationships with the three groups of mankind, and His death. Enjoy and let the Spirit lead you into all truth as you find that the entire Bible is about only one thing: It's all about Jesus!

Names and Their Meanings

The meanings of Hebrew names can almost tell the whole story by themselves. They show how the allegory is assembled. Here are three examples: Samson means "the light." The reference is of course to Jesus who is "the Light of men." Samson's father's name is Manoah which means "peace or rest." In this case the reference is to our heavenly Father who provided peace between Himself and man. He reconciled us through the death of His Son. Delilah means "one who is heavily burdened." She depicts the bride of Christ –those He told "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened"

Samson's Birth

Samson's birth shows two aspects of how Jesus was introduced into the world. Physically, Jesus was birthed by Mary in a very supernatural way. She proudly showed Him to those who came seeking. The circumstances of Samson's birth also provide insight to what might be considered "Jesus' spiritual birth" which came about through John the Baptist.

Samson's Wife

The relationship of Samson and his wife provides insight into the enormity of God's love as demonstrated by Jesus coming into the world to save all of mankind. The story doesn't stop at Jesus' death. It even alludes to the battle He fought with Satan on our behalf; how the free gift of righteousness is obtained; the overcoming of sin and death; and much of the end times as described in Revelation.

The Prostitute

The next relationship shows Samson visiting a prostitute. It is found in just three short verses, but captures what happened when Jesus came to His own –the people of Israel– and their rejection of Him. It also touches on the Passover and the fulfillment of the law.

His True Love: Delilah

Samson's third, and final, relationship is with his true love Delilah. It's also a rich picture of Christ's love for His Bride. There are the three temptations by Satan in the desert; a presentation of the gospel; His crucifixion, death and resurrection; and the fulfillment of the law and new priesthood. Amazingly, all of this is shown through a few chapters in the book of Judges written hundreds of years before our Lord and Savior was born!

Name Meanings Are the Key to Understanding Samson

The meanings of Hebrew names can almost tell the whole story by themselves. They show how the allegory is assembled. For example: Samson means "the light" and Jesus is "the Light of men." His father's name is Manoah which means "peace or rest" and God provided peace between Him and us through the death of His Son. Delilah means "one who is heavily burdened" and Jesus said "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened."

As you read through the various sections on Samson, you might want to use this list of meanings to help put the story together.

Samson's Birth

— Jesus' Entrance into the World —

Many of the names are followed by their Hebrew meanings in bracketed text.

The Israelites [the power or might of God] spent forty years in the hands of the Philistines [ones who crawl in the dust] because they did evil in the eyes of the Lord. – Judges 13:1

In the beginning when mankind sinned, Satan was condemned to crawl in the dust because of his participation in the fall (Genesis 3:14). The Philistines represent his agents that are battling against us. Even the name "Philistine" means "ones who crawl in the dust." It's as though God refers to them here as "sons of Satan." At the fall God committed His entire creation into the hands of Satan and it has been groaning ever since (Romans 8:20-21).

One of those special prophecy numbers is "forty"; it conveys the idea of testing to the maximum limit. It's typical in Bible prophecy for a number to be used to connect common themes. Often the units (days, weeks, years) that are associated with the number tend to vary to fit the event. Noah experienced forty days and nights of rain when the earth was flooded. Moses had three forty year periods in his life: from birth to leaving the Pharaoh's house, then forty years being prepared to lead Israel; and finally forty years from the time of the Exodus until his death when Israel was to cross into the promised land. For Christians, the most notable period of testing is when Jesus was tempted for forty days in the desert (Matthew 4:1-4, Matthew 4:5-7, Matthew 4:8-11). Each of these are examples of testing.

Samson's [the sunlight's] father, Manoah [peace and rest], was from the tribe of Dan [the judge] and the town of Zorah [painful sting]. – Judges 13:2

To understand this part of the allegory, it would be translated to be something like: Jesus is the true light. His Father gives both peace and rest, but it is conditional. That peace and rest is only for those who please the Father by putting their trust in His Son (Luke 2:13-14). God reconciled man to Himself (Romans 5:10-11), yet He is still the Almighty Judge who will either give eternal life or let the wages of sin [painful sting of death] remain (Romans 6:23, John 3:36).

