This is the first time recorded in Scripture that Samson actually calls out to God. Despite experiencing the Spirit of the Lord working in his life since childhood, it appears that it is not until Samson is dying of thirst, that he finally recognizes his dependency upon God and cries out to Him for help. Right afterwards, we then see the verse that we have expected, which we have seen with the previous judges of Israel: "Samson led Israel for twenty years..." (15:20a) This seems to indicate that it was not until Samson acknowledged God that he was able to lead Israel, which was his calling. While the next chapter will show that Samson still falls prey to his weaknesses, we remember that he is honored in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11:32).
This is another example that sometimes it takes being in deepest need in a dire situation to make us realize that we need to turn to God. Up until this point, Samson did not truly live his life as a Nazirite, consecrated to God, but instead, his vengeful attitude was actually not very different from the uncircumcised Philistines (Judges 15:10,11). It is convicting to be reminded that, as believers, we are each to be holy, consecrated to God; and should not be conformed to this world.
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