Samson Dies with the Philistines

23 Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to (A)Dagon their god, and to rejoice. And they said:

“Our god has delivered into our hands
Samson our enemy!”

24 When the people saw him, they (B)praised their god; for they said:

“Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy,
The destroyer of our land,
And the one who multiplied our dead.”

25 So it happened, when their hearts were (C)merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may perform for us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he performed for them. And they stationed him between the pillars. 26 Then Samson said to the lad who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars which support the temple, so that I can lean on them.” 27 Now the temple was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there—about three thousand men and women on the (D)roof watching while Samson performed.

28 Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, “O Lord God, (E)remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!”

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The Death of Samson

23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon(A) their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.”

24 When the people saw him, they praised their god,(B) saying,

“Our god has delivered our enemy
    into our hands,(C)
the one who laid waste our land
    and multiplied our slain.”

25 While they were in high spirits,(D) they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them.

When they stood him among the pillars, 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof(E) were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. 28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord,(F) “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge(G) on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

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