Judges 16: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Judges 16 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Samson went to Gaza and visited a prostitute (vv. 1-2). The Gazites waited to kill him, but he escaped by uprooting the city gates and carrying them to a mountain (v.

Key verse

“Samson called to Yahweh, and said, “Lord Yahweh, remember me, please, and strengthen me, please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”
Judges 16:28 (WEB)

Outline

Judges 16:1–3 Samson in Gaza
Judges 16:4–14 Samson and Delilah's Deception
Judges 16:15–20 Samson Reveals His Secret
Judges 16:21–22 Samson's Capture
Judges 16:23–27 Philistines Celebrate
Judges 16:28–30 Samson's Final Prayer
Judges 16:31 Samson's Death and Legacy

Discussion questions

In v5, what do the lords of the Philistines offer Delilah to betray Samson?
In v20, what does Samson say he will do when he awakens from sleep?
Samson's response in v17 about being a Nazirite: what does this indicate about his relationship with God?
Delilah's pressing Samson daily in v16: what does this suggest about her intentions and manipulation?
When have you felt your strength or confidence was vulnerable, similar to Samson's trust in Delilah?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Judges 16: Isaiah 40, Proverbs 23, Judges 14.

Before next time: read Judges 17.