This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Judges 16:23-31, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a strong man named Samson. He had super strength because God had given it to him. Samson lived in a land called Israel, but there were some people there who didn’t like him. They were called the Philistines, and they wanted to hurt Samson.
One day, the Philistines were having a big party to celebrate their victory over Samson. They were so happy that they even thanked their own fake god, Dagon. They thought that their god had given Samson to them.
The Philistines called Samson out of prison to make fun of him. They wanted him to entertain them. They made him stand between two big pillars that held up the building they were in. Samson knew this was his chance to stop the Philistines from hurting anyone else.
Samson prayed to God and asked for strength one last time. He said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.”
With God’s strength, Samson pushed with all his might against the pillars and the building fell down. Samson died in the process, but he was able to stop the Philistines from hurting anyone else.
After Samson died, his family and friends buried him in a tomb. Samson had been a judge for Israel for 20 years.
Biblical Lessons
- God can give us strength to do amazing things.
- It is important to use our strength to help others and protect them from harm.
- It’s important to stay faithful to God.
- God can use our weaknesses and mistakes for His purposes.
Related Stories
Samson Defeats the Philistines
Must-Read Christian Books
The Pursuit of God
A heartfelt call to pursue God Himself above all else, with a strong emphasis on holiness and devotion.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
Explains and defends the doctrines of grace and God's sovereign election from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Confession of Faith
A historic confession that systematically sets forth Reformed theology from Scripture.
View on Amazon
Gentle and Lowly
Meditates on Christ's heart for sinners and sufferers from key biblical texts.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Encourages and equips Christians to share the gospel faithfully and simply.
View on Amazon
Idols of the Heart
Helps believers identify and repent of heart-idols through the lens of Scripture.
View on Amazon