Judges 16: Samson and Delilah

Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, (2002), 87–88

After reading Judges 13–15, what lessons do you think Samson could have learned from his experiences? As you read Judges 16, see if he really did learn those lessons.
Samson toppling pillars

Understanding the Scriptures

Judges 16

Compassed him (v. 2)Surrounded him 
Thread of a tow (v. 9)Piece of string or flax 
Occupied (v. 11)Used 
Vexed (v. 16)No longer patient 
Wist (v. 20)Knew 
Fetters (v. 21)Chains 
Grind (v. 21)Make flour from grain 
Sport (vv. 25, 27)To make people laugh 
Borne (v. 29)Held 

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Judges 16.

Activity A iconApply the Words of Modern Prophets and Apostles

How could Samson have benefitted from the following advice? Write your answer in your notebook.

President N. Eldon Tanner of the First Presidency said: “I would like to say to you again, remember these three words: keep the covenants. And I think I am safe in saying to you that if you and your families will keep these covenants, you will be happy, you will be successful, you will be respected, you will have good families that you can take back into the presence of our Heavenly Father. All you will have to do is remember three words: keep the covenants, the obligations that you have taken upon yourselves, the pledges that you have made. Keep the covenants” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1966, 99).

Activity B iconNot Very Obedient

Read Numbers 6:1–9 and list the requirements of a Nazarite. Next to each requirement, write a scripture reference from Judges 14–16 that demonstrates a time when Samson disobeyed that requirement, and then briefly explain what he did.

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