Empathy for the Wicked - Samson

Empathy for the Wicked - Samson

Welcome to Founded in Truth Fellowship, a fellowship centered on truth and love, dedicated to worshipping God. In this teaching, Matthew Vander Els explores the biblical narrative, specifically looking at individuals who are often seen as villains or flawed figures. The aim is to move beyond simple judgment and to cultivate empathy, not sympathy, for these people, understanding the journeys that led them to their actions.

Understanding Biblical Narratives

The Bible is presented as a grand narrative leading to Yeshua, or Jesus. By examining the stories of those who committed wicked deeds, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of sin and human fallibility. If the biblical authors intended for us to simply dismiss these individuals, their stories would not have been included. Instead, these accounts reveal how desires and unchecked drives can grow and manifest into evil.

Refusing to understand the complexities of these lives and assuming that all wicked individuals were simply born that way prevents us from learning crucial lessons. It also stops us from examining our own hearts and identifying potential pitfalls that could lead us down similar paths.

Samson: Beyond the Heroic Image

This teaching focuses on Samson, a figure often celebrated as a hero of faith in Hebrews 11:32. While acknowledged as a strong champion of God against the Philistines and a contributor to the lineage leading to Jesus, a closer examination reveals a more complex and troubling character. Just as with other biblical figures like Jephthah, whose faith is commended yet whose actions, such as his rash vow, are deeply disturbing, Samson's life contains uncomfortable truths that we tend to overlook.

We often prefer to view the world and even the Bible in black and white terms, drawing clear lines between good and evil. However, reality is rarely so simple. Few people intentionally set out to be wicked. The descent into evil is often a gradual process, where seemingly small compromises and unchecked desires accumulate over time, leading to devastating consequences. Sin can feel good initially, but it slowly darkens the light and ultimately leads to death.

Re-evaluating Heroes and Villains

In the story of Samson, Delilah is often immediately labeled as the villain. While her actions were undoubtedly treacherous, the narrative doesn't solely revolve around her; she enters the story much later after Samson's character has already been established. Delilah uses her beauty and influence to exploit Samson's vulnerabilities, a tactic reminiscent of Jael in Judges chapter 4, who also used deception to defeat a pagan general, Sisera. Both women made men feel safe and then exploited them, yet one is considered a hero, and the other a villain. The key difference seems to be that Jael defeated an enemy of Israel, while Delilah immobilized Israel's champion.

Samson, typically seen as the hero, was indeed divinely chosen and possessed superhuman strength. However, this strength, divinely given rather than inherent, often overshadows his significant character flaws. Considering Samson through Delilah's eyes reveals a man who, despite being proclaimed the champion of Yahweh, never truly defends God's honor. He behaves more like an uncivilized animal, displaying cruelty, arrogance, and pride, often picking fights he knows he can win.

The Philistines: More Than Just Barbarians

Our common perception of the Philistines is often that of barbaric and unintelligent people. However, historical evidence suggests they were a seafaring people from Greece, far from uncultured or unintelligent. In fact, they were likely one of the most advanced civilizations of their time, possessing superior technology in weaponry, transportation, and entering the Iron Age while Israel was still using bronze. The biblical narrative itself hints at their advanced nature. Until Samson, they were seemingly unbeatable.

Samson's Misguided Actions

Samson's story begins with an angel announcing his divine purpose: to begin saving Israel from the Philistines. He was to be a Nazarite, set apart to God from birth, adhering to specific restrictions including abstaining from grapes and wine, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and not cutting his hair. This was meant to be a sign of holiness for Israel to follow.

However, Judges 14 immediately shows Samson desiring a Philistine wife. Despite his parents' concerns, he insisted, stating she was "right in my own eyes." The narrator adds a crucial detail: this desire was part of God's plan to create an opportunity against the Philistines, even if Samson's motives were self-serving.

The Encounter with Delilah

After these events, Samson fell in love with Delilah. Her name, "Lila," has roots meaning "night" or "darkness," while Samson's name, "Shemeshon," relates to "Shemesh," meaning "sun" or "daylight." This contrast is significant: Samson, meant to be a light for Israel, encounters darkness. The Philistine leaders offered Delilah a substantial sum to discover the secret of Samson's strength.

Delilah repeatedly tried to trick Samson into revealing his weakness. First, she bound him with seven fresh bowstrings, but he broke them easily. Then, she tied him with new ropes, which also snapped. Next, she wove his hair into a loom, but he pulled it out. Each time, Samson lied to her, and each time, Delilah was upset that he had deceived her. This cycle highlights Samson's blindness to Delilah's true intentions and his gradual descent into sin.

Redemption and Final Act

While imprisoned, Samson's hair began to grow back. During a large Philistine festival honoring their god Dagon, Samson was brought out to be mocked. In his final act, Samson prayed to the Lord for strength one last time to avenge his eyes. Positioning himself between the two main pillars supporting the building, he pushed with all his might, causing the entire structure to collapse, killing himself and many more Philistines than he had killed in his lifetime.

Application for Everyday Life

• Examine your own heart: Identify unchecked desires and potential "potholes."
• Recognize the gradual nature of sin: Be aware of small compromises and their consequences.
• Look beyond outward appearances: True faith requires inner transformation, not just external markers.
• Be accountable: Seek godly counsel and live with accountability.
• Guard against blindness: Be vigilant against spiritual blindness and deception.
• Understand your calling: Prioritize your divine calling over personal gain.
• Strive to be a true ambassador of Christ: Reflect Christ through actions, not just identity.
• Don't stop at outward identity: Allow God to transform your heart fully.

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References

• Hebrews 11:32
• Judges chapter 4
• James 1:15

Books and Resources

• The Bible

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