His mother couldn't give birth naturally. – Judges 13:2

Jesus did not enter the world in the natural way. Mary, His mother, conceived supernaturally while she was still a virgin (Luke 1:34-35). About the same time, His aunt Elizabeth also gave birth supernaturally to John the Baptist (Luke 1:36-37). (John is also important to this story, but we'll look at that in just a little while.)

Samson was to become a Nazirite [holy or separate] and as such he would never have a razor [remove or destroy] touch his head [authority or rank]. – Judges 13:3-5

The Christmas story that we hear repeated each year tells about Joseph and Mary traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Bethlehem was the city of their "father" David. And as such, it was their home town. Jesus' human father, Joseph, was from the town of Nazareth; so Jesus was able to call it was his home town, too (Matthew 2:22-23).

Now we know that Jesus is true Holy One who is above all and has authority as the Head of the church as well as Lord and King of the entire world (Revelation 19:16). There is nothing that He would do that would cause His authority to be taken away from Him.

He was going to begin the delivery [separation] of Israel [the power of God] from the Philistines [those who crawl in the dust]. – Judges 13:5

Samson was going to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Similarly, Jesus began establishing the Kingdom of Heaven by separating a people of His own from the rest of the world. This separate people were not just Israelites (Matthew 4:16-17).

Samson's mother, the one who introduced him into the world, was not to defile herself. – Judges 13:3-5

In this allegory, we have two people that bring Jesus into the world. Physically, the undefiled Mary (a virgin) brought Jesus into the world. But spiritually, it is John the Baptist that parallels the role of Samson's mother by introducing Jesus as "the Lamb of God." (John 1:29-31). Neither John nor his mother were to defile themselves with idols or wine (Luke 1:14-15). The reason was so that his skeptics would have no grounds to doubt his testimony.

Evidently, the significance of the announcer was to be minimal in comparison to the one being announced. That is shown twice. First, the name of Samson's mother is omitted. Secondly, John said that his name was not important; He was merely "the voice of one calling in the wilderness." He also said that he should become less and Jesus become more (John 3:29-30).

Samson's birth was announced by an angel [messenger of God]. – Judges 13:6-7, Judges 13:8-11, Judges 13:12-16

The births of Isaac, Samson, John and others were announced by angels. But the most glorious angelic announcement on this earth was the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:13-14).

The angel who appeared to Manoah spoke with authority when he said "I AM." – Judges 13:11. He described his name as "Beyond Understanding" or "Wonderful." – Judges 13:17-18

The angel that spoke of Samson's birth was God's messenger. Both this angel and Jesus had similar names or titles: "I AM" and "Wonderful." The word "angel" means messenger. So it's quite possible that Samson's birth was actually announced by Jesus. It's most astounding that Jesus referred to Himself as being the "I AM" who was present with Abraham (John 8:58)! And the prophet Isaiah referred to Him as Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6).

Samson's mother had faith that God was pleased with her and her husband. – Judges 13:22-23

Just as God was pleased with Samson's "announcers," He was also pleased with those who brought Jesus to the attention of the world. God found favor with Mary (Luke 1:30) and Jesus expressed God's esteem for John when He said there was no one in this world greater than John (Luke 7:28).

Samson's ministry began at Mahaneh [encampment] between Eshtaol [requirements] and Zorah [the painful sting]. – Judges 13:24-25

Samson began in a tent between two cities. Jesus began his ministry when He dwelled (camped) here on earth in a human body or tent (John 1:14). From His very conception, He kept all of the requirements of the law (like the name Eshtaol implies) and remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). And at the end of His earthly life He took the sting –the wages of sin which is death– for each one of us (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Samson's Encounters with Women

The purpose for reading Samson's story as an allegory is to better understand Jesus and His relationship with us. But before delving into the details, I must explain that the basic premise and purpose of MyRedeemer.org is to show that "The whole Bible is about Jesus." Colossians chapter 1, says that the world was created by Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus (Colossians 1:16-20). That being said, it was Jesus in the garden with Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:8); it was Jesus that wrestled with Jacob (Genesis 32:24-28); it was Jesus that talked with Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 18:1); and it was Jesus in the burning bush with Moses (Exodus 3:2). After His resurrection, Jesus was walking with two men on the road to Emmaus and He explained that the entire Old Testament was about Him (Luke 24:25-27). Shortly after that, He told His disciples basically the same thing (Luke 24:44-45). Samson is an allegorical picture of Jesus.

