How Long Is Your Hair?

Text: Judges 16:18–22

Samson, a man chosen by God to deliver Israel, felt the divine power within him. He rejoiced in this power and knew it was bestowed upon him for the deliverance of his people. His very presence provided a sense of security and hope to the Israelites. As a Nazarite, Samson stood as a testament to what a child of God can become when consecrated and empowered by the Holy Spirit. His name, “Samson,” meaning “Sunshine,” reflects the potential for brilliance and warmth. However, this sunshine tragically transformed into a cloud, shadowed by his own choices and compromises.

How Samson Lost His Hair

Samson’s downfall began with his flirtation with the world. Though he was a man of incredible physical strength, he succumbed to the temptations and allurements of the world around him. He overcame a lion with his bare hands, demonstrating his immense strength given by God. However, Delilah’s persistent whisper proved stronger than the lion’s roar. Samson also carried away the gates of Gaza, a feat demonstrating his unparalleled might. Yet, he found himself entangled in the delicate yet deadly embrace of a weak woman’s arms. Even after defeating a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, he was ultimately subdued by Delilah’s scissors. This narrative starkly illustrates the dangers of flirting with the world; when a believer compromises with worldly temptations, they risk losing their spiritual power and connection with God.

Charles Spurgeon insightfully comments, “When the Christian yields to the seductions of sin, he is shorn of his strength; his locks are shorn, and he becomes weak as other men.” The story of Samson is a cautionary tale, reminding us that no matter how strong we may appear, indulging in worldly pleasures and compromising our faith can lead to spiritual downfall. Samson’s physical might was unmatched, but his moral and spiritual vigilance was compromised by his entanglement with Delilah. His story serves as a powerful reminder to guard our hearts and maintain our devotion to God, resisting the lure of the world to preserve the divine strength within us.

The High Cost of Backsliding

The consequences of Samson’s backsliding were severe. The once haughty and powerful Samson was humbled. The loss was   and multifaceted. Firstly, he lost his liberty. Judges 16:21 states, “So the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes. They brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze shackles.” The mighty Samson, who had previously broken free from restraints, found himself bound and helpless. Secondly, he lost his strength. The source of his strength, God’s power, had departed from him, leaving him vulnerable and weak. This loss of divine power rendered him incapable of defending himself or his people.

Moreover, Samson lost his vision, both physically and spiritually. Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Samson’s blindness symbolized his inability to see the needs of his people and his purpose. Finally, he lost his joy. Samson’s life, once filled with riddles and jokes, turned bitter as sin took its toll. Matthew Henry writes, “The greatest miseries that come upon us are often the fruit of our own follies and the sins we are guilty of.” Samson’s bitterness was a direct result of his choices, highlighting the severe consequences of straying from God’s path. His story is a sobering reminder of the high cost of backsliding and the importance of maintaining our relationship with God.

Why He Wanted His Hair to Grow Back

Despite his failures, Samson longed for restoration. Judges 16:22 provides a glimmer of hope: “But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.” This regrowth symbolized a second chance, a renewal of his covenant with God. Firstly, Samson desired his hair to grow back for his own sake. He remembered the sweet fellowship he once had with God, the power and purpose that defined his life. In his humiliation, he yearned for the restoration of that divine connection and the strength that came from it.

Secondly, Samson wanted his hair to grow back for the sake of his people. He knew that Israel needed a deliverer, someone who could stand against their enemies. Even in his weakened state, Samson’s heart remained with his people. He understood that his life had a purpose beyond his personal desires. Finally, Samson sought to demonstrate God’s power among his enemies one last time. His final act, pushing down the pillars of the Philistine temple, was a testament to God’s enduring strength and a dramatic demonstration of divine justice. Though it cost him his life, it fulfilled his calling as a judge of Israel. Samson’s story teaches us that God’s grace is sufficient to restore us, and even our failures can be turned into opportunities for His glory.

How He Knew His Hair Was Growing Back

Samson’s path to restoration began with self-awareness and repentance. He admitted that he was to blame for his downfall, acknowledging his responsibility for his actions. This humility was the first step toward regaining his strength. Recognizing his own failures allowed him to seek God’s forgiveness and mercy. Secondly, Samson felt out of place in the Philistine prison. This sense of displacement was a reminder that he was called for a higher purpose. It spurred him to reflect on his life and seek God’s presence once again.

Finally, Samson was willing to die for another demonstration of God’s power. His willingness to sacrifice himself showed his renewed commitment to God’s purpose. In his final act, he pushed down the two pillars of the Philistine temple, killing many of their leaders and delivering a significant blow to their enemies. This act of sacrificial courage was a fitting memorial to a life that, despite its flaws, was ultimately dedicated to God’s service. Samson’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we fall, God’s grace is always available to restore us. By admitting our faults, seeking His presence, and committing to His purpose, we can experience renewal and demonstrate His power in our lives.

Conclusion:

Samson’s life is a   lesson in the dangers of compromising with the world and the high cost of backsliding. Yet, it also offers hope in the possibility of restoration through God’s grace. As we reflect on Samson’s story, let us be vigilant in guarding our spiritual strength, quick to repent when we fall, and committed to God’s purpose in our lives. May we, like Samson, experience the renewal of God’s power and live lives that testify to His enduring grace and strength.