the Chosen People

Samson Part III: The Wielder of the Jawbone

Samson’s vengeance blurs justice, turning strength into chaos.

<iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2ovnQHtorqDwZdcOGaseG2?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe>
Romans 12:21
When does justice stop being just—and start being personal? Samson was chosen to deliver Israel, but his actions often looked more like retaliation than righteousness. Setting fields on fire, wielding a donkey’s jawbone—his story in Judges 14 shows how easily strength, when fueled by rage, becomes destructive. What began as God’s calling slipped into personal vengeance. We know the feeling. When we’re wronged, we crave justice—but our version often comes with bitterness, not healing. Romans 12:21 calls us higher: “Overcome evil with good.” That doesn’t mean silence in the face of wrong—but it does mean choosing mercy over wrath, peace over payback. Ask yourself today: Am I seeking justice or revenge? Let God shape your response, turning moments of conflict into opportunities to reflect His grace. Strength isn’t found in payback—it’s found in restraint guided by love.
sponsored by
Share this devotional:

The Chosen People Devotionals

The Tower of Babel

Reflect on human pride, divine intervention, and the need to keep God at the center in the story of the Tower of Babel.

The Call of Abram

Explore Abram’s journey of faith and the foundation of the Abrahamic covenant in this inspiring episode.

Abram's Lie

Abram’s fear leads him to deception, yet God’s faithfulness prevails. Learn the lessons from his missteps in this episode.

Separation: Abram & Lot

Abram and Lot part ways, trusting God’s guidance in uncertain times. Explore their decisions and what we can learn from them.