Judges 16:29

KJV

And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Samson {H8123} took hold {H3943} of the two {H8147} middle {H8432} pillars {H5982} upon which the house {H1004} stood {H3559}, and on which it was borne up {H5564}, of the one {H259} with his right hand {H3225}, and of the other {H259} with his left {H8040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shimshon got a good hold on the two middle columns supporting the building and leaned on them, on one with his right hand and on the other with his left.

Berean Standard Bible

And Samson reached out for the two central pillars supporting the temple. Bracing himself against them with his right hand on one pillar and his left hand on the other,

American Standard Version

And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house rested, and leaned upon them, the one with his right hand, and the other with his left.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 16:29 depicts the climactic moment of Samson's life, where, blind and humiliated, he positions himself between the central pillars of the Philistine temple of Dagon. This act, fueled by a desperate prayer for strength, sets the stage for his final, devastating display of divine power. It culminates in a paradoxical event that is simultaneously an act of personal vengeance, a fulfillment of God's judgment against Israel's enemies, and a tragic end to the life of a divinely gifted yet deeply flawed judge.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 16:29 serves as the dramatic climax to the narrative of Samson, which spans from [Judges 13](/judges/13 "Judges 13 - The Birth of Samson") to [Judges 16](/judges/16 "Judges 16 - Samson's Downfall and Death"). Samson's life, characterized by immense strength and moral weakness, is a microcosm of the cycle of apostasy and deliverance prevalent in the Book of Judges. His capture, blinding, and humiliation by the Philistines (described in [Judges 16:21](/judges/16-21 "Judges 16:21 - Samson's Capture and Blinding")) represent the nadir of his personal failure and Israel's subjugation. The preceding verse, [Judges 16:28](/judges/16-28 "Judges 16:28 - Samson's Final Prayer"), records Samson's heartfelt prayer for one final surge of strength, setting the immediate spiritual and emotional tone for his decisive action in verse 29. This final act, though tragic, fulfills the initial divine purpose for Samson: to "begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines" ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were one of Israel's primary adversaries during the period of the Judges, known for their advanced iron technology and distinct cultural practices, including the worship of deities like Dagon. This particular event takes place in a Philistine temple, likely a large public structure designed to accommodate many people for religious festivals and celebrations. Archaeological discoveries in Philistine cities like Beth Shean and Gaza have revealed temple structures with central roof-supporting pillars, lending historical plausibility to the architectural scenario described in the text. The Philistine practice of bringing out a defeated enemy for public mockery and entertainment was a common display of dominance and a way to honor their gods for perceived victory, as seen in their attributing Samson's capture to Dagon ([Judges 16:23-24](/judges/16-23 "Judges 16:23 - Philistines Celebrate Dagon's Victory")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the Book of Judges and broader biblical theology. It highlights God's unwavering **sovereignty** and His ability to use even deeply flawed individuals to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating that His power is not contingent on human perfection. The scene also underscores the theme of **divine judgment** against idolatry and the enemies of God's people, as the collapse of Dagon's temple signifies the triumph of Yahweh over false gods. Furthermore, Samson's tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the **consequences of spiritual compromise and disobedience**, even for those specially gifted by God. Finally, it introduces a complex interplay of **vengeance and sacrifice**, as Samson's final act, while personally motivated, also serves a redemptive purpose for Israel, albeit through a violent and self-destructive means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took hold (Hebrew, _tāmaḵ'_):** This verb implies a firm, deliberate, and forceful grasp. It's not a casual touch but an intentional action of securing a grip on something substantial. In this context, it emphasizes Samson's resolve and the immense strength he was about to exert, indicating a purposeful engagement with the pillars as the instruments of his final act.
* **Pillars (Hebrew, _‘ammudim'_):** This term refers to columns or supports, typically made of wood or stone, designed to bear the weight of a structure. The text specifies "the two middle pillars," suggesting they were critical load-bearing elements, strategically positioned to support the main roof or upper stories of the large Philistine temple. Their central location made them the most vulnerable point for structural collapse if removed.
* **Borne up (Hebrew, _sāmaḵ'_):** This verb, in its passive form, indicates that the pillars were supporting or sustaining a heavy load. It highlights the immense weight and pressure that these central supports were under, thereby emphasizing the supernatural nature of the strength Samson would need to dislodge them. The structure's dependence on these pillars underscores the catastrophic outcome of their removal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars":** This clause describes Samson's deliberate and focused action. Despite his blindness, he is guided to the precise structural points that are crucial for the temple's stability. His "taking hold" signifies his readiness to execute his final, divinely empowered act.
* **"upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up":** This phrase emphasizes the architectural significance of these specific pillars. They were not merely decorative but foundational, literally holding the entire structure aloft. The repetition underscores their critical load-bearing function, setting the stage for the dramatic collapse that will ensue once they are dislodged.
* **"of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left":** This detail illustrates Samson's symmetrical and powerful grip. It signifies his full commitment to the task, using both hands to apply maximum force. This imagery conveys a sense of immense, concentrated strength, preparing the reader for the extraordinary feat he is about to accomplish.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Judges 16:29 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the once mighty Samson, now blind, shorn, and enslaved, is brought out for public mockery, only to become the instrument of the Philistines' greatest defeat. His moment of ultimate weakness becomes the stage for his most powerful, divinely enabled act. **Symbolism** is also at play: the "two middle pillars" represent not only the physical support of the temple but also the perceived might of the Philistine nation and their god, Dagon. Samson's act of bringing them down symbolizes the ultimate collapse of Philistine power and the triumph of Yahweh over their false deity. The entire scene functions as a **climax**, the culmination of Samson's tragic life and the final, decisive act in his role as a judge. Furthermore, the narrative employs **foreshadowing**, as Samson's self-sacrificial death, though flawed and driven by vengeance, subtly points forward to a greater, perfect sacrifice that would bring true and lasting deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 16:29 is a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty, even in the face of human failure and sin. Despite Samson's repeated moral compromises and the tragic consequences of his disobedience, God does not abandon His purpose for him. This verse demonstrates that God can and does use imperfect vessels to accomplish His divine will, highlighting His grace and power over human weakness. It also serves as a powerful display of divine judgment against idolatry and the enemies of God's people. The collapse of Dagon's temple and the death of the Philistine lords underscore that no false god or human power can ultimately stand against the Almighty. Samson's final act, while born of desperation and personal vengeance, is ultimately subsumed into God's larger plan for Israel's deliverance and the vindication of His name.

