I’m not religious, but I consider the Bible to be one of the greatest stories ever told.

Rather, a collection of the great stories, I am particularly fond of the Old Testament and the story of Samson and Delilah.

God gave Samson the gift of super strength, but in return, he could never cut his hair.  His strength allowed him to tear a lion apart with his bare hands, slay an entire army and destroy a temple.  He fell in love with a woman named Delilah.  The Philistines offered her silver coins in exchange for  finding the secret to Samson’s strength.

When Delilah asked him how to drain his strength, Samson deceived her twice but finally told her that if his hair was cut, he would lose his gift.  While Samson slept, she called her manservant in their chambers and he cut Samson’s seven locks.  The Philistines captured him and put out his eyes, then forced him into hard labor, grinding grain.

His hair had grown long again and the Philistines went to temple to sacrifice to one of their most important deities.  Samson was brought forth but asked if he could lean against the pillars.

He cried out, praying to God, “Remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.  Let me die with the Philistines!”

God restored his strength and Samson pulled down the pillars, killing many before the temple collapsed.  The Philistines perished, along with Samson.

Fellow blogger Yrreskrap and our ASB President sang “Samson” by Regina Spektor.  Personally I think she’s a lot better than Regina.