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Old Testament · Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson and Delilah

Samson is announced before his birth as one set apart to God and begins to deliver Israel from the Philistines. His strength is associated with the LORD’s empowerment and his Nazirite consecration, symbolized in the uncut hair of his head. Samson’s impulsive choices, conflicts, and relationship with Delilah bring repeated consequences. After Delilah obtains the secret of his strength, a man shaves Samson’s hair; the LORD departs from him, and the Philistines capture, blind, and imprison him. At a Philistine celebration in Dagon’s temple, Samson prays for remembrance and strength, then pulls down the central pillars, killing himself and many Philistines. The account emphasizes calling, dependence on God, betrayal, consequences, and a solemn final act against Israel’s oppressors.

Coloring pages: 9Age/complexity: Explore (ages 3–5) · Imagine (ages 6–8) · Discover (ages 9–12)

Lesson resource collection

Color the story, one scene at a time.

Choose individual pages for your group, or print a coordinated story sheet when one is available.

Print Samson and Delilah: 4-Scene Story Sheet

Samson’s unnamed mother, Manoah, and the angel of the LORD near their home as Samson’s birth and calling are announced.

Samson Is Set Apart for God

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson faces a young lion in the vineyards of Timnah, illustrating Judges 14:1–20 and the LORD’s empowerment of Samson.

Samson Faces the Young Lion

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson faces Philistine companions at a Timnah wedding feast while his Timnahite wife stands nearby, suggesting broken trust around the riddle.

The Riddle at the Wedding Feast

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson carries the removed doors, posts, and bars of Gaza’s city gate toward the hill near Hebron at night.

Samson Carries the City Gate

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson asleep indoors while Delilah and a man shave his seven locks in the valley of Sorek, illustrating Judges 16:4–22.

Samson Reveals His Secret

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson in the Philistine prison at Gaza with bronze shackles and a grain mill, his short hair beginning to grow again.

Samson Remembers His Calling in Prison

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson prays for strength while standing between the pillars of Dagon’s temple, with a servant guiding him and Philistines gathered nearby.

Samson Prays in Dagon’s Temple

Judges 13:1–16:31

A symbolic, non-graphic illustration concept of Samson at Dagon’s temple during its collapse, with broken pillars, dust, and subdued gathered silhouettes.

The Temple Falls

Judges 13:1–16:31

Samson’s brothers and his father’s household carry him toward the tomb of Manoah his father in a quiet landscape.

Samson’s Family Buries Him

Judges 13:1–16:31

Scripture reference

Judges 13:1–16:31

Use this reference as you prepare and read the account with your class.

Talk together

A thoughtful question