Definition: And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 16:29. It's a really dramatic and unsettling passage about Samson’s downfall. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Samson is a powerful man: In the story of Samson, he was incredibly strong and skilled – almost god-like. He could lift heavy things with ease. He's building a temple: Samson was tasked with building a magnificent temple for God in Israel. This temple was going to be a huge display of his power and devotion. The Pillars are Crucial: The pillars supporting the temple were incredibly important. They held up the structure, allowing it to stand tall and be a testament to God’s glory. What Happened Next? Now, here's the key part: Samson, in a moment of recklessness – perhaps driven by pride or anger – tried to lift these pillars with his bare hands. He tried to force them down. The Verse Explained: "Judges 16:29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left." This verse describes what happened after he attempted to lift those pillars. It’s a snapshot of a moment of tremendous upheaval and destruction. Here's what it means: “Took hold of…”: Samson was actively trying to exert force on these pillars. “The two middle pillars…”: These were the most significant and crucial pillars, acting as the foundation for the entire structure. "...upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up..." : This describes the pillar's role – it was a key part of the temple’s construction, and it was being used to support something heavy (the temple itself). The "borne up" suggests it was rising or moving upward. "...of the one with his right hand…”: This refers to Samson’s right hand. "...and of the other with his left." : This indicates that he also used his left hand. The Significance - It's a Warning This verse is significant because it shows the potential for destruction even in someone who was incredibly powerful. It highlights that power without wisdom and restraint can be dangerous. It's a warning about the importance of humility, obedience to God’s will, and being careful not to abuse your strength. In short: Samson’s attempt to lift these pillars led to his downfall – it demonstrated how easily pride and recklessness can cause problems. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Provide a different perspective on the story? Talk about the symbolism behind the pillars?