There is a book in the Bible called "Judges," and it tells the stories of Israel's important tribal leaders in a time before the country had a king.  The strongest of all the judges was Samson.

Samson's parents were very old when he was born.  Every child is a gift from God, but they had waited so long to have a baby that for Samson's parents this gift was very special.

Samson was raised as a Nazerite, a special group of people devoted to serving God.  Samson didn't drink alcohol and he didn't cut his hair. He was feared by all of his enemies because he was a good leader and had great strength.  There were many stories of how strong he was, including one in which he tore apart a lion with his bare hands!

When Samson met Delilah he fell in love with her.  She wanted to know what made him strong, and he finally told her that it was his hair, because it had never been cut.

The Philistines were neighbors and enemies of Samson and his people. Delilah was really a Philistine spy!  He fell asleep, and she shaved his head!  He awoke and was easily captured by the Philistines, who blinded him and made him work in their prison.  Sometimes they would have him brought to parties so that people could make fun of him.  It was a very sad life for the once strong leader of his people!

Samson's hair started to grow back, and he could feel himself becoming stronger again. The next time he was brought to a feast in a rich man's house, he asked for God to give him his full strength one more time.  Samson pushed on two pillars with all his might and brought the house down!