Chapter 8

In the new land, the Promised Land, the Israelites made a

home. But from time to time, they worshiped idols made of

wood and stone, forgetting the great love God had for them.

Whenever this happened, God sent an enemy to punish them.

When the people called to God for help, God would raise up a

leader, sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, to guide his

people back to him. God used these ordinary people to do

extraordinary things.

Once again the people lost their way and worshiped idols,

forgetting what God had done for them. So God allowed the

Philistines to control the Israelites.

Then the people cried out to God to forgive them and save

them from their enemy.

God answered their cries for help and sent a powerful man

named Samson to help them fight the Philistines. Samson had a

special gift from God. He was blessed with great strength. Once

he fought a roaring lion with his bare hands. And he won!

Samson killed many Philistines all by himself. “We have to

find a way to get rid of him,” the Philistines plotted.

Samson was madly in love with Delilah. Delilah only

pretended to love Samson because the Philistines promised her

money if she discovered what made Samson so strong.

Delilah tried to trick Samson into telling the secret of his

strength. Samson knew he should not tell his secret to anyone,

so he tried to trick Delilah too. First he told her that being tied

with new leather straps would weaken him enough to be

captured.

The Philistines tried it. It didn’t work. Samson broke the

leather straps as if they were made of air.

Delilah tried again. “If you really love me, you will tell me

your secret,” she said. Samson made up another story. “I’ll lose

my power if someone ties me with new ropes.”

While Samson slept, Delilah tied him up. Again, the

Philistines tried to capture him, but Samson snapped the ropes

like tiny threads.

Delilah really wanted that money, so she said, “You lied! If

you love me, tell me your secret.”

Samson could not stand her nagging anymore. He finally

gave in and told Delilah the secret of his strength. “It’s my hair.

It’s never been cut. If someone shaved my head, I would lose

my strength and be as weak as any other man.”

Delilah waited for Samson to fall asleep. Then she cut his

hair. When the Philistines came, Samson couldn’t fight them

off. The Philistines treated him badly, blinding him and putting

him in jail.

One day, the Philistine rulers brought Samson to the temple

to show off their prize prisoner. They chained him to two

temple pillars. They bragged and made fun of the oncepowerful

Israelite. Samson prayed and asked God to give him

strength just one more time so he could defeat the Philistines.

God listened and answered Samson’s prayer.

Then Samson pushed on the pillars with all his might, and

the temple came crashing down. All the Philistines were killed.

Samson died too, but he was remembered as a man of great

power who knew his strength came from the Lord.

The following story is a work of fiction and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events is purely coincidental. The characters depicted in this story are not real and any similarities to actual people, animals, or creatures are unintentional. The story is intended for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken seriously or as factual. The author does not condone or promote any illegal, harmful or unethical behavior. The story may contain mild language, humor, or suspense that may not be suitable for all readers. Parental guidance is advised. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken by readers based on the content of this story.