When did Samson judge Israel?
Samson the Nazirite judges Israel twenty years, ending by pulling down Dagon's temple.
Samson took place c. 1100 BC at The Philistine plain; Gaza, during the Conquest & Judges period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Judges 13:5 (KJV). Samson the Nazirite judges Israel twenty years, ending by pulling down Dagon's temple.
"For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son… and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." — Judges 13:5 (KJV)
Born to barren parents and set apart as a Nazirite from the womb, Samson judged Israel twenty years against the Philistines. Betrayed by Delilah and blinded, he prayed once more for strength and pulled the temple of Dagon down upon himself and his enemies.
c. 1100 BC
The Philistine plain; Gaza
Key KJV Scriptures
"For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son… and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
"And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell."
Why It Matters
Samson is named among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. His story warns against the ruin of unchecked appetite — and shows that God can redeem even a failed servant.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong was Samson?
Scripture credits his strength to the Spirit of the LORD coming upon him — not to his hair. The hair was the sign of his Nazirite vow; when broken, the Spirit departed (Judges 16:20).
When did samson happen?
Samson is dated c. 1100 BC, placing it in the Conquest & Judges era of biblical history. See Judges 13:5 (KJV).
Where did samson take place?
Scripture places samson at The Philistine plain; Gaza.
Who was involved in samson?
The key figures are Samson, Delilah, Manoah.
Where is samson in the Bible?
You can read about it in Judges 13:5, Judges 16:30 (King James Version).
Why does samson matter?
Samson is named among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. His story warns against the ruin of unchecked appetite — and shows that God can redeem even a failed servant.
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Judges 13–16 • strength
Rahab and the Battle of Jericho
Joshua 2; 6:1-25 • Conquest & Judges
Judges 16:28 Commentary
In-depth study • Final Redemption
Delilah in the Bible
The Treacherous Temptress
Judges Bible Quiz
Deliverers, cycles of sin, and the days when every man did what was right in his
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The woman who betrayed Samson for silver.