Chapter 16 Samson Failed Where Joseph Overcame—Samson in his peril had the same source of strength as had Joseph. He could choose the right or the wrong as he pleased. But instead of taking hold of the strength of God, he permitted the wild passions of his nature to have full sway. The reasoning powers were perverted, the morals corrupted. God had called Samson to a position of great responsibility, honor, and usefulness; but he must first learn to govern by first learning to obey the laws of God. Joseph was a free moral agent. Good and evil were before him. He could choose the path of purity, holiness, and honor, or the path of immorality and degradation. He chose the right way, and God approved. Samson, under similar temptations, which he had brought upon himself, gave loose rein to passion. The path which he entered upon he found to end in shame, disaster, and death. What a contrast to the history of Joseph! (The Signs of the Times, October 13, 1881).{2BC 1007.1}

Kapitel 16

Samson svigte hvor Josef vandt.--Samson havde i sin usikkerhed den samme kilde til styrke, som Josef havde. Han kunne vælge det rigtige eller det forkerte, som han ønskede. Men i stedet for at gribe fat i Guds styrke, tillod han sin naturs vilde lidenskaber at få frit løb. Fornuftens magt var fordærvet, moralen ødelagt. Gud havde kaldet Samson til en stilling med stort ansvar, ære og gavn. Men han skulle først lære at regere ved at adlyde Guds love. Josef var fri til at vælge sin moral. Godt og ondt lå foran ham. Han kunne vælge stien med renhed, hellighed og ære, eller stien med umoral og forfald. Han valgte den rette vej, og Gud billigede. Samson stod i de samme fristelser, men han havde selv valgt dem, og han gav lidenskaberne frie tøjler. Den sti, han gik ind på, endte i skam, ødelæggelse og død. Hvilken kontrast til Josefs historie! (ST 13. okt., 1881).