Was Samson a Judge in the bible?

Answer 1

Answer

I very much doubt that Samson was a judge. Even though he is mentioned in the book of Judges.

Another answer

Three chapters of The Bible are devoted to the exploits of Samson, i.e. Judges chapters 14, 15 & 16.

The book of Judges is a summary of the period of Israelite history after the death of Joshua but before the time of Judean Kings.

The Israelites had been suffering attacks from Canaanites and Philistines and other tribal groups, so 'The LORD raised up judges, who saved them [the Israelites] out of the power of those who plundered them.' -Judges 2:16 RSV

Further, it adds 'And when the LORD raised them up judges, the the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge...' -Judges 2:18.

Samson was one of those 'raised up' as a judge, to deliver Israel from their oppressors.

This special mission of Samson was revealed before his birth. In chapter 13 verses 3-5 we read that his mother was told she would conceive a son 'who shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.' When he was born she named him Samson, 'And the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.' -ch 13:24

Judges chapters 14 to 16 then relate key features of Samson's life, showing how he continued to fulfill his commission throughout his life.

'And he [Samson] judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.' -Judges 15:20 KJV, RSV

After Samson died and was buried, Judges chapter 16 concludes with 'He had judged Israel twenty years.'

Samson is also given honorable mention in the New Testament, being included in a list of those who 'enforced justice(Footnote 1), ... won strength out of weakness, ... put foreign enemies to flight.' -Hebrews 11:32,33 RSV

After describing earlier key situations in Israelite history, Acts 13:20 continues 'And after that he gave unto them judges ... until Samuel(Footnote 2) the prophet.' This period covers the time when Samson played a significant part in Israelite history.

JUDGING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS AND DELIVERANCE

A judge is one who makes judgments and ensures that justice is done.

Regarding Solomon, son of King David, and one of the early kings of Israel, Psalm 72:1-4 asks:

"Give thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.

He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.

The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.

He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, he shall break in pieces the oppressor."

How apt these words are regarding Samson's twenty year record of judgment upon the oppressor of Israel in the interests of bringing peace to the people.

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FOOTNOTES

(1) 'administered justice' (NIV)

(2) 'until Samuel' -After Israel had reaped the benefits of having judges, Samuel was instrumental in establishing a new arrangement, a dynasty of kings.

Answer 2

And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.-Judges 15:20

Yes this verse is about him

Answer 3

A judge and a monk (jewish monk)

Answer 4

Yes.