"And Samson called unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes."
Context:Judges 16 tells the story of Samson, who was a judge of Israel. Samson had been given supernatural strength by God, but he was also known for his weakness when it came to women. He fell in love with a Philistine woman named Delilah, who was bribed by the Philistine lords to find out the secret of Samson’s strength. Eventually, Samson’s secret was revealed, and Delilah betrayed him. The Philistines captured Samson, gouged out his eyes, and imprisoned him.
Prayer as a Response to Desperation:In this verse, we see Samson’s desperate situation. He had lost his strength, his eyesight, and was being humiliated by the Philistines. Despite his past mistakes and shortcomings, Samson turns to the Lord in prayer. This shows us that even in our weakest moments, we can turn to God for help and seek His strength.
Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty:Samson addresses the Lord as “O Lord God,” recognizing God’s authority and sovereignty. He knows that only God has the power to avenge him and bring justice upon the Philistines. In our own lives, it is important to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and seek His guidance and intervention in times of trouble.
A Humble Request for Strength:Samson’s prayer is a plea for strength. Despite his previous misuse of the strength God had given him, he recognizes his dependence on God and asks for strength “only this once.” This shows humility and a realization that true strength comes from God alone. We can learn from Samson’s example and approach God humbly, seeking His strength to overcome our own weaknesses.
Desire for Vengeance or Justice:Samson’s request to be avenged of the Philistines reveals his desire for justice. He had been betrayed, blinded, and imprisoned, and he wants God to intervene and bring retribution upon his enemies. While seeking justice is not inherently wrong, we should also remember Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and turning the other cheek. In our prayers for justice, we should also examine our hearts and seek God’s guidance to ensure our motives are aligned with His will.
Lessons for our Lives:This verse reminds us that even in our lowest moments, we can turn to God in prayer. It teaches us the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking His strength. It also prompts us to examine our motives when seeking justice or vengeance and align them with God’s principles of forgiveness and righteousness.
Application:In our own lives, we can apply this verse by cultivating a habit of turning to God in prayer during times of desperation. We should acknowledge His sovereignty and seek His strength, humbly recognizing our own weaknesses. When faced with injustice or betrayal, we can bring our concerns to God, seeking His guidance on how to respond in a way that aligns with His will.
Remember, the Bible is a rich source of wisdom, and studying it helps us deepen our understanding of God’s character and His desire for our lives.
