Samson's Revenge

God's sovereignty and human responsibility in the face of conflict.

Review:

Judges 15 details Samson's escalating conflict with the Philistines. After his wife is given to another man, Samson seeks revenge by burning their crops. The Philistines retaliate, killing his wife and her father, leading to further violence. Samson then slaughters a thousand Philistines with a donkey's jawbone. The chapter concludes with God providing water for Samson after his victory.

Key Takeaways:

• Revenge leads to a destructive cycle of violence.
• God can use flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes, even amidst their personal failings.
• Samson's strength comes from the Spirit of the Lord, highlighting divine empowerment.
• God provides for His people's needs, even in dire circumstances.
• We should not take matters into our own hands, but trust in God's plan.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Samson's anger and desire for revenge influence his actions?
2. In what ways did God use Samson, despite his flaws, to confront the Philistines?
3. What does Samson's dependence on God for water after his victory reveal about his relationship with God?
4. How does the chapter illustrate the cycle of violence and its consequences?
5. What lessons can we learn from Samson's story about handling conflict and seeking justice?
6. How can we apply the theme of God's sovereignty and human responsibility to our own lives?

Family Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank you for the story of Samson and the lessons it teaches us about anger, revenge, and your power. Help us to resist the urge to retaliate and instead seek your guidance in handling conflict. We pray for strength to forgive others and to trust in your perfect justice. May we always remember that our strength comes from you and that you provide for our needs. We are thankful for this lesson. Amen.

We are using the One Year Bible Storybook by Virginia J. Muir as our guide through this series.