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 Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Pilgrim Theology
An accessible summary of Reformed theology that connects doctrine to the Christian life.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
A robust, Scripture-saturated theology of prayer with practical guidance for deepening communion with God.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Grace
Shows how God's grace and our disciplined effort work together in sanctification.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Universe Next Door
Surveys competing worldviews and contrasts them with the Christian view of reality.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness
Shows how the gospel frees us from self-obsession to live in joy and service.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Teaches believers how to distinguish truth from error using Scripture.
View on Amazon
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon