Judges 13 Commentary

Judges 13 Commentary

Samson’s birth is detailed because of the special circumstances around it

Samson is a miracle child, so is Israel. They both come from barren situations. They are both consecrated to the LORD at birth – before birth, long before birth.

Samson’s mother and Sarah have children specifically born for a purpose. They belong to the LORD. They both receive special instructions for their children.

Sarah’s child, (Isaac and later Israel), receive the covenant, which is later reduced to the Ten Commandments. Samson has his own consecration rules, but they are all the same – consecration to the LORD.

Samson derives his strength from consecration, represented by his hair. Israel’s strength against her enemies depends on her consecration to the LORD.

Samson’s failures are Israel’s failures. Samson fails because of “foreign women”, representing Israel’s flirtations with foreign gods.

Each birth represents a planned orchestration of life by the LORD. But Samson’s birth represents more.

There are special instructions for this special child. First, for the child; second, for the mother; and eventually, for the father too. His hair should not be cut. The mother shouldn’t drink wine. The father must ensure that these instructions are carried out.

The boy would be a nazirite of God according to the nazirite rules of Numbers 6 verses 1 to 21. His dedication to the LORD was from conception, which is why the mother didn’t drink beer, as this would pollute the boy inside her womb.

The womb isn’t a container. It is every child’s home for nine months. What happens in that home defines the destiny of the child. You would understand why the angel appeared to the woman and not to the man.

Childbearing is a woman’s God-given mandate and involves everything life and life-like. We cannot afford to miss this point!

Manoah prays so that the LORD gives him instruction on how to raise the child. Parents need to have time to seek the face of the LORD over the life and work of their children. All of this even before the child is conceived!

To be continued tomorrow…

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