There are two common practices throughout the Old Testament allegories. Women represent how people relate to God. The relationship is shown both through the meanings of their names and through their actions. The names of places describe the major themes or events in the story. A clear example of this comes from Galatians chapter 4 where we are told that mans' relationship to God is either through Hagar or through Sarah. (The two women present a contrast: Hagar is a foreigner to Israel and considered a slave. Sarah means princess or queen –being or royalty.) They represent the two covenants. The first woman describes living as a slave to legalism. The other describes living a life based on faith and free from the law.

There are three women in the story of Samson. All were Philistines –Israel's enemy who had been ruling over her for some time. Each of the women portray one of the three divisions of mankind –all initially enemies of God– and how they relate to God. Based on the allegory, the timeframe begins with Jesus introduction to the respective people and ends with Judgment Day.

The first is a woman that he has chosen to marry; she is from Timnah which means the allotted (or chosen) place. The name of the place foreshadows the fact that Jesus was predestined to come to live in His humanity to bring reconciliation between God and man. She represents the relationship between mankind and God. Her story begins with Jesus desiring and pursuing her –that's equivalent to His pursuing mankind since the fall in the Garden of Eden. It ends with a description of what she became –the great city of Babylon– and her final destruction.

The second woman's story is contained in just three verses. She is a prostitute from the town of Gaza –which means fierce enemy. She is indicative of the hostility that Jesus encountered when He came to His own people and they rejected Him. Her story ends with the city gates –the only thing that separated it from the rest of the world– taken up onto a nearby hill. It is a picture of the law –that which made the Jews separate from the world– being taken away from them. Jesus carried the its punishment up on the hill and was crucified.

The third woman is Delilah. She is from the Valley of Sorek which means the valley of the true (or choice) vine. Even with all of her betrayals, she is Samson's true love –representing the Bride of Christ. She is the ultimate cause of His death. He was displayed and mocked in a religious forum and died a crushing death for the sins of the people. I hope you will decide to read the whole story and find out more about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The first human being, Adam, was created in the image of God. Eve was created from him and for him –to be his wife, companion, and soul-mate for eternity. Satan enticed Eve to do the same thing he had done –to attempt to be like God –to be the one who decides what was best for herself and those around her. By eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, she chose to be independent rather than live by a trust dependency. As far as she was concerned, she then became the supreme source of determining what was good and what was bad.

Adam had a choice to make when Eve ate that fruit. He could have stayed in the garden with God, letting her go without him. Or he could be cast out of the garden in and remain with the one that he cherished. After all, she was created specifically to meet his particular needs. When the punishment was pronounced –even before the sin– it was Adam who was told... Let me repeat that. It was Adam who was told that the punishment was death for displacing God as the supreme authority. So Adam's punishment was death (Genesis 2:15-17). But Eve's punishment was having trouble giving new life (Genesis 3:16). (Please read the story of Adam to better understand the whole story.)

The last Adam, Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:45-49), also has a soul-mate. Out of all of creation He chose mankind to be His Eve –intended to become His bride at the great wedding feast of the Lamb (Matthew 22:1-3, Revelation 19:7-9). But like Eve, each one of us have tried to become God by choosing what is best for us in our own eyes (Judges 17:6). Yet, this Adam, the One that created us in His own image and for His own purpose, chose death –separation from His Father; the worst of all punishments. He chose death so that His Eve, is left with only one thing to do. It's to chose whether or not to accept the new life (a new birth) that He offers. In this section you will see hints (after all, it's an allegory, a parable) of what began in the garden and concludes on Judgment Day.

