Judges 16:29

*Then Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left (v.29).* Samson was one of the judges of Israel, raised up by God during a time of conflict with the Philistines (Judges 13–16). He belonged to the tribe of Dan, and his birth and life were set apart by a special calling: he was appointed by God to be a Nazirite from birth, abstaining from many ordinary freedoms (Judges 13:5–7 citeturn1file3). Throughout Samson’s life, the Philistines repeatedly attempted to capture or kill him; in response, he carried out mighty deeds of strength through the power of the Spirit of the LORD. Ultimately, he was betrayed by Delilah, blinded by his enemies, and taken prisoner (Judges 16).

*Then Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested…* describes the decisive moment when Samson stood in the Philistines’ temple, likely dedicated to their god Dagon, after they had brought him out to ridicule him at a great festival (cf. commentary referencing Judges 16:23–24 in many sources). Despite his weakened physical state, Samson prayed to the LORD, asking to be strengthened one final time. The text says that he braced himself between two key structural supports—one with his right hand and the other with his left—using his God-given strength to bring the house down (Judges 16:29–30). Geographically, the Philistines lived mainly in the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan, while Samson, from Dan, lived primarily in or near the territory assigned to his tribe, possibly near Zorah or Eshtaol, depending on the biblical account. Historically, Samson’s feats took place during the period of the judges, roughly between 1375 and 1050 BC (Hebrews 11:32 cites Samson among the heroes of faith citeturn1file3).

By destroying the temple, Samson killed more Philistines in his death than he had in his life, delivering another blow to Israel’s oppressors. This final act of faith exemplifies how God used flawed and imperfect individuals for His purposes of deliverance. In a broader sense, Samson’s sacrificial end prefigures the ultimate deliverer who would defeat the enemy of sin and death—Jesus Christ, who laid down His life to rescue His people from the bondage of sin (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Though Samson’s story is tragic, it remains a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness even when His chosen leaders fall short of full obedience.

He relied on the strength of the LORD once more, bringing judgment on the Philistines while losing his own life in the process.

Samson’s final stance demonstrates that even in human weakness, God’s power can prevail for His redemptive purpose.