And Samson Said Unto The Lad

AND SAMSON SAID UNTO THE LAD, Judges 16:26

The day the temple of Dagon fell and crushed the mighty strong man Samson, closed the book on his life. No longer would he do anymore-great deeds for the Lord. Anything that he was going to do would forever go undone.

There is, however, another sad story found in the death of Samson on that day. It is an untold story from the bible, and is therefore left for men and women of God in all generations to use so that the youth through all ages may come to know the Lord at an early age.

The story is found in the unnamed lad that led Samson to the two pillars. His story is not told, and therefore we can only make applicable comparisons and use deductive reasoning to fabricate his background, his parents, his life, and his eternal destination.

The first time I heard the story of Samson and of his death, I felt pity for the lad that led him about the temple. As this lad led Samson, he had no idea what Samson was plotting. He was merely going about the task assigned unto him. Eccl 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

. Though we are not told, directly, that he died beside Samson, it is not revealed that he escaped. For the sake of contrast and thought, let us examine this young lad and his family. Perhaps from peering into a normal day in their lives we may learn some important things pertaining unto ours.

A. His Parents.

1. His parents were religious.

The worship of Dagon was the popular religion of the Philistines. His parents, wanted to be accepted in society, so they made certain that they were in the fashionable and social circles of their day. If there were such a thing as a country club, they would have been loyal members. Therefore, should they have missed this great day at the temple of Dagon, the tongues would be chattering and raising questions on social media, as to why they missed this momentous service. For all we know they had ‘box seats’ right beside or behind one of the five lords of the Philistines.

This is a big temple, for the attendance on this day was listed above 3,000, v. 27. Mom and dad would not think of going to some quaint little church or even a semi-large church where old fashioned preaching and teaching is the norm. His parents wanted and desired a service wherein everyone had a good time (At their worship service you could make sport of your enemies instead of praying for them. Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;) and you left feeling good about yourself, and not feeling guilty.

Thus, the religious folk today still search for a religion that is compatible with their lifestyles. 2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2. Sought the wrong positions for their son.

The lad’s parents were probably very proud of their son, for of all the young men of the city of Gaza or the Philistines, “their son” was the one leading this ex-hero around on a tether or by the hand. This man that pulled the gate out of this very city wall, Judges 16:2, that slew a 1,000 men, is now hobbling around and “their son” is the one showing the people how docile this Jewish man really is!

This is quite a day in his young life and proud parent beam with joy. If they had had smart phones, they would be taking pictures and sending the out to family and friends. . How do we know this? Human nature has NOT changed since the fall of man, unless the person has been born again.

The parent of this young lad leading Samson about the temple swell their breasts with pride as the crowd cheers and mocks this blind and feeble pathetic hero. “Their son,” not their neighbor’s son, “their son” is the one leading this blind slayer of men about and making him cower! “Their son” is getting his name known and his face seen by the people in the know, for all the great and influential men and women of Gaza are here today! In days to come the whole city will recall “their son” and his bravery of leading Samson about the temple!

3. They took him to the temple.

Mom and dad on this particular day did not send their child to the temple with someone they hardly knew. Today they took him. For all we know this unnamed lad was raised in the temple and knew the feel of every stone. Perhaps his parents were quite faithful for they did not want their child caught up in some blood-preaching religion that elevated the shedding of blood for the remission of sin. The young man’s parents had his best worldly interest at heart.