Articles
The Announcement of Samson’s Birth
The Announcement of Samson’s Birth By Derek Long
Samson is the last of the judges to be spoken about in the book of Judges. The record of the events in the life of Samson is found in Judges 13-16. The first things we learn about Samson have to do with the announcement of Samson’s birth to his mother and father in Judges 13. Let’s examine some lessons we can learn from the record of the announcement of Samson’s birth.
Samson was going to be born during a period of time when the Philistines would be oppressing the children of Israel (Judges 13:1). As is the case with many of the judges, Samson’s role would involve helping to deliver the Israelites from their oppression. Samson will have several encounters with the Philistines. He will not lead a great army against the Philistines but will rather go against them with his own extraordinary strength. The angel described Samson’s work in this area, saying, “he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5). Samson would not completely cast off the oppression of the Philistines because the Philistines would still be causing problems for Israel in the days of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:10-14).
Samson appears to be of the tribe of Dan (Judges 13:2). He is born to Manoah and his wife. Manoah’s wife had been barren and yet God sent an angel to promise her she would have a son (Judges 13:2-3). The Bible constantly reminds us God is in control of the process of giving conception and life. God has the power to take individuals who were barren and allow them to bear children.
Manoah’s wife was instructed to keep the various aspects of the Nazarite vow like avoiding things of the grape and eating unclean things (Judges 13:4, 7, 14). The purpose behind such regulations is because Samson was to be a Nazarite to God from the womb (Judges 13:5, 7). A Nazarite vow would normally be taken by an individual for a period of time to specially be set apart to God. Numbers 6 gives us the instructions for what a person under a Nazarite vow was to do or not do. Samson is supposed to be dedicated to the Lord throughout his life.
One of the wonderful lessons from the announcement of the birth of Samson is to observe Manoah’s attitude throughout the process. Manoah in Judges 13:8, “prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘O my Lord, please let the Man of God whom You sent come to us again and teach us what we shall do for the child who will be born.’” Manoah wants to receive further instruction from God as to how to raise his son. Manoah displays an attitude all parents should have in raising their children. Parents need to have a desire to learn what God would have them do for their children. The message given by God had told Manoah what he needed to do for the child (Judges 13:13). In a similar way, today God’s word provides for us the things we need to know regarding how to raise our children. Passages like Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4; etc. are passages reminding us of what God expects parents today to do
for their children. When the Angel of the Lord comes back to Manoah and his wife, Manoah displays what seems to be hospitality or appreciation in wanting to prepare a goat for the messenger to eat (Judges 13:15). The messenger refuses to eat Manoah’s food but appears to suggest it might would be appropriate instead to offer a sacrifice to the Lord (Judges 13:16). Manoah and his wife are somewhat confused about the identity of the individual who came to them initially. However, their willingness to extend hospitality and show their appreciation is commendable (Hebrews 13:2).
Manoah offers a sacrifice and “the Angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar” (Judges 13:20). At this point, Manoah and his wife appear to recognize more about the messengers identity (Judges 13:21). Manoah is fearful and says to his wife, “We shall surely die, because we have seen
God!” (Judges 13:22). His wife allays his fear by saying God would not have accepted the sacrifice, shown us these things, or told us these things if He wanted to kill us (Judges 13:23). Manoah’s response to being in what he feels is the presence of the Lord is a normal way for people to respond. Isaiah would be another righteous man who fears in the presence of God (Isaiah 6:5). God’s holiness and our wickedness should lead us to stand in fear and reverence of Him. We need to hold God in the same sort of reverence and awe as Manoah did. We need to allow our fear of God to cause us to come before Him carefully and not casually (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2).
God’s promise to Manoah and his wife comes true. Judges 13:24 says, “So the woman bore a son and called his name Samson; and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him.” We can learn God keeps His promises from this example.
- Bulletin_-_4_5_20.pdf (49.07 kB)
