Judges 15
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
Samson was very strong. So strong!
One day, bad men came to catch him. They tied him up with ropes.
Big ropes. Tight ropes.
Samson did not run. He did not fight with his hands.
He waited.
Then something happened. God's power came on Samson. Whoosh, like wind, like fire!
The ropes just broke. Snap! They fell right off his arms.
Samson found a bone on the ground. Just an old bone.
He held it tight. And he was so strong, so very strong, that no one could stand against him.
What Does This Mean?
After that, Samson was thirsty. His throat was dry, so dry.
He sat down. He looked up.
Samson talked to God. He said, God, you helped me. Now I am so thirsty.
Did God hear him?
Yes. God split open a rock. Water came bubbling out! Cool, clean water.
Samson drank and drank. He felt strong again. His eyes were bright again.
The Common Thread
God gave Samson power when he needed it.
God gave Samson water when he was thirsty.
Samson did not make the water himself. He could not. Only God could split that rock.
Samson called out, and God answered.
That is what God does. He hears. He helps. Long ago, and still today.
Jesus said He is like living water too. Water that never runs out.
For You
Have you ever been really thirsty? So thirsty you just wanted a big drink?
Samson was thirsty like that. He asked God for help.
You can ask God for help too. Even for small things.
Even when you are thirsty, or scared, or tired.
God hears little voices too. Not just big strong men like Samson.
Talk About It
What do you think it felt like when the ropes just broke off Samson's arms?
Have you ever asked God for help? What did you ask?
Praying Together
Dear God,
Thank you for hearing Samson.
Thank you that you hear me too.
When I am thirsty, help me.
When I am scared, help me.
You are so strong. Thank you.
Amen.
What others discovered
He struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter; and he went down and lived in the cleft of the rock of Etam."
Notice where the victory leaves him. Not celebrating, not home, but alone in a crack in a rock. Revenge won the fight and cost him everything else. What have you won lately that left you hiding?
A thousand men fell to his jawbone, and then Samson nearly died of thirst. Strength enough to win a battle, not enough to make one cup of water. So he cried out, and "God split the hollow place that is in Lehi, and water came out of it." He named the spring after the calling, not the victory. What are you too strong to ask for?
Three thousand men of Judah came out, not to fight the Philistines, but to tie up the one man who would. "We will bind you fast, and deliver you into their hand." Sometimes the rope comes from your own people, folks so at home in their chains that a free man looks like a threat. Have you ever called someone reckless when they were simply obeying God?
Samson burned their fields to settle a score, and the fire came back around: "The Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire." The woman he was angry about is the one who dies. Revenge rarely stays where we aim it. Think of the last time you struck back. Who else stood in the blast?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
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