When The Judges Ruled Israel

When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • In 10:7, the record states Israel began to face an “oppressive vise” • The two-sided front with Philistia & Ammon • With Jephthah’s defeat of Ammon, the focus shifted West to Philistia…Israel would now be under her oppression

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • In this initial chapter of the longest record of all the judges, God announces the one who would “begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines” 13:5 • This particular chapter records important beliefs of Samson’s parents

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • God had in mind one who would not only rescue Israel through his super-human strength (supplied by God), but who would possess superior moral strength & character (Nazirite vow) • This person would be Samson

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness v. 1 • Once again Israel returns to idolatry…she does “evil in the sight of the Lord” • As He did in the past, God delivered her to an oppressor…this time, it is the Philistines for 40 years (already begun earlier – 10:7)

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness v. 1 • What is missing from the record this time is Israel crying out to the Lord • Perhaps it was because they had become so engrossed in Philistine culture they didn’t think about crying out for deliverance

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness v. 1 • God was going to use a “judge” motivated by his own revenge instead of avenging Israel • Samson never called Israel to follow him… he dealt with Philistia on a personal level • There was never an indication of a “bond” between Samson & Israel 15:12

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • The angel visits Manoah’s wife vv. 2-5 • Manoah was a man from Dan (Zorah) • His wife was barren • The Lord sent an angel to tell her she would conceive and give birth to a son “…who would begin to deliver Israel”v. 5

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • The angel visits Manoah’s wife vv. 2-5 • She was to prepare for the baby • No wine or strong drink…she was not to eat anything unclean • Her son was to be a Nazirite for life • Discussed more in depth in Num 6

The Nazirite Vow Numbers 6 • For “dedication to the Lord” and for a life of “separation” vv. 2, 6 • For only a specified period of time • It contained 3 basic elements: • No wine or strong drink…nothing from the grape Ù“from seeds to skin” • No razor upon his head • No contact with a dead body

The Nazirite Vow Numbers 6 • Samson’s vow differed in 2 distinct ways: • His vow was not for a specified, or limited period of time…his was for life • His vow was not voluntary…it was decided for him by God

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Manoah’s wife informs her husband re: the angel’s instructions vv. 6-7 • Manoah prays for a repeat visit v. 8 • He requested the angel “…teach us what to do for the boy who is to be born” • A noble example for would-be parents!!

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Manoah prays for a repeat visit v. 8 • So many parents bring children into the world without any thought or planning • Children are a “gift” Psa 127:3 • Manoah’s request indicates a serious interest in wanting to please God re: raising a child

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • God answers Manoah’s prayer vv. 9-14 • He sent the angel back to Manoah’s wife… she runs to get Manoah • Manoah requests information from the angel re: their son’s “mode of life & vocation” • The angel repeats the restrictions for his wife to obey during her pregnancy

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Manoah’s additional requests vv. 15-23 • He asked the angel to stay while a meal was prepared for him • The angel replied he would not eat the meal… instead they could sacrifice it to the Lord as a burnt offering

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Manoah’s additional requests vv. 15-23 • He asked the angel to tell them his name so when the boy was born they might honor him • The angel said his name was too “wonderful” (incomprehensible) for human understanding • Manoah was unaware he was an angel… perhaps he thought him to be some prophet

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Manoah’s additional requests vv. 15-23 • The angel stayed while they prepared the kid • When the flame went up from the sacrifice, the angel ascended in the flame • Manoah & his wife fell to the ground…the angel came no more • Manoah now knew he was an angel

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Manoah’s additional requests vv. 15-23 • Manoah also reasoned he & his wife would die because they had seen God cp. 6:22-23 • His wife reassured him they would not die… if God had desired to take their lives, He would not have accepted their sacrifice and would not have let them see what they saw

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Samson is born vv. 24-25 • Manoah’s wife gave birth…she named the boy Samson – Literally, “sunshine” or “sunny” – Some believe this referred to a “new day” (dawn) for Israel re: ending Philistine oppression v. 5

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Samson is born vv. 24-25 • Manoah’s wife gave birth…she named the boy Samson – Others believe this name was derived from “shemesh” (sun) and meant “sun-man” – Beth-shemesh was near his hometown (Zorah)

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Samson is born vv. 24-25 • Manoah’s wife gave birth…she named the boy Samson – Beth-shemesh meant “house of the sun” – This town was home to a Canaanite sun god

Samson’s Birth Foretold Judg 13:1-25 • Samson is born vv. 24-25 • The Lord blessed him as he grew • Once he grew, the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him in the camp of Dan

When The Judges Ruled Israel