Hebrew Key Terms:
Context: Two dramatic Spirit-empowerments are recorded. In 14:6: "The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him" (וַתִּצְלַח עָלָיו רוּחַ יְהוָה), and Samson tore apart a young lion barehanded. In 15:14-15: bound with ropes and delivered to the Philistines, "the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him" (וַתִּצְלַח עָלָיו רוּחַ יְהוָה)—the ropes became like burnt flax, and he struck down a thousand men with a donkey's jawbone. The verb צָלַח means "to rush upon, overwhelm"—sudden, powerful divine enabling.
OT-to-OT Development:
Connections:
Christological Connection: Samson's Spirit-empowered victories prefigure Christ's Spirit-anointed ministry. Jesus' casting out of demons demonstrated Spirit-empowerment: "If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" (Matthew 12:28). Peter preached: "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil" (Acts 10:38). Samson's physical victories over lion and Philistines shadow Christ's spiritual victory over Satan. The lion Samson tore anticipates the "roaring lion" (1 Peter 5:8) Christ defeated. The thousand enemies anticipate the cosmic enemies Christ conquered through the cross and resurrection.
Connection Method(s): Typology (Providential, Backward-Looking) — Samson's Spirit-empowered physical victories over lion and Philistines prefigure Christ's Spirit-anointed spiritual victories over Satan and the powers of darkness.
Trajectory Table: 137 - Samson (Spirit-Empowered Deliverer)