Samson almost tries to manipulate God with his cry: It will look bad on you if I die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised.
1 But why does he have this sudden concern about defilement when all along he has shown no fear of uncleanness as he spends time with the Philistines, even marrying and wanting to get into bed with them? His motives are selfish. He thinks he can use the Lord when he’s in a jam, and ignore him for the rest. Samson served the kingdom only when it served him. This is another vivid picture of Israel: when in need, seek God’s deliverance, but when the crisis is over, return to your old ways.
18 And he was very thirsty, and he called upon the LORD and said, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant, and shall I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?”