Olney Hymns · Chapter
24: Samson's Lion explained
This poem draws on the account of Samson and the lion, using it as an allegory for the believer's experience of trials and afflictions.
What happens
This poem draws on the account of Samson and the lion, using it as an allegory for the believer's experience of trials and afflictions. Just as Samson found honey in the carcass of the lion, believers find sweetness and spiritual gain from the difficulties they face. The poem encourages believers not to fear the 'lions' of the world and Satan, for God uses these trials to draw them closer to Him, to stir up prayer, and to provide precious proofs of His care.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Affliction
The poem presents afflictions as a means of spiritual growth, bringing sweetness and comfort from trials.
Divine Providence and Guidance
The poem emphasizes that God uses the attacks of enemies and the trials of life to provide for and bless believers, turning losses into gains.
Characters to notice
- Samson
His encounter with the lion serves as the central metaphor for the believer's trials.
- Jesus Christ
Described as the believer's shield and the source of the honey (spiritual blessings) sent through trials.
- Satan
Mentioned as joining with the world to fill believers with fears, but ultimately unable to kill them.
Key passages
“The lion that on Samson roar’d, And thirsted for his blood, With honey afterwards was stored, And furnish’d him with food.”
The lion that threatened Samson's life later became a source of nourishment, providing honey for him to eat.
This sets up the central metaphor of the poem.
“Believers as they pass along With many lions meet, But gather sweetness from the strong, And from the eater meat.”
Christians encounter many dangers and enemies in life, but they are able to derive spiritual benefit and nourishment from these very trials.
The poem applies Samson's experience to the believer's journey.
“The lions rage and roar in vain, For Jesus is their shield: Their losses prove a certain gain, Their troubles comfort yield.”
The attacks of enemies are futile because Jesus protects believers; what seems like loss actually results in gain, and troubles bring comfort.
This stanza highlights the protective role of Christ and the paradoxical nature of trials.
“Afflictions make them love the word, Stir up their hearts to prayer, And many precious proofs afford Of their Redeemer’s care.”
Suffering causes believers to cherish Scripture, motivates them to pray, and provides evidence of God's loving care.
The poem explains the positive effects of affliction on the believer's spiritual life.
“The lions roar but cannot kill; Then fear them not, my friends; They bring us, though against their will, The honey Jesus sends.”
Though enemies may threaten, they cannot destroy us; we should not fear them, for God uses them to deliver blessings to us, even against their intentions.
The final stanza encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over their trials.