Why do you think that Samson’s story begins with a lengthy birth narrative?  (Judges 13)  What can we learn about Samson from this chapter?  About his family, and his upbringing?  

What does the angel of the Lord tell Samson’s parents about their child, and the life that he is going to live?  (1:3-5, 1:13-14)

What does the angel of the Lord mean when he says that the child will be a Nazirite?  (13:4-5, see also Numbers 6:1-21)  What was the purpose of this special vow?

Why is Samson’s request (demand) in 14:1-3 concerning?  (See also Exodus 34:11-16, Deuteronomy 7:1-5)  

What is significant about Samson eating honey from the carcass of the lion?  (14:5-9)  How is this relevant to his Nazirite vow?  (Numbers 6:6-8)

What are we to make of Samson’s bet, and riddle, and attack on the people of Ashkelon?  (14:10-20)  What does it reveal to us about Samson’s character and judgment?

What do the men of Judah say to Samson?  (15:11)  What does this reveal about the condition of Israel at this time?

Samson seems to be very preoccupied with getting revenge at several points in his story.  (14:19-20, 15:3-5, 15:7-8, 15:14-15, 16:28-30)  What are we to make of this?  What can we learn from it?  How does this aspect of Samson’s character serve as a warning, and a cautionary tale?

Samsons seems prone to sexual immorality.  And he is particularly susceptible to being seduced by women.  (14:1-3, 16:1, 16:4-22)  What are we to make of this?  What can we learn from it?  How does this aspect of Samson’s character serve as a warning, and a cautionary tale?

What is significant about Samson’s hair being cut?  (16:19-20)  How is this relevant to his Nazirite vow?  (Numbers 6:5)

What are we to make of the way that Samson dies?  (16:23-30)  What does it reveal about his character, and his priorities at the end of his life?

What are some of the bad things that Samson is guilty of?  What are some of the good things that he accomplishes for God, and for the people of God?  Would you ultimately assess Samson as a good judge, or a bad judge (or some combination of both)?  Why?  

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