Bible Blossom - Storyteller's Handbook

T HE P R OMISED L AND • 89

Theme

The Lord will be faithful to his promise, even when his people are faithless.

Setting

• The Valley of Sorek – home of Delilah • Gaza – a major Philistine city

• Samson • Delilah • The Philistines

Major Characters

Plot

Introduction and Rising Action 1. Samson has amazing strength. He is a Nazirite from his birth. So long as he keeps his vows (one of which is not cutting his hair). 2. He falls in love with Delilah, and the Philistine lords pressure her to find out the secret of Samson’s great strength. 3. Samson eventually tells Delilah that he will lose his strength if his hair is cut. Climax 4. She cuts his hair and binds him for the Philistines to capture him. 5. The Philistines gouge out Samson’s eyes and imprison him. 6. At a great gathering, the Philistines bring out Samson to entertain the crowd. Falling Action and Resolution 7. Samson asks the Lord for one last act of great strength. He pushes down the pillars of the building and all of the Philistines present are killed in the collapse.