God empowers His servant to fulfill divine judgment, even in weakness.
Then Samson said to the boy who was holding his hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” (v.26)
In this scene, Samson is imprisoned in Gaza, a prominent Philistine city along the southwestern coast of Canaan, near the modern-day Gaza Strip. This final episode in Samson’s life takes place around the late 12th or early 11th century BC, during the time when Israel was ruled by judges who led and delivered God’s people. Here, Samson finds himself humiliated and blinded by the Philistines (Judges 16:21). Despite his weakened state, he seeks out the support pillars of the Philistine temple. In the ancient Near East, these pillars were the fundamental structure of a large building; by placing himself against them, Samson hints at a momentous act that would bring destruction upon the Philistines, demonstrating that God’s power could still work through him even in his affliction.
The request, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them,” (v.26) reveals Samson’s strategic move to position himself before God uses him in a mighty way. It also symbolizes the contrast between his physical blindness and his renewed spiritual sight. Although he can no longer rely on his own strength or cunning as before, he exercises faith by calling on God for one last display of strength (Judges 16:28). This underscores the biblical theme that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness, echoing the truth later taught in the New Testament that dependence on the Lord is our true source of victory (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Samson’s act against the pillars ultimately collapses the temple, signifying both the Philistines’ defeat and God’s vindication. Through his downfall, Samson completes his role as judge—though flawed—and shows once more that deliverance belongs to the Lord. Even in his final moments, Samson’s story testifies that God can accomplish His purposes in unexpected ways, using frail individuals who call upon His name.
Set to dark mode
Judges 16:26 meaning
Then Samson said to the boy who was holding his hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” (v.26)
In this scene, Samson is imprisoned in Gaza, a prominent Philistine city along the southwestern coast of Canaan, near the modern-day Gaza Strip. This final episode in Samson’s life takes place around the late 12th or early 11th century BC, during the time when Israel was ruled by judges who led and delivered God’s people. Here, Samson finds himself humiliated and blinded by the Philistines (Judges 16:21). Despite his weakened state, he seeks out the support pillars of the Philistine temple. In the ancient Near East, these pillars were the fundamental structure of a large building; by placing himself against them, Samson hints at a momentous act that would bring destruction upon the Philistines, demonstrating that God’s power could still work through him even in his affliction.
The request, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them,” (v.26) reveals Samson’s strategic move to position himself before God uses him in a mighty way. It also symbolizes the contrast between his physical blindness and his renewed spiritual sight. Although he can no longer rely on his own strength or cunning as before, he exercises faith by calling on God for one last display of strength (Judges 16:28). This underscores the biblical theme that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness, echoing the truth later taught in the New Testament that dependence on the Lord is our true source of victory (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Samson’s act against the pillars ultimately collapses the temple, signifying both the Philistines’ defeat and God’s vindication. Through his downfall, Samson completes his role as judge—though flawed—and shows once more that deliverance belongs to the Lord. Even in his final moments, Samson’s story testifies that God can accomplish His purposes in unexpected ways, using frail individuals who call upon His name.