Long-time readers know that I love the many types and foreshadows in the Bible. I am not the only one. I was recently provided with a list of parallels between the Old Testament judge, Samson, and the Lord Jesus. We are all familiar with the story of strong-man Samson. Of course, the name that always goes with Samson is Delilah. Samson's story is found in Judges, chapters 13 through 16. There are a number of points in the life of Samson that parallel the life of Jesus.

Just as Mary was informed of the birth of Jesus by an angel, Samson’s unnamed mother was told of the forthcoming birth by an angel. (Judges 13:2-3, Luke 1:26-31) Samson, to the dismay of his Hebrew parents, took a gentile wife. The church, largely gentile, is the Bride of Christ.

Samson was given thirty (Philistine) companions at the wedding, probably because no Hebrews came along. (Judges 14:11) In order to obtain linen garments for his thirty companions, Samson presented a riddle to the Philistines. The Lord Jesus also spoke in riddles and parables. (Matthew 13:34-35) In the case of Samson’s riddle for linen garments, he gave them seven days to solve it. Possibly, at the end of the assumed seven years of Tribulation, the Bride of Christ, the Church, will be given fine linen garments (The Revelation 19:8).

Samson was raised as a Nazirite. His hair was not to be cut; he was to drink no wine. The Lord Jesus was raised in Nazareth, and as such was a Nazarene. The mother of Samson was told by the angel that he would be the people’s deliverer. The Lord Jesus is our Deliverer. (Judges 13:5, Romans 11:26)

In the end Samson was betrayed for silver, as was Jesus. (Judges 16:5, Matthew 26:14-15) He was humiliated by his enemies, as was Jesus. Samson was betrayed by a friend, Delilah. The Lord Jesus was betrayed by a friend, Judas. (Judges 16:18, John 13:21-26) When Samson was captured, he was blinded. The Lord Jesus, when He was arrested was blindfolded. (Judges 16:21, Luke 22:64) Of course, both Samson and the Lord Jesus were mocked by their captors. (Judges 16:27, Matthew 27:31)

At the time of his death, Samson was placed between two columns of a pagan temple. When he was standing between the two supporting columns of the temple, and was pushing against them, he was in the same form as Jesus on the Cross. With his arms outstretched, he died in the same position as did Jesus. In his death, Samson caused the death of 3,000 people in one day. (Judges 16:27) As a contrast, the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus caused the salvation of 3,000 people in one day; the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:41)

And lastly, the births of Samson and the Lord Jesus were both miraculous births, which will be discussed in the next lesson. There are so many foreshadows in the Bible. I would that we were wise enough to see all that the Lord concealed in His Word. May His Name be praised forever!