1. Samson's revenge (1-5)

Samson was a creative mischief-maker. When he found that his wife had been given to another man, he really got even!

2. The Philistine oppression (6-17)

The Israelites trembled before their Philistine rulers--but not Samson! Samson was an embarrassment to Israel in their relations with their Philistine overlords, so when the Philistines demanded him, 3,000 men of Judah went to capture him. He cheerfully agreed to be tied and handed over. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on him; he easily broke the ropes, killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, and made donkeys of them all.

3. Samson prays (18-20)

Samson's faith was simple and direct--he was like a child. He was thirsty, so he cried out to God, and God gave him water.

Application: Lord, thank you for using all kinds of people in your redemptive work. Give me eyes to see you at work even in the worst circumstances.
One Word: God raised up a deliverer