The Birth of Samson

Open Your Bible

Judges 13:1-25, Numbers 6:1-12, Romans 12:1

I have always wanted to need glasses. While my peers growing up feared being called “four eyes” as a result of their impaired vision, I teemed with jealousy over their newest accessory. While I’m, of course, very grateful for my 20/20 vision, I secretly fear reading glasses will no longer be in style when I actually (fingers crossed) need them one day.

When it comes to this life, I think we all secretly hope that there’s more than meets the eye, that we aren’t quite seeing the full truth just yet. When we experience pain we don’t understand and our circumstances don’t turn out the way we’d hoped, we try to analyze things from all angles. “How did this happen? Did I miss something? How could I have avoided all this suffering?” Wouldn’t it be a huge relief to look through a viewfinder and have someone adjust things until they appear more clearly, until we’re able to make sense of what we see?

All throughout the book of Judges, it’s obvious that Israel was blinded by their own sin. In fact, this ominous phrase occurs once again in today’s reading: “The Israelites again did what was evil in the LORD’s sight” (Judges 13:1). Israel had come to trust only what their own eyes could see.

Imagine the surprise Manoah and his wife must have felt when, after years of barrenness, the angel of the Lord announced that they would have a son. It’s doubtful they saw this blessed, yet baffling, news coming. Many questions followed: How can this be? What will the boy’s responsibilities and work be? What is this angel’s name who has brought us this great news? While they didn’t receive answers to those questions, the angel’s instruction made it clear that this son was to be set apart (vv.4–5).

Clearly, there was more at work than what their human eyes could see. Samson’s impending birth was an introduction to the birth of new possibilities they never could have dreamt up for themselves, an unexpected form of redemption, bringing God’s heart a little more into focus.

As God’s children, this is where we can settle our trust: Christ’s coming keeps us focused on hope. The gospel is our viewfinder. Even if all the other details of life seem blurry and unknown, we know we can put our trust in Jesus. May we view this story and our own as just a small piece of the grander reality of God’s great plan for His people.

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32 thoughts on "The Birth of Samson"

  1. Jo Wee says:

    A reminder from today’s passage: God’s timing is better than our timing (Samson given to a barren couple). Partnering with the Holy Spirit means hearing from God every step of the way, even if we don’t know what is to come. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to me.

  2. Mercy says:

    Thank you BETH so much for the distinction between Nazarite vs. Nazarene. I appreciate it.

  3. Brielle Hebert says:

    This story reminds me so much of when the angel came to Mary to tell about the birth of Jesus. A lot of similarities! Samson coming to rescue Israel is a foreshadowing of the one, true Redeemer for all of humanity.

  4. Tammy Stecker says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  5. Kimberly Z says:

    Happy Wednesday ladies. @Mary Henderson – I don’t know if it’s too late for you to see this but I am praying for you and your family. Trust me I know no family is perfect we all have our faults. Praying it gets easier for you and your family.

  6. Cindy Hanna says:

    Clearly there is more at work than human eyes can see. Thank you my good, good Father and Lord for this reminder. Your ways are higher than mine and your purpose outstrips all my expectations. I pray that you will always find me actively placing my trust in you, even in my darkest moments. All glory belongs to you. Amen.

  7. Mary henderson says:

    I’m discouraged today because of deep hurts and family struggles. These verses remind me to rest in God and His timing and plans.

  8. Beth says:

    The difference in a Nazarite and a Nazarene is: that a Nazarite is one who makes a vote to the Lord according to Numbers 6:1-12; whereas a Nazarene is a person from the town of Nazareth. Jesus was called a Nazarene because he grew up in Nazareth. Samson was a Nazerite because of the vow in Numbers.

