Rely on Jehovah, as Samson Did

Question 1

Why should the account of Samson interest us?

Answer 1

The account of Samson interests us because it shows how Jehovah can strengthen us, even when we are weak or make mistakes. Samson was a man of outstanding faith who relied on Jehovah to accomplish amazing things.

Question 2

What assignment did Samson receive?

Answer 2

Samson received the assignment to take the lead in saving Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, who were oppressing them. He had to rely on Jehovah to fulfill this challenging task.

Question 3

How did Jehovah help Samson to free himself from the Philistines? (Judges 15:14-16)

Answer 3

Jehovah helped Samson to free himself from the Philistines by empowering him to break the ropes that bound him and to use a donkey’s jawbone to strike down 1,000 men.

Question 4

What does Samson’s use of a donkey’s jawbone reveal about his confidence in Jehovah?

Answer 4

Samson’s use of a donkey’s jawbone reveals that he had confidence in Jehovah, not in his own strength or weapon. He used what was available to him to accomplish Jehovah’s will.

Question 5

When fulfilling our theocratic assignments, what can we learn from Samson?

Answer 5

We can learn from Samson that Jehovah can strengthen us to accomplish our assignments, even those that seem overwhelming. We should trust that Jehovah will help us to do his will as long as we rely on him for help.

Question 6

What example demonstrates the importance of our looking to Jehovah for his direction?

Answer 6

The example of the brothers involved in theocratic construction projects shows the importance of looking to Jehovah for his direction and being adaptable in our service to him. They adapted to new methods such as purchasing facilities and renovating them instead of designing and constructing most new Kingdom Halls and other buildings.

Question 7

On one occasion when Samson became very thirsty, what did he do?

Answer 7

Samson called out to Jehovah for help when he became thirsty after striking down 1,000 Philistines. Jehovah answered his plea by miraculously creating a source of water that revived him.

Question 8

How did Jehovah respond to Samson’s plea for help? (Judges 15:19 and footnote)

Answer 8

Jehovah responded to Samson’s plea for help by miraculously creating a source of water that revived him. This water source still existed years later and reminded the Israelites that Jehovah can help his faithful worshippers.

Question 9

What is involved in our seeking Jehovah’s help? (See also picture.)

Answer 9

Seeking Jehovah’s help involves taking advantage of all the provisions he makes available to us, such as personal study, prayer, and theocratic activities. These provisions can strengthen us spiritually and help us to do his will.

Question 10

How can we take full advantage of Jehovah’s help? Illustrate.

Answer 10

Aleksey took full advantage of Jehovah’s help by:

Keeping up with his spiritual routine of personal study and daily Bible reading.

Discussing the daily text and praying to Jehovah with his wife every morning.

Building up his faith through theocratic activities.

Trusting that Jehovah would bless his efforts to serve him and help him to overcome any challenges he faced.

Question 11

What bad decision did Samson make, and how could this have differed from his earlier experiences?

Answer 11

Samson made a bad decision when he fell in love with Delilah, who was likely an Israelite. This may have differed from his earlier experiences with Philistine women, which were used by Jehovah to create opportunities against the Philistines.

Question 12

How did Delilah maneuver Samson into a bad situation?

Answer 12

Delilah maneuvered Samson into a bad situation by accepting a bribe from the Philistines to betray him. She repeatedly pressured Samson to reveal the secret of his strength, and he eventually gave in to her demands.

Question 13

What consequences did Samson experience because he trusted Delilah?

Answer 13

Samson experienced painful consequences because he trusted Delilah. He lost his strength and Jehovah’s approval for a time. He was captured and blinded by the Philistines. He was imprisoned and humiliated in Gaza.

Question 14

How did Samson show that he again relied on Jehovah? (Judges 16:28-30) (See cover picture.)

Answer 14

Samson showed that he again relied on Jehovah by begging him for strength to take revenge on the Philistines. Jehovah answered his plea and restored his miraculous strength. Samson was able to kill more Philistines than ever before by collapsing the temple where they were celebrating.

Question 15

What can we learn from Samson’s mistake?

Answer 15

We can learn from Samson’s mistake that Jehovah does not give up on us even if we make serious errors. We can still be useful to Jehovah if we repent and correct our ways. We should also continue to rely on Jehovah for help.

Question 16

What do you find encouraging about Michael’s example? (See also picture.)

Answer 16

The example of Michael, a young brother who made a mistake and lost his congregation privileges, but did not give up. He focused on repairing his relationship with Jehovah and regained his good standing.

This shows that Jehovah does not give up on us even if we make serious errors. We can still be useful to Jehovah if we repent and correct our ways. We should also continue to rely on Jehovah for help.

Question 17

How has Samson’s example strengthened you?

Answer 17

Samson’s example strengthens us because he did not stop trying to do Jehovah’s will, even after his mistake with Delilah. And Jehovah did not give up on him. God still considered him to be a man of outstanding faith. This shows that we serve a loving heavenly Father who yearns to strengthen us, especially when we are weak.