Sadly, not everyone chooses life. For them, His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead are foolishness. What a gift –eternally being with the one who cherishes us above everything else– to be discarded like garbage. It certainly shows our fallen nature. –Just like Eve, we all think we know better than God!

In this allegory –using Samson to tell more about Jesus– it might be tempting to try to use the wife to describe Israel's relationship to God. After all, there are many Old Testament references to Israel as God's wife.

There are two reasons for it not to be Israel. First, Samson's father wanted his son to find a wife within his own nationality. But Samson insisted that he had fallen in love with a foreign woman and wanted her to be his wife. The foreigners were always referred to as the gentiles or nations –never Israel.

Secondly, Israel was known for her adultery and God's divorce from her (Jeremiah 3:8, Hosea 9:1). I must add here that God is always seeking her to return to Him through a trusting faith relationship (Jeremiah 3:14-15). It's in Judges chapter 16 that Samson is seen with the prostitute. Let's continue with the story.

Although this seems to be a sordid story filled with conflict, betrayal and murder. It depicts what our Lord Jesus went through to transform us into the bride who is without blemish or stain. No doubt you have read that passage in (Ephesians 5:21-33) which is typically used to lay guilt on husbands –and even more on wives– by specifying the perfect relationship and how it is based on submission. Yet that passage yields a marvelous insight at the end where Paul reveals that the husband-wife description is fully realized with Christ as the Husband and Us as His bride.

In regard to murder, who was it that caused His death? Weren't we Christians the ones who benefited from that death and therefore the reason for His crucifixion? Who was it that betrayed Him? Haven't each one of us, like Peter, denied Him? And who was the conflict fought for –the one between life and death –good and evil? Wasn't it all for us?

Samson's life ended as the love of his life, Delilah, prodded him to tell the answer to his riddle. He was blinded, bound and led away; humiliated in a public display; and killed in a in a religious forum. With his death he put an end to that temple and its false worship. It's a picture of the death that Jesus endured –He was crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5).

Samson's Wife

— Jesus' Relationship with the World —

Many of the names are followed by their Hebrew meanings in bracketed text.

Samson [the sunlight] went to down to Timnah [the allotted place] where he saw a woman that he wanted to marry; She was a Philistine [one who crawls in the dust]. – Judges 14:1-2

We read in the previous section that Samson's name means sunlight, and through this allegory points to Jesus who is the light of men (John 1:1-4). When He created mankind, His love was so great that He wanted to be joined with them for all eternity (John 3:16). Even before the earth was created and before the rebellion occurred, it was determined that Jesus was going to conquer sin and death in this world so that we can be joined with Him for eternity (Read how the Days of Creation explain Jesus' purpose).

Samson [the light] went to a woman who was not one of his own race. – Judges 14:3

The Son of God left everything behind in heaven so that He could come down to be with us –all of us –His treasured creation (Philippians 2:5-8).

God used Samson to confront Israel's enemy which was ruling over her. – Judges 14:4

God sent His Son down from heaven to earth in order to confront our enemy –sin and death (John 3:17, 1 Corinthians 5:21). Mankind has been under its control of since the fall.

The opposite of "The Light", which refers to both Samson and Jesus, is "darkness." Darkness (sometimes called the outer darkness) is a symbol of spiritual death. And that darkness is dispelled by The Light (1 John 1:5-7). Spiritual death has been overcome by Jesus, the Life (John 14:6) and the Light of men (John 1:4).

As he, and his mother and father, approached the vineyards a lion attacked. – Judges 14:5

This certainly has hints that the three parts of the Trinity wanted to approach the prospective bride. It's here that the story takes a turn to deal with a lion. What is the lion? Of course, it's Satan's power (1 Peter 5:8-9). Where was the lion dealt with? It was at the vineyard –where wine comes from. Jesus explained wine's symbolism at the Last Supper as He prepared for the cross where He would pour out His blood as a drink offering for us (Matthew 26:27-28).

Samson killed the lion while his parents were not present. – Judges 14:6

Jesus was all alone when He took away Satan's power over us (1 Corinthians 15:57, 1 John 4:16-18). He had been abandoned by His Father (Matthew 27:45-46) and given up His Spirit (Matthew 27:50).