  9. Claire B says:

    ♥️

  10. Mercy says:

    Our God is the God of great intricate details. Details, details, more details and micro details. The Nazarene that was set apart in the womb to be the saviour (judge) of that time, coming through Manoah (Hebrew word for rest) is the foreshadow of the next Nazarene that is to come, now it is the Great I am, coming to give us rest through Him. Thank you SEARCHING for unfolding many layers of the subtle detail (again detail) about “I am”. I believe it is not just Samson, or our Lord Jesus Christ that our God wishes to set apart. It is for all of us – His children. We are called to be Nazarene.

    Father, may You give us grace, reminder, abilities to set ourselves apart as Holy living sacrifices unto You, as an act of love, act of worship that comes not from our lips but from the heart, from the set apart lifestyles, intentionality. Give us grace to refrain from unclean things, not to come near any dead bodies, dead things, any dead works or practices of darkness and evil, not to eat unclean food or absorb any polluted contents or “nourishment” of this world into ourselves that will defile us, but to daily come to the Book of Life and feast on the Word of God, our daily bread… that we become a set apart nation, holy and royal unto the declaration of your Name. Give us the urge to ask questions approaching the throne of grace with questions, when Your Words come true, and they do come true in their entirety, cause us to ASK You and ourselves….“what are to be our manners of our lives?”, “what are our missions?”, how are they to come forth?, how are we to raise such missions that You will impregnate us with into maturity? (Judges 13:12 ESV). Father, give us grace to believe and protect the visions You gave to full term of consecration. And as we ask, may You answer that our joy might be full, may You reveal, empower, enable that such missions / visions get fulfilled for the glory of Your Name, to the freeing of nations. In Jesus’ Mighty Name I pray.
    Be blessed dear sisters.

  11. Molly R says:

    I am thankful for all the questioning of God stories in Judges – not because people were questioning Him, but the relatability of the book. God remains patient, He still offers Hope upon Hope, Grace upon Grace. Even when He has no intention of answering all the questions He is still PRESENT with them. His presence is everything – not the answers we seek.

    This morning the sunrise was just breathtaking. I wasn’t up at the time I normally aim for to have quiet before my 4 kids are up and ready to start our day of homeschooling. Usually I am kicking myself for not getting going before their, um, exuberant spirits fill the house, but as the sky filled with “fire” and their voices filled our home, I was overcome with such peace. This is the day the Lord has made. This is the work He has set apart for me to do. It will be nothing “special”, but I get the privilege of carving out a place of safety for them to grow and learn, and thrive! I am overcome with a desire to “make my home” this morning. To immerse myself in the work of tidying, cleaning, and cultivating a place of peace and joy. God is so good.

    Praying for the many requests, and simply thanking God at the sight of each of your names. It IS a gift to all “gather together” here, like someone else mentioned. I am honored to be among you each morning – even when I don’t comment. You are all loved and thought of warmly – all over the world!

  12. Cee Gee says:

    I love that through all the hard days of reading, God has given us a beautiful example of hope – He always offers hope! In a time when the people were doing what was right in their own eyes, God was still in control and waiting for the right moment to play the ‘hope’ card. What a beautiful read!

    Re-reading Moses’ instructions for the Nazirite vow reminds me that I need to be just as particular with my vow of service. I read an example by Max Lucado that explained the danger of pride in promoting ourselves instead of the good work He sets us apart to do.

    Father, may we always put you first and not our personal agenda. May our focus be honoring you instead of ‘looking good’ to a worldly audience.

    SEARCHING – Beautiful post/reflection; thank you! ❤

    TINA- Yay for Lorenzo and family! Love the brother story! ❤

    FOSTER MAMA- Thank you for sharing about your day!❤

    MARI V – Agree!!! ❤

    Numbers 6
    24 ‘May the Lord bless you
    and protect you.
    25 May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
    26 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.’

    Praying God’s favor for every SHE and for patience and trust in the waiting.

  13. Michelle Patire says:

    @Cheryl Blow & @Searching – Yes, I was also reminded of God as “I AM” to Moses…
    Mostly, I am really struck by God’s patience and kindness with humanity. He didn’t answer all of Manoah’s questions but He did allow Manoah to see Him. He let Manoah’s wife run and grab him when He appeared to them a second time.

