Samson’s Exploits Against the Philistines

This meditation is based on a passage for August 13, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Judges 14:20-15:20

Reflection and Question: I expect that, if you know anything about Samson, it is the story of the betrayal of Delilah and his killing of himself along with thousands of Philistines by knocking down the building around them. Samson’s whole story has a fiery political incorrectness that I find deeply thought provoking. Take this story of his revenge on the Philistines after a soap-opera-like difficulty with his new wife’s family that escalates into slaughter. And the passage begins by affirming that God is inspiring Samson in all he does. In what way is Samson’s story “politically incorrect” today?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, Truth Divine, inspire in us a true understanding of these stories of Samson. The violent tribal strife here is both foreign and familiar to us. May we learn the lessons You are teaching here and live those lessons in the world. Amen.