Samson and Joseph

While reading the story of Samson, I was struck by how many similarities could be found between the story of Samson and Joseph. 

Before their birth, both of their mothers prayed long and hard to have a child. Neither Samson nor Joseph had many siblings by their biological mothers, and thus they may have had the lonely only, privileged, get whatever they want upbringing. Although Joseph did have many half brothers, I can't say that he was particularly close to any of them.

When they were slightly older, they both told riddles that they only knew the answers to. Joseph told riddles about one day ruling over his family, and Samson’s riddles were about honey from the carcass of a lion. In both instances, the riddles got them into trouble and resulted in some terrible consequences for those involved. 

Both at some point were defeated by the actions of a woman. Joseph was thrown in jail for the accusations of Potiphar's wife, and Samson was defeated and captured because of the actions of Delilah. 

At this point their stories begin to diverge and go different directions. However, while not explicitly stated in the stories, one final similarity may occur between the two stories. During their times in captivity, both characters seem to go through a time of personal growth and maturity. Joseph comes across as less cocky and more forgiving, while Samson ends his life by using his superhuman strength for the betterment of others rather than just himself. 

Neither Samson nor Joseph led perfect or blameless lives. They were cocky, arrogant, and prideful individuals whose actions sometimes had negative consequences. However, both of the two men did govern the lives of many individuals. Joseph was in charge of the grain in Egypt and his brothers did eventually bow down to him. Samson was a too smart for his own good, and he did reign/judged over Israel for 20 years. His strength was through the will and power of God, and when Samson was faithful, God  was faithful. Both men faced both good and bad times, and their actions have made it into the history books. They must have done something rather significant.