Throwback Thursday |  Finding Sampson: Iron Age Superhero by Bryan Winters

Today’s Throwback Thursday is  “Finding Sampson: Iron Age Superhero” by Bryan Winters

“Three thousand years ago, Samson lived alongside an intelligent, technologically advanced, small nation, known as Philistia. Their leaders came up against a superhero with Asperger’s Syndrome. It took tactics to place the strong man and considerable plotting to remove him, and the strategies didn’t end there. What starts as a how-done-it, for those who think they know what happens, soon becomes a who-done-it. Based closely on historical sources, the key character is not Samson; it is the clever, charismatic, Mayor of Gaza. As the tale flares up from youthful gaming to political ploys, comic, tragic, battle, and romantic scenes unfold, leaving you guessing throughout and smiling at the end.”
Blurb taken from www.amazon.com

* Warning my review contains spoilers *

When I think of the story of Samson:

• I wonder about a man who God gifted with supernatural strength;
• I remember a man who had a weakness for the ladies (particularly Delilah who was his eventual undoing);
• and I ponder Samson’s final moment of terrifying destruction.

When I began reading Bryan’s book I was a bit confused that it took so long (40 pages) before any indication of Samson was hinted at, who were these other characters who demanded my attention? I had never stopped to wonder who the rulers were forcing Delilah’s actions, but Bryan obviously had.
The biblical account of Samson takes up a mere 3 chapters (Judges 13-16) so I thoroughly enjoyed Bryan’s detailed unpacking of the story. It is unpacked from many points of view with many interesting characters thrown into the mix:

The Mayor of Gaza

The Mayor of Gaza is portrayed as a man who Is an avid observer of the past, he has studied Israel’s history in order to know their weaknesses and strengths. He then uses his knowledge with great tact and shrewdness to weaken the once mighty nation, successfully corrupting an entire nation. The Israelite’s are swayed, with the promises of peace and prosperity, and as they are lured along a dangerous path they begin to forget the commandments of the Lord.
In an amazing act of diplomacy, the Mayor of Gaza even convinces the Israelite leaders to form a join peacekeeping force and in the end the Israelites hand Samson over to the Philistines in order to keep the peace and prosperous business arrangements intact.

Samson’s mother

A woman of God, never named, who receives an incredible promise and holds onto it with steadfast devotion, repeating the heavenly messenger’s words over and over again. She has tried to instill in Samson a stirring to this call but is often disheartened by his easily swayed attention (due to his passions) and she is left to wonder where he is as he often withdraws in solitude for days or weeks on end.

Samson

His first ‘act of war’ is not an embrace of his calling, to deliver Israel from the Philistines, but rather an act of personal vengeance. Similarly, his second act begins that way, but a shift does take place where he changes from targeting the civilians to focusing his ferocity on the military personnel. Before Samson’s devastating third blow he has taken hold of his call, maybe sparked during a recent a visit with his mother? And his final act is done with the desire for personal redemption as well as a fulfilment of his calling.

Asaph

An interesting character who is introduced to us when he is a slave on a Mediterranean galley ship, he befriends another slave and they orchestrate a successful escape for Asaph. A life of slavery is quickly transformed to a life of prominent position (as The Mayor of Gaza’s personal protection). Asaph’s connection to Samson is a distant one until near the end of the book, where we discover that Asaph has become a slave again and as he works beside Samson they spark a friendship. When the opportunity arises for Samson to enact his final act Asaph guides and encourages him. Asaph is soon released, because no rulers remain for the Philistines, and he is drawn to seek out Samson’s mother. She has not heard the news yet and so Asaph gets the honour of letting her know that the long-awaited prophecy has been fulfilled.

Promises of God

It is estimated that Samson’s mother waited for 40 years to see the fulfilment of God’s promise, that’s a long time to wait. As I reflected upon her steadfast faithfulness a desire rose within me to remain fixed upon God’s promises for me.

“All heaven will praise your great wonders, LORD;
myriads of angels will praise you for your faithfulness.”
Psalm 89:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

I encourage you to read Bryan’s story, as you take a trip back in time you’ll lose yourself in this biblical account and enjoy meeting the varied characters. I pray that as you read you’ll grasp hold of the fact that God is faithful to fulfil that which He has promised (see Hebrews 10:23).

Many blessings,
Keona