“And Samson said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth, that I may lean upon them.”
Context:The book of Judges records the period of time in Israel’s history after the death of Joshua and before the establishment of the monarchy. During this time, the Israelites went through cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance by various judges whom God raised up. Samson was one of these judges and is known for his incredible strength and his encounters with the Philistines.
Setting:In this particular passage, Samson finds himself in the city of Gaza, which was one of the five major Philistine cities. He had been captured by the Philistines, who were enemies of Israel, and was being held captive there.
Samson’s request:In this verse, Samson speaks to a young boy who was holding him by the hand, presumably one of the Philistine guards. Samson requests the boy to allow him to feel the pillars on which the house stands. His intention is to lean upon them. Samson, aware of his God-given strength, seeks an opportunity to exploit the structural weakness of the house and potentially bring it down.
Symbolism and Lessons:
- Physical strength and reliance on God:Samson’s supernatural strength, which came from God, is evident throughout the narrative of his life. Despite being captured and physically weakened, Samson’s request to feel the pillars shows his continued reliance on God’s strength. It reminds us that even in our weakest moments, we can turn to God for strength and guidance.
- Strategic thinking and faith:Samson’s plan to bring down the house reveals his strategic thinking. He was willing to take a risk and trust in God’s intervention to bring about deliverance. It teaches us that sometimes we need to step out in faith, relying on God’s guidance, even when the odds seem against us.
- Symbolism of the pillars:The pillars represent the foundation and support of the Philistine power and oppression over Israel. Samson’s act of pushing against them serves as a symbolic act of resistance against the enemy’s stronghold. It signifies the desire for liberation from oppression and reminds us of the power of God to overthrow even the strongest fortresses in our lives.
- Consequences of Samson’s actions:In the subsequent verses, we see that Samson’s plan is successful. He pushes against the pillars and brings down the entire structure, killing himself and a multitude of Philistines. While Samson achieved a significant victory over the Philistines, it came at great personal cost. This serves as a cautionary reminder that our actions have consequences, and we must carefully consider the potential outcomes before pursuing a course of action.
Overall, Judges 16:26 presents us with a snapshot of Samson’s determination, faith, and strategic thinking in the midst of captivity. It teaches us about relying on God’s strength, stepping out in faith, and the potential consequences of our actions.
