Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. (NIV)

We have repeatedly seen the Judges ‘cycle’: Spiritual decline – an experience of chastisement – crying out to God – the raising up of a ‘Judge’ (Deliverer/Saviour/Rescuer).

But in this case, there were forty years of divine discipline at the hands of the Philistines, yet there is no record of there being any heart cry to God.

‘Perhaps they had simply given up on God and turned completely to the gods of Canaan. If so, God’s raising up of Samson was an act of pure grace – all the more so because of its miraculous nature.’ (Tom Hale)

‘Even Samson’s name, commonly linked to sun worship, hints at Israel’s drift toward Canaanite ways; indeed, his whole story mirrors Israel’s—consecrated and empowered, yet wayward, while God’s mercy never fails.’ (Bible Gateway)

It seems God just stepped in. He is sovereign. He can do that. So when things seem bad, let’s not lose hope. Things can change.