Judges 14:6

Samson was traveling with his parents in the region of Timnah, an area located in what is now southwestern Israel, near ancient Philistine territory. During this journey, Scripture tells us that *“the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done”* (v.6). This extraordinary moment marks the first recorded instance of Samson’s God-given physical strength. According to many scholars, Samson lived during the period of the judges in Israel, roughly in the 11th century BC, a time when there was no central monarchy, and the tribes experienced repeated cycles of faithfulness and rebellion.

Samson’s miraculous feat demonstrates how God empowers His chosen servants with abilities well beyond natural limitations. When *“the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily”* (v.6), it reveals that Samson's strength was not due to his own prowess as much as it was a divine manifestation of the Lord’s power. This echoes future examples in Scripture, such as the Holy Spirit empowering believers in the book of Acts (NASB-95) to carry out God's purposes. Despite Samson’s flaws and impulsive nature, his empowerment depicts God working through imperfect vessels to deliver His people.

At this point in his life, Samson did not disclose his battle with the lion to his parents. The detail that *“he did not tell his father or mother what he had done”* (v.6) may highlight his inclination for secrecy or reflect a sense of personal amazement at God’s sudden intervention. It also underscores the private nature of supernatural encounters: sometimes God’s work happens when no one else is watching. Samson’s strength foreshadows both future triumphs—when he judges Israel—and mistakes due to failing to honor the Lord fully (Judges 15–16, NASB-95).

Samson’s divinely bestowed power is a striking display of God’s ability to protect and use His people for His glory.