* [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow")
* [Judges 16:28](/judges/16-28 "Judges 16:28 - Samson's Final Prayer")
* [Hebrews 11:32](/hebrews/11-32 "Hebrews 11:32 - Samson in the Hall of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Samson's final act in Judges 16:29 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even when we have fallen short, made significant mistakes, or feel spiritually blind and incapacitated by our own failures, God's grace and power are still available. Samson's desperate prayer and God's immediate response demonstrate that a repentant heart, even at the eleventh hour, can still be used mightily by God for His purposes. This narrative encourages us not to despair in our weaknesses but to turn back to God, trusting in His ability to redeem our past and empower us for His future. Simultaneously, Samson's life serves as a sobering cautionary tale about the insidious dangers of spiritual compromise, the erosion of discipline, and the consequences of neglecting God's calling. It highlights the importance of guarding our hearts, maintaining spiritual vigilance, and consistently choosing obedience over worldly desires, lest we too suffer the painful consequences of straying from God's path. Ultimately, the scene assures us that God's justice will prevail, and His ultimate plan for His people will be accomplished, often in unexpected and powerful ways, reminding us to trust in His sovereign hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Samson's story encourage us about God's ability to use flawed individuals for His divine purposes?**
* **What specific lessons can we draw from Samson's life regarding the dangers and consequences of spiritual compromise and disobedience?**
* **In what ways does this event, particularly the destruction of Dagon's temple, remind us of God's ultimate justice and sovereignty over all false gods and human powers?**

### FAQ
**Was Samson's act purely vengeance, or was it redemptive for Israel?**

Answer: Samson's final act was a complex blend of personal vengeance and divine redemption. His prayer in [Judges 16:28](/judges/16-28 "Judges 16:28 - Samson's Prayer for Vengeance") clearly states his desire for revenge for his eyes. However, God, in His sovereignty, used Samson's personal desire to achieve His broader redemptive purpose: to "begin to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines" ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazirite Vow")). By destroying the temple and killing the Philistine lords, Samson struck a decisive blow against Israel's oppressors and their false god, Dagon, thus serving as an instrument of divine judgment and initial deliverance for his people. It demonstrates God's ability to work through imperfect human motives to accomplish His perfect will.

**How could Samson, being blind, locate the pillars so precisely?**

Answer: While Samson was blind, [Judges 16:26](/judges/16-26 "Judges 16:26 - Samson Asks to Feel the Pillars") states that he asked the boy leading him to "let me feel the pillars upon which the house standeth, that I may lean upon them." This indicates that he was guided to the pillars. Furthermore, his ability to exert the supernatural strength necessary to collapse the entire structure was a direct, miraculous empowerment from God in response to his desperate prayer. The text implies divine intervention, allowing him to precisely position himself for this final, powerful act.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Samson's final act is marked by human vengeance and tragic self-destruction, it contains profound typological echoes that point forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Samson, as a deliverer who dies to defeat his enemies and bring a measure of salvation to his people, serves as a flawed but significant type of the True Deliverer. Unlike Samson, whose strength was external and whose life was marred by compromise, Christ's power was inherent, and His life was one of perfect obedience to the Father. Samson's death brought temporary physical deliverance and judgment upon the Philistines; Christ's death on the cross, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), brought eternal spiritual deliverance from sin and death for all who believe. Where Samson's act was driven by a desire for retribution for his own suffering, Christ's sacrifice was motivated by pure, selfless love, freely offered to reconcile humanity to God ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Ultimately, Samson's collapse of Dagon's temple foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over all spiritual powers and principalities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")), dismantling the strongholds of sin and death through His resurrection. Samson's final act, therefore, imperfectly but powerfully, anticipates the greater, redemptive work of the cross.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.