He met and liked the Philistine woman. – Judges 14:7

While He was here on earth, His life was intertwined with all humanity and He was pleased to call us His brothers (John 15:15). By His death for our sin Jesus demonstrated the magnitude of His love (John 15:13). He came to meet us in our life situations and experience those same hurts and rejections that we endure (Isaiah 53:2-3).

Samson returned later to marry the woman. – Judges 14:8

There will be a day when Jesus will return as He has promised. It will be at just the right time (Matthew 24:36). He will gather all who put their faith in Him (Matthew 24:31-32). He will also gather those who did not put their trust in Him (Matthew 24:50-51). Samson's wife foreshadows what happens with both sets of people.

He had taken sweet honey away from stinging bees and out of the roaring lion. And he gave some to his parents. – Judges 14:8-9

By Jesus' death, Satan's power over us was destroyed –the lion was killed and only it's carcass remains. The gospel –the good news– is like honey. It is sweet and healthy for us. And what is represented by the stinging bees? They jealously protect their honey from being consumed by anyone else. And their poison can bring death. The bees are like religion and the people who perpetuate it. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

According to 1 Corinthians 15:56, "The sting of death is sin." That verse goes on to say "and the power of sin is the law." The poison that kills –at least disables– us is sin. The object that delivers the poison into our body is the law which comes through religious teaching. When Jesus died, He took away the law so that Satan is powerless over us. Our enemy is powerless! The overwhelming amount of Scriptures that show this to be the case are shown in the section Die to the Law.

But what does it mean that he gave some of it to his parents? The Father is the Judge and has authority to grant life. The Holy Spirit lives within us reminding us of what the Son has done. Jesus is the author of life and offers it to everyone.

Samson held a seven day wedding feast with his father to honor his marriage. Guests were invited and clothing was offered as a reward for answering his riddle. – Judges 14:12-14

The seven days identified here correspond to the 70th week described in Daniel chapter 9. They refer to the seven year tribulation period which is found woven through the book of Revelation. At that time, all of mankind –lost and saved– will have the opportunity to answer the "great riddle" –the gospel message.

Samson asked his enemies to answer his riddle: "Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet." The eater –the lion representing the overwhelming power that Satan had over us– was destroyed. The offer of new life comes without demands, without expectations, without the fear of penalty.

Like Samson, Jesus will be asking people, "Do you know what is required to enter the kingdom of heaven?" Of course the answer is "trusting in Jesus to have provided everything" (1 Corinthians 6:11). He will provide the clothing –the righteousness of God– to those who have put their faith in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). They understand the message of salvation (Revelation 7:9, 13-14). Those who don't accept His provision of righteousness will be clothed in the best that men have to offer –filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

If your thinking to yourself that "The wife has been explained, but who are these men that are his enemies?" Here's the picture. The men symbolize mankind. The woman symbolizes mankinds' relationship to God. It's one of rebellion. Through his own evil behavior, man became enemies with God (Romans 5:10).

Half way through the seven day feast, the guests began to pressure his wife to get the answer to the riddle. – Judges 14:15

There are several opinions (and very divisive ones at that) about the tribulation. A common understanding is that there are specific and unusual occurrences at the mid point. It is referred to as "in the middle of the seven" in Daniel 9:27 when huge changes take place in the Jewish temple worship. In Revelation 11:1-3 it is stated that Jerusalem will be trampled by enemies for "42 months" and witnesses prophesy for "1,260 days". And in Revelation 12:13-14 there is "a time, times and half a time" that Israel is kept in a safe place.

At the end of the feast's seventh day, Samson revealed the meaning of the riddle to his wife. – Judges 14:16-17

Through his wife Samson told his foes the riddle's answer on the seventh day. Similarly, it will be at the end of the tribulation's seventh year that Jesus will reveal the destiny of those who rebelled against God by not accepting His provision of life through His Son (John 3:36).

