The Man Who Fought Lions

26 The Man Who Fought Lions Long ago, in the land of the Middle East, a great man lived a good life. He was a judge among his people. Everyone liked him very much. At that time, he was the strongest man in all the world. He was born to lead his people-wisely and with justice. This man's name was Samson. In this land, there lived another nation of people. This nation did not fear anything. They were always at war and always threatening the people of Samson. One day, Samson was on his way to visit this dangerous nation. Out of the woods came a fierce lion, roaring and threatening to kill the good judge. Samson was not afraid. He fought the lion with all his strength and killed the animal. Soon, Samson met a bcautiful woman named Delilah. He fell in love with her and began to court her. The leaders of the evil nation promised Delilah a lot of money if she could discover the secret of Samson's great strength. As Samson loved and trusted this woman, he finally revealed the secret of his strength. “ Look at my long hair, " he said. " It has never been cut, and that is why I am so strong. If my hair is cut, I will lose my great power. "

Delilah wanted the money she had been promised, so she had a servant cut off Samson's hair while he slept. When he awoke, Samson discovered that his power was lost. The soldiers of the bad nation captured him and put him in prison. They cut out his eyes and made him their servant. But they were in for a surprise because, as you know, hair grows back after it has been cut. Over many months, Samson's hair grew long again, and his strength returned. One day, his captors decided to have some fun. They ordered Samson to come to a building where they were all gathered. They wanted to make fun of the man who was once the strongest in all the world. Samson asked the boy who was leading him there to let him touch the pillars that held up the building. Samson then took hold of the pillars and pulled them down. The building fell and killed everyone, including the strongest man.