Samson's power

All my life I hear that it wasn't Samson's hair that was the source of his power. I do know he got his strengths from God but I don't understand is if his hair wasn't special why this verse would be in the Bible.

"However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaven." Judges 16:22

Anyone know why God put this detail in his book?

I don't really have a good answer, but here are my thoughts. The story of Samson doesn't end with the shaving of his head. God used him later to bring judgment on those whom He chose.

Of course his strength truly came from the Lord; in verse 20: "the LORD had departed from him" as opposed to his strength had departed him or his hair had departed him. But the Lord used him and his strength later. I see it as a verse of hope. Like, Samson screwed up, but God's not done with him yet.

WhiteBoy wrote:I see it as a verse of hope. Like, Samson screwed up, but God's not done with him yet.

I like that answer.

The MacArthur's commentary says that the growth of Samson's hair symbolizes his repentance. This might be more applicable if the passage were literary instead of historical, which places little or no emphasis on symbology. Since this is a historical passage, this verse means simply that time passed - enough time for Samson's hair to grow long again from being shaven. By this time, Samson had been blinded, and the feel of his long hair on his neck and shoulders would serve as a tangible reminder of his vow and the source of his strength. Judges goes on to record Samson's repentance, and the results of that repentance.

WhiteBoy wrote:or his hair had departed him.

Dude, this made me laugh out loud. Thank you.

My pleasure.