Judges 16:1-3
1 Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute there, and had relations with her.
2 When it was reported to the Gazites, saying, “Samson has come here,” they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the gate of the city. And they kept silent all night, saying, “Let’s wait until the morning light, then we will kill him.”
3 Now Samson lay asleep until midnight, and at midnight he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two doorposts, and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron.
Samson at Gaza
A harlot of Gaza
Hebrews 11:32 lists Samson as one of the people of faith. However, considering today’s passage, it might feel quite challenging to regard Samson as a person of faith. Some might stumble upon Samson’s actions or feel strong resistance. So, why is Samson called a person of faith? We need to consider that Samson’s time was different from the time we live in. God’s plan hasn’t been fully revealed yet, and the moral standards were low. Additionally, we should also consider that God works through flawed vessels like Samson to accomplish His purposes. (1) Samson extended his journey as far as Gaza. Among the Philistine’s five major city-states, Gaza was the southernmost city. This implies that he had reached a point of opposing the entire Philistine people. (2) He had come to the place farthest from his spiritual roots, hinting at his downfall. (3) He is attracted to a Philistine woman, but this time she is a harlot. This act not only goes against the Nazirite vow but is also a sin for anyone. His spirituality had fallen this far, seemingly becoming insensitive to sin.
The gate of Gaza
(4) The people of Gaza waited at the city gate all night to capture and kill Samson. (5) However, at midnight, Samson got up, pulled up the doors of the city gate and its two posts, and carried them on his shoulders to the top of the mountain facing Hebron. It was a common practice of the time for victorious armies to carry off the doors of the defeated city gates. The distance between Gaza and Hebron is about 60 km (about 37 miles), with an elevation difference of about 900 m (about 2,953 ft). Samson walked such distance carrying a great load on his shoulders. Samson is a sinner, yet he is being used to punish the Philistines. Furthermore, considering Samson as a type of Christ reveals a new perspective. Samson emerged from the besieged city and ascended to Hebron. On the other hand, Christ was buried in a tomb, guarded by soldiers, from which He resurrected and ascended to heaven. Our Deliverer, Christ, is still alive today. Let us trust in Him.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, God of Jesus Christ, I thank you that Christ, who is our Deliverer and High Priest, continues to intercede for us in the heavenly Most Holy Place. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.