This verse from Judges 16:26 sets the stage for the dramatic climax of the Samson story. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"and Samson said to the boy who held him by the hand...": Samson is blind and weakened, held captive by the Philistines. He's relying on a young boy to guide him. This highlights his complete dependence and vulnerability, a stark contrast to his former strength.
"...“Allow me to feel the pillars whereupon the house rests...": The Philistines have brought Samson to a large gathering in a house, possibly a temple dedicated to their god Dagon. Samson asks to be positioned near the main support pillars of the structure.
"...that I may lean on them.”": This is the key point. Samson wants to be in physical contact with the pillars. His stated intention is to lean on them, implying he needs support. However, this is a veiled request. He's not really just looking for a comfortable place to rest.
The True Meaning and Significance:
Samson's Strength Returns: He is praying to God for strength to avenge himself on the Philistines for his blindness. The request to lean on the pillars is a pretext to position himself for a final, destructive act.
A Plan for Destruction: By feeling the pillars, Samson is subtly preparing to use his restored strength to bring them down. He understands that these pillars are crucial to the building's structural integrity.
Sacrifice and Revenge: Samson's request is part of his plan to inflict maximum damage on the Philistines, even if it means sacrificing his own life in the process. His ultimate goal is revenge and the destruction of his enemies.
In essence, the verse reveals Samson's cunning and his determination to use his last ounce of strength to exact revenge on the Philistines. It foreshadows the devastating event that follows, where Samson, with God's help, pulls down the pillars, killing himself and a massive crowd of Philistines.
This verse from Judges 16:26 sets the stage for the dramatic climax of the Samson story. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"and Samson said to the boy who held him by the hand...": Samson is blind and weakened, held captive by the Philistines. He's relying on a young boy to guide him. This highlights his complete dependence and vulnerability, a stark contrast to his former strength.
"...“Allow me to feel the pillars whereupon the house rests...": The Philistines have brought Samson to a large gathering in a house, possibly a temple dedicated to their god Dagon. Samson asks to be positioned near the main support pillars of the structure.
"...that I may lean on them.”": This is the key point. Samson wants to be in physical contact with the pillars. His stated intention is to lean on them, implying he needs support. However, this is a veiled request. He's not really just looking for a comfortable place to rest.
The True Meaning and Significance:
Samson's Strength Returns: He is praying to God for strength to avenge himself on the Philistines for his blindness. The request to lean on the pillars is a pretext to position himself for a final, destructive act.
A Plan for Destruction: By feeling the pillars, Samson is subtly preparing to use his restored strength to bring them down. He understands that these pillars are crucial to the building's structural integrity.
Sacrifice and Revenge: Samson's request is part of his plan to inflict maximum damage on the Philistines, even if it means sacrificing his own life in the process. His ultimate goal is revenge and the destruction of his enemies.
In essence, the verse reveals Samson's cunning and his determination to use his last ounce of strength to exact revenge on the Philistines. It foreshadows the devastating event that follows, where Samson, with God's help, pulls down the pillars, killing himself and a massive crowd of Philistines.