Metaphysical meaning of Samson (mbd)
Samson, sam'-son (Heb.)--sunlike; little sun; sunny; distinguished. Son of Manoah, of Zorah, of the tribe of Dan. He was noted for his great strength and for his victories over the Philistines. He was a judge of Israel and began to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines (Judg. 13:2--16:31).
Meta. Physical strength under spiritual discipline, or consciousness of spiritual strength. The root, seat, or cause of this strength is understanding (sunlike, distinguished).
Samson, like John the Baptist, was a Nazirite. He was consecrated to God before his birth as one who should "begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines" (Judges 13). As a Nazirite Samson vowed total abstinence from all intoxicating liquors; that his hair should go uncut and that all contamination with dead bodies should be avoided by him. It was usually a temporary vow, but Samson and John the Baptist were Nazirites for life. The meaning of the vow was entire consecration to God. (See NAZIRITE.)
When Samson first began his work the Israelites were under the dominion of the Philistines, vanquished and dispirited. The nation was in danger of extinction, and peace was purchased of the Philistines with deepest dishonor.
The life of Samson, as given in Judges, represents the different movements of strength in human consciousness, and its betrayal and end. Samson did all kinds of athletic stunts. but was finally robbed of his strength by Delilah, a Philistine woman, who had his head shaved while he slept on her knees. Hair represents vitality. When the vital principle is taken away the strength goes with it. This weakens the body and it finally perishes. Eve took away the strength of Adam in like manner, and every man who gives up the vital essence of his body for the pleasure of sensation commits suicide, as did Samson.
Great strength can be attained by one who trusts in Spirit, who awakens to true understanding of the light of Spirit and conserves his vital substance. The strength and the understanding of Spirit are necessary to the perpetuation of soul and body and to the overcoming of death.
Eyes represent light, or spiritual perception. Through spiritual strength (Samson) regeneration of the sense consciousness is begun, but the thoughts of the carnal mind (Philistines) resist the advent of Truth.
The destruction of Samson and his enemies pictures the activity of strength independent of divine law. Ideas of strength must be established in substance and expressed in judgment before they will act constructively in the organism and preserve the body.
________________________
Preceding Entry: Samothrace
Following Entry: Samuel