Ashkelon [the place where value is determined] is where Samson offered free clothing for correctly answering his riddle. – Judges 14:18-19

Jesus will test men's hearts to determine if they value His offer of eternal life. Those who accept it –trusting in Him– will be freely clothed. They will be clothed in Jesus and all that He is (Galatians 3:27).

Samson gave the guests other men's clothes rather than his because they were deceitful. – Judges 14:18-19

Being empowered by the Spirit of God, Samson killed and took the clothing from thirty of them. When the last day comes and judgement is at hand, Jesus will strip away mens' self-righteousnes. All that is available for those who refused His righteousness will be praise from men –none from God (John 12:42-43).

Samson's wife was left at her father's house; and her father gave her to a "friend." – Judges 14:20-15:3

There are only two "fathers" for mankind to be identified with: God above and the Devil below (John 8:42-44, 1 John 3:8-10). And all of mankind starts out life as a child of the Devil. Those who choose to be born again are adopted into the family of God and take on a new identity in Christ: a child of God.

Those who do not choose new life are left with their father, the Devil. They can be identified by their affiliations with the ones he controls – "the kings of the earth". Because of these relationships, she is described as the Prostitute throughout Revelation 17 and Revelation 18. Those kings will hand her over to what will appear to be a friend of God, but will actually be the anti-Christ –the Beast (Revelation 17:3-6).

Samson avenged his wife's persecution by destroying the Philistines' crops. – Judges 15:4-5

Jesus will destroy the world's main source of income (Revelation 18:8-10).

The Philistines were angry and burned the woman and her father so Samson retaliated viciously. – Judges 15:6-8

The anti-Christ (the beast) will persecute mankind (the prostitute.).

Samson then stayed in a cave at Etam [where the birds prey]. – Judges 15:8

Jesus will stand back and have all of the the anti-Christ's work destroyed.

The Philistines convinced the men of Judah to help in their plot against Samson, but the plot failed. – Judges 15:11-14

The Anti-Christ will deceive lost mankind through miraculous signs to cause them to fight against Jesus. But the anti-Christ will lose that war.

He took a fresh jawbone of a donkey and killed 1,000 of them and he called the name of the place "Worship place of the Jawbone." – Judges 15:15-16

The simple word of the gospel (spoken with the jaw of one who recently died –Jesus) will be the downfall of many.

Samson was thirsty after the battle and God gave him water from a spring [the voice of one calling] at Lehi [the hollow of the jaw] to bring back his strength. – Judges 15:17-19

After the great battle is over, God will be calling people to come to Him. Everyone who has trusted in His provision –Jesus– will be revived to an everlasting life with Him. (Revelation 21:3-6).

Samson led Israel for 20 years. – Judges 15:20

There will be a millennial (1,000 year) reign of Jesus upon the earth after the battle of Armageddon.

Samson and the Prostitute

— Jesus' Relationship with Israel —

Many of the names are followed by their Hebrew meanings in bracketed text.

Samson (the Light) left his parents and went to Gaza (the fierce enemy) where he saw a prostitute. – Judges 16:1

Jesus is the true light (John 1:3-4). He left heaven to live a human life with us (John 1:14). He came to be with his people Israel (John 1:11).

Often Israel is referred to as adulterous or a prostitute because she substituted relationships with other countries and idols for her relationship with God. (Matthew 15:7-9)

Jesus' fierce enemy was the leadership that men put in place –primarily the religious leadership– which would not come into the light where they could see their condition. (Matthew 12:38-39)

Samson went in to spend the night with her. – Judges 16:1

Jesus –the light of men– came into the darkness to be with men. (John 1:4-5)

The enemy was told that Samson was there. – Judges 16:2

John the Baptist announced His coming. (John 1:29)

The shepherds were told about His coming by angels. (Luke 2:8-9)

It was even proclaimed by heavenly signs. (Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 2:9)

They surrounded him and prepared to kill him at dawn. – Judges 16:2

The political leaders plotted to kill Jesus as a child. (Matthew 2:7-8, Matthew 2:16)

The religious leaders also plotted to kill Him –just as the prophets said would happen. (Luke 22:1-2)

He left at midnight when his enemies weren't expecting it. – Judges 16:3

And when He gave up His Spirit, it became dark –the sun stopped shining (Luke 23:44-45).

