I want to dedicate this first section on the events leading to the birth of Samson. It is very unique for any character in the Bible to have a birth story, so to not spend some time on it would be a serious mistake on my part. This section focusses on: Judges 13.
First thing to note is that Samson's birth should be considered a miraculous birth. I'm not only talking about the angel coming to visit. But the wife (no name mentioned) was barren. I would venture to say that Samson is to do some pretty important stuff in his life time. As other births in the bible from barren women: Sarah -> Isaac, Rebekah -> Jacob, Rachel -> Joseph, Hannah -> Samuel have led to important figures that have done incredible things for God. The announcement by an angel highlights that idea further: Elizabeth -> John the Baptist, Mary -> Jesus.
When the angel of God appeared, he said that Samson is to be a Nazirite by birth and that He would begin to deliver the Israelites from the hands of the Philistines. (Jdg 13:5)
What does it mean to be a Nazirite? (This will be important later in subsequent posts)
A Nazirite is someone who is set apart for God. They have guidelines to follow:
1. They are not to touch the dead (i'm not 100% sure on this one...so I won't comment)
2. They are not to engage in drinking (so that anything that leaves their lips would not be considered drunken folly, but the Spirit of the Lord speaking through them)
3. They are not to cut their hair (this one...I ASSUME so that people KNOW that you're a Nazirite)
Also, the angel of the Lord leaves a prophecy...Samson is called to begin the deliverance of the Israelites from the Philistines.
For the rest of the post I want to focus on the interaction between the man of God, Manoah, and His wife.
So let's break down the events as they happen: (Jdg 13:1-25)
Angel appears to wife
Angel tells wife that she will have son, tells her what is expected of child
Wife tells Manoah, that a man of God (very awesome looking) visited her (did not know name or where he came from)
Wife repeats what Angel tells her to Manoah
Manoah prays for man of God to return
God listens
Angel reappears to wife (husband not there)
She goes gets him
Manoah comes, asks angel what to do
Angel repeats what was said earlier
Manoah makes burnt offering to Angel
Angel refuses, tells to offer to God
Manoah asks for name of Angel
Angel doesn't say
Angel does wonders to them
Angel ascends to heaven in flames of altar
Manoah realizes that it was an angel
Manoah freaks out, "We're gonna die!"
Wife logics it out
Wife gives birth to Samson
The Spirit of the lord began to stir in Samson
So what does this series of events tell us?
Manoah and his wife probably thought the angel was a prophet or a messenger. The realization dawns on them once v.21 rolls around. It's interesting to note that the wife was more rational than Manoah who kind of freaked out when He realized the man of God was an angel. Also, God makes a point of having the angel visit the wife not once but twice....instead of directly meeting with Manoah. So I'm seeing that there could be a possible significance for this, but I don't really feel comfortable making a statement on it. The wife's name isn't even noted.
The idea of Samson being set apart for God as a Nazirite is really emphasized in these passages. It is told in the beginning to the wife (v.4-5), the wife repeats it to Manoah (v.7), and the angel repeats it to Manoah (v.14). This will become a major point when we talk about Samson's shortcomings in a later post.
Finally, I want to talk about the home situation that Samson would find himself in. Manoah and his wife seem like God-fearing people. There are no weaknesses listed for either. The reaction that Manoah has is typical of people when realizing they are in the presence of angels/God. (That is why the angels are always "Do not Fear!" when they appear.). Manoah prays for the angel to return, and God answers his prayers (v.8). They offer burnt and grain offerings which God accepted (v.23). The wife demonstrates a desire to follow the commands listed out by God (v.23). Thus, it sounds like Samson is coming up from a strong Christian household. The Lord blesses Him and the Spirit of the Lord comes down upon him.
I would consider a lot of Judges 13 as setting the stage for the rest of Samson's life and ministry. If you know me in person, I typically like to focus on setting time for application of what we observe in the passages. That will come in time, so don't worry...I haven't forgotten!
I'll try to post my next section in the upcoming week!
God bless,
Richard
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