Samson Supporting Evidence Found

Samson and Lion Fountain, Saint Petersburg

Samson’s existence has sometimes been doubted by biblical skeptics. Samson was a judge in Israel and is best known for his long hair, affair with Delilah, and destroying his enemies upon his death.

But before he was as famous, Samson killed a lion:

5 So Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came to the vineyards of Timnah.

Now to his surprise, a young lion came roaring against him. 6 And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat, though he had nothing in his hand. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done.

7 Then he went down and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well. 8 After some time, when he returned to get her, he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion. And behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the carcass of the lion. 9 He took some of it in his hands and went along, eating. When he came to his father and mother, he gave some to them, and they also ate. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey out of the carcass of the lion. (Judges 14:5-9)

He later told of this event (cf. Judges 14:14-19).

Well, a new find was announced that some archaeologists suspect supports the existence of Samson and the story of him killing a lion:

Seal found by Israeli archeologists may give substance to Samson legend

Haaretz – July 30, 2012

A small stone seal found recently in the excavations of Tel Beit Shemesh could be the first archaeological evidence of the story of the biblical Samson.

The seal, measuring 1.5 centimeters, depicts a large animal next to a human figure. The seal was found in a level of excavation that dates to the 11th century B.C.E. That was prior to the establishment of the Judean kingdom and is considered to be the period of the biblical judges – including Samson. Scholars say the scene shown on the artifact recalls the story in Judges of Samson fighting a lion. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/seal-found-by-israeli-archeologists-may-give-substance-to-samson-legend.premium-1.454504

Of course, those of us who believe the Bible, knew that Samson existed and that he did kill the lion.

As we get closer to the end that archeologists continue to find more evidence of biblical peoples, figures, and events.

For some who have heard statements from pseudo-archaeologists that deny various biblical accounts and personalities, it may be helpful for them to realize that as time goes on, more and more archaeological evidence surfaces that supports the Bible.

The Bible has proven trustworthy and will again.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

The Bible: Fact or Fiction? This is a booklet written by Douglas Winnail that answers if the Bible is just a collection of myths and legends or the inspired word of God.
Read the Bible Christians should read and study the Bible. This article gives some rationale for regular bible reading.
Biblical Archaeology This is a website that has more information on biblical archeological as is sometimes known as the Bib Arch site.