When He left the prostitute, Samson took the city's security (the gate's doors, two posts and bar) with him. – Judges 16:3

When He died, Jesus took away the false security that the religious body had been hiding behind (the law). (Luke 23:45-46)

They considered their access to God to have been through keeping the law –like the priests access to God in the Holy of Holies was through the veil. The access was moved; it is now through Jesus who is up in heaven. (Acts 17:24, Hebrews 10:19-20, Hebrews 10:21-22)

He carried the doors, posts and bar on his shoulder up the hill in front of Hebron (the place of meeting). – Judges 16:3

The doors, posts, bar –much like the door and and its frame of a house at Passover– were a shadow of the cross and what it represented. (Exodus 12:6-7) It was the full payment for the sins of the entire world. (John 19:30, 1 John 2:2)

Samson's True Love: Delilah

— Jesus' Relationship with His Bride —

Many of the names are followed by their Hebrew meanings in bracketed text.

Later Samson fell in love with Delilah [one who is oppressed or heavy burdened] from the Valley of Sorek [valley of the true vine]. She was bribed with silver by the rulers of the Philistines [ones who crawl in the dust] to find the source of his strength. – Judges 16:4-5

The Valley of Sorek divided Philistia and Judah. Its name means the true vine --which we know is representative of Jesus. The location of the valley demonstrates that Jesus is equally accessible to the Jews and to the Gentiles.

Jesus demonstrated His love for us who have contrite and burdened hearts when He said: "Come unto me all who are weary and burdened, I shall give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

He was betrayed by one of those closest to him (John 13:26-27). Again, it was Satan –the one who was condemned to crawl in the dust– who was behind the plot (Genesis 3:14).

Three times he was tempted, but by the fourth he had grown weary so he told her his secret. – Judges 16:6-7, Judges 16:10-11, Judges 16:13-14

Three times Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert: with food for His hungry body (Matthew 4:1-4); with security for His spirit (Matthew 4:5-7); and with power and respect for His soul (Matthew 4:8-10).

It was at His fourth temptation where Jesus handed Himself over to be taken prisoner and killed. No one could take His life from Him; He had to give it willingly (John 10:17).

With his head [authority shaved [given up], his strength left him so he was blinded, shackled and taken to Gaza [the fierce enemy] to prison. – Judges 16:19

Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would submit Himself to be public shame and punishment for our sins. (Isaiah 53:6-7) He was blind-folded so that He could not see (Luke 22:63-64). He was bound and taken into custody (Mark 15:1).

The Philistines gathered together to worship their god Dagon [a fish] at the temple and asked for Samson to be brought out to entertain them. – Judges 16:23-25

The crowd –under the influence of Satan– was pleased to have Jesus displayed for execution. (Luke 23:20-21)

His hair began to grow back and he asked God for revenge for his eyes. – Judges 16:22

After His death and resurrection –with His power returned– Jesus led those who had been taken captive by death up into heaven. (Ephesians 4:7-10)

He asked to be placed between the two supporting pillars of the temple. – Judges 16:25-26

The supporting pillars that Jesus broke down were the foundations of Jewish legalism: They were the priesthood and the law. He began a new priesthood –serving forever as the High Priest– and He replaced the law. (Hebrews 7:12)

Then Samson demolished the temple with 3,000 Philistines –more than when he was living. – Judges 16:27

Little did they realize that His body was the temple that He was going to destroy by giving up His own life. (John 2:19-21)

Like Samson who took the entire weight of Dagon's temple upon himself, Jesus was crushed by the enormity of the punishment for all of our transgressions. (Isaiah 53:5)

And with His death, He overcame Satan and sin and death. (1 Corinthians 15:56-57)

Samson's [the sunlight's] brothers and family took his body back where his ministry began, between Zorah [painful sting] and Eshtoal [requirements] in the tomb of Manoah (peace and rest), his father. – Judges 16:31

One of the believers –from His new family– took His body to the grave. (Matthew 27:57-60)

Jesus returned to heaven where He started. (Luke 24:50-51)