Final Revenge

Final Revenge

Q: What god did the Philistines praise for delivering Samson to them?

• a. Baal
• b. Dagon
• c. Sorek

The Philistines, with Delilah’s help, captured the mighty Samson. They took Samson to Gaza. During his captivity, Samson was chained to a grinding mill, where he ground grain by hand. This was usually the work of female slaves.

Being a prisoner under these circumstances gave Samson time to think about his life. It’s possible he even repented of the sins that led to his downfall. One of the last things Samson did was make a request of God.

The people were gathered to offer a sacrifice to their god Dagon, whom they said had allowed them to capture Samson. They had Samson brought out so they could make fun of him. But time had passed, and Samson’s hair had grown. No one realized that might mean the return of his power. His strength was really from God, but his hair was the sign of his Nazirite vow and that God was with him, giving him strength.

Samson asked to be led to the pillars of the Philistine temple so he could lean against them. Then Samson asked God for strength to destroy the Philistines, even though it meant that he would die too. He pushed against the pillars, and the building collapsed, killing everyone in it.

Perhaps God didn’t like the false god Dagon getting credit for capturing Samson. Or maybe Samson had a changed heart, and God honored it. Whatever the reason for God’s help, Samson killed several thousand people that day, both in the building and on the roof. In this way he killed more in his death than in his life.

For You

Live in a way that honors God during your lifetime. Don’t let wrong choices keep you from all God has planned for you. Seek his will for your life, and he will use you to accomplish good things.

Answer: b

The Philistine rulers held a great festival, offering sacrifices and praising their god, Dagon. They said, “Our god has given us victory over our enemy Samson!”   Judges 16:23

(The Whole Story: Judges 16:19-31)