    I was thinking about the Scripture “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105) because I’ve been memorizing Psalm 119 over the past year and a half. I just got to this verse and it seems to be popping up a lot for me. I have known it, of course, but it is reminding me that God does not give us light to see everything ahead. He simply lights our steps… Like the very next step. Not six steps ahead. Sadie Rob talked about this on her podcast this week, as well. How her friend gifted her the lamp the psalmist is referencing- it is rather small and the light only travels so far. Just enough for the next step…

    Faith is like that. That’s what God was asking of Samson’s parents. He didn’t give them all the answers. Just asked obedience for this step.

    @A Walton- I was touched by your post, today. I will be praying for you and your family. God bless your faithfulness to leave comfortability and serve God as a missionary. I believe His reward for you and your family is great. As Scripture says…
    Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
    Be blessed and please keep checking in with us. We are here to pray for one another and be a blessing!

    @Aleida- will be praying for Victor <3

    @Rhonda J- glad to read yesterday that you are feeling the prayers for your body's healing! :) God bless you!

  14. Cheryl Blow says:

    Praying for Victor, ALEIDA. Also prayers for A WALTON. Jenny praying for your family. And everyone else for a great day.

    I caught the “I am” statement. What a great reminder that the Great I AM is in control and all we have to do is daily surrender to Him! So thankful for a loving patient Father.

  15. Tanya Evans says:

    What stood out to me was that Samson was chosen before birth to live a consecrated life. The life of the nazir. As you know the Nazarite vow was a vow that men and women could take.His mother had to observe part of this during the time she was expecting baby Samson. Samson was created by God to live for God and to begin but not complete the process of deliverance from the Philistines. If Samson had had a theme song,it would have been: “My Way”. Samson is so relatable to the human condition. He was a man who lived by his carnal desires but God still used him with his addictions and vices. He lived out bounds and ate forbidden fruit but God stii used him to begin a process… Only Jesus could complete the process of our deliverance.

  16. HL says:

    Good morning! I know several of you mentioned the relationship that Manoah had with his wife and how she brought everything back into perspective. What also stood out to me is the kindness of God in vs.8,9 when He honors Manoahs request. Vs 9 says God listened and sent the angel of the Lord. Just a beautiful reminder that He knows what our anxious hearts need and is always listening.

    Praying for all of you today and thank everyone of you for your words of encouragement.

    AJ WALTON praying for your travels, car and housing
    ALEIDA praying for a job for Victor and for you

    Asking prayers for myself as things are going slower with the job search situation than I would like and I have some decisions that I need to make. I feel at times that I am striving to make things work and not trusting God as I should.

  17. Mari V says:

    WE are all part of God‘s plan, you and I sweet She’s. I am so glad He chose all of us to be here together even though most likely, on the side of heaven, we will never meet one another, but we will all see each other in our heavenly home someday. I’m so glad He chose us all to be here. I’m grateful for all of you. I’m grateful we can come and pour our hearts out and lift one another up in prayer. I look forward to meeting with all of you every morning all around the world with coffee or tea in hand. Happy Tuesday sweet She’s.

  18. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    Some things that stood out to me in this reading today – the relationship between Manoah and his wife seemed to be a good one. They shared with each other and discussed things, that’s good! They also seemed to have a good relationship with God – Once Manoah heard the news, he prayed, also good! They also seem to balance each other out. When Manoah reacted in the moment – “We are doomed to die!” His wife had the where with all to remind him – if God meant to kill us He wouldn’t have accepted our offering or shown us and told us all these things. I laughed to myself as I read Judges 13:22-23, when Manoah lost sight for a moment of what had just occurred, God used his wife to “knock some sense” into him! God often uses our spouses to do that very thing in our own lives. Thankful today for my husband and for our marriage.

    @A Walton – praying for your house situation and for your trip to the states. From one ministry wife to another – life can be very overwhelming at times, especially when the details seem blurry and unknown. May God give you rest and peace as you seek His will and may His blessings abound as you continue to serve Him. ❤️

    Have a blessed Tuesday – lifting all your requests in prayer.

  19. Stefany Head says:

    Amen! Stealing your prayer this morning for my own boys.❤️

  20. Adrienne says:

    We were postig at the same time, SEARCHING, you saw the “I am.” Statement too. You put it so eloquently!

  21. Adrienne says:

    A WALTON… thanks for bringing us up to speed. Continued prayers for your family… ALEIDA… thanks for the update on Victor. You never know about that job with Lexus and the interview. Keep us posted… And, yay TINA, that Lorenzo is home.

    Lord bless all my sisters in the ways that they need, and as you see fit. Your will be done!

    Did you notice the “I am.” statement in Judges 13:13? I did. Wow.

    As many of us have been wrestling with the whole Jephthah and his daughter thing, I was hit with this line from today’s devotion…

    “Even if all the other details of life seem blurry and unknown, we know we can put our trust in Jesus.” Even if I struggle to understand, I need to remember what (who) is most important, and seek His will for my life, as I live it for Him.

    Have a beautiful day, sweet sisters.

  22. Searching says:

    Although we are not told the name of Samson’s mother/Manoah’s wife, she shows us faith, belief and trust in what she is told by the Lord. Manoah believes her although wants additional information (not provided to him). When he panics at having seen the Lord, she draws his attention back to the Lord’s words and purpose.

    Am I (are we) standing firm in faith, belief and trust in God’s words? Sharing with others? Reminding others (and ourselves) that God does indeed see the overall picture and has a plan for each of our lives?

    In Judges 13:11, the reply to Manoah’s question is “I am.” My first thought when I read this – God’s name is I AM. The reply could have been a simple “yes” …

    In Judges 13:18 (NKJV), And the Angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?” Other translations replace wonderful with beyond your understanding, incomprehensible. Indeed He is! Isaiah 9:6b “And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
    Thankful for His love and His word as a guide to the beginning of understanding. This hymn comes to mind “His Name is Wonderful”

    Praying for:
    GRAMSIESUE – healing and relief of pain for Steve, resources to assist you with his care
    ALEIDA – Victor
    RHONDA J – pain relief
    JENNY SOMERS – wisdom and guidance
    A WALTON – thank you for update (KELLY NEO is awesome!) praying for travel safety, car repair and sorting out the house situation
    AIMEE D-R
    TERESA DONLEY
    LYNNE FROM AL
    NANCY S
    LINDA FROM NC
    LAUREN GW

    MERCY ❤️ keep praying, sister!
    FOSTER MAMA – thankful for the time you were able to spend with children this weekend
    CEE GEE ❤️
    SHARON JERSEY GIRL, GRAMSIESUE – thank you for sharing research
    TINA – thankful Lorenzo is home
    MICHELLE PATIRE – yes, good reading in Proverbs yesterday
    ADRIENNE – thank you for the reminder to go to the Lord FIRST. The sometimes rampant misunderstandings catch me off guard …

  23. Jenny Somers says:

    TINA, thank you for the encouragement this morning. My husband and I are trying to navigate vocational changes that feel very confusing and foggy. Most days we feel like we have no idea what we’re doing and are just throwing things out there and seeing what sticks. It’s a hard in between, knowing that God has great plans for us but having no real idea what they might be. We have 4 children, finances are tight, and I’m finding myself trying to take matters into my own hands and “fix” this whole situation quickly, without truly waiting on the Lord. Thank you for reminding me that God always has our best at heart. You are a gift.

  24. Taylor says:

    Thankful that even when I “Again do evil in the eyes of the Lord”, that He never gives up on me and he never gives up on you. <3 So thankful we have Jesus as our hope, our anchor, our guide and that God has a perfect plan for our lives. May we have eyes to see and hearts to trust and obey.

    Lifting up all the prayer requests <3

  25. A Walton says:

    Hello