Samson - The Bible Story
The story of Samson is one of the most popular bible stories. It is said that Samson's mother was visited by an angel who predicted the birth of her son. The angel told her that her son would be special and that he would help free Israel from the Philistines. The angel also said that Samson was a Nazirite which meant that his hair should never be cut, he should not go near dead bodies or graves and he should not drink wine/eat anything that was made from grapes otherwise he would lose God.
As a young man Samson left home and visited the Philistine cities. He had various encounters during this time which show just how great his strength is. For example, he kills a lion and thirty Philistines single handedly. He also sets fire to Philistine crops. The Philistines ordered the men of Judah to give up Samson and he agreed to this. Although tied up with rope Samson broke free and killed over 1000 Philistines using only the jawbone of a donkey.
Samson then fell in love with a Philistine woman Delilah who had been bribed to find out the secret behind his strength. Eventually she wore him down and he told her that he would lose his strength if his hair is cut and she has his head shaved. Samson is no longer a Nazirite and is captured by the Philistines who put out his eyes and imprison him.
During his time in prison, however, the Philistines do not realise the significance of the fact that his hair grows back. They bring him out of prison to gloat during a temple sacrifice and Samson pushes down the main pillars of the temple so that it collapses killing him and the Philistines inside. It is said that he killed more Philistines in death than he did in life.