SAMSON BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE

 

SAMSON BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE
(Based on Judges 15:21 - 16:31)

Samson led Israel 20 years,
Though still the Philistines reigned.
God’s plan would then unfurl;
It’s why Samson was ordained.

It began with a dame named Delilah,
Who was but a beautiful witch.
If she could learn where he got his strength,
The Philistines would make her rich.

She tested three answers Samson gave,
After he fell asleep in the room.
She tied him with leather and next new ropes,
Then wove his braids on a loom.

But Samson grew tired of her nagging,
It was more than he could bear,
So he finally disclosed the truth to her:
His strength was in his hair.

She ran and told the Philistines.

While he slept, they shaved Samson bald.

That was when God left him.

After that, Samson was mauled.

They put him in bronze shackles,

And they gouged out both of his eyes,

They made him grind in prison.

A loose tongue is never wise.

Soon his hair began to grow,

Though not as long as before.

Samson prayed, “Oh Sovereign God,

Strengthen me once more.”

A party was held at the temple,

To offer a sacrifice.

The god they served was Dagon,

Whose worshipers would pay a price.

Samson stood by two pillars;

The pillars held up the temple.

He was brought there to entertain,

And the act he chose was simple.

He pushed the pillars with all his might,

He had everyone’s attention.

And when the temple collapsed,

There was a permanent intermission.

Leaders and important people all died —

Three thousand who made God frown.

When Samson entertained them,

One could say he brought the house down.

Becky Wall