Samson Narrative in Judges 13-16 and Its Significance for Leadership in the 21st Century Nigeria

Abstract

Rampaging iniquity seen in Nigeria's leadership necessitates Christian involvement in politics. Christians in politics need to affect Nigeria's political and public space with integrity. Scholars have studied Samson in Judges 13-16, presenting him as a bad example, without actually showing from the text how religion, politics and integrity are interrelated. So there is a need to give particular attention to the message of the text for a political arena devoid of rectitude as Nigeria's. The paper, therefore, seeks to explore the Samson narrative in Judges 13-16 to show the relationship between religion, politics and integrity, and the significance of the story for Christians in political leadership in Nigeria. The documentation method is employed to collect primary data from the Bible, and secondary data from published materials on Judges 13-16, integrity and political leadership in Nigeria. The data collected are analysed using the critical analysis method. The work is a guide against immorality and corruption for Christians in politics. Leaders are warned against divulging confidential information, relying upon one's strength and failing to learn from history. Religion instructs a Christian politician in godliness while integrity cautions him against evil. The paper recommends, therefore, integrity-driven teachings for the church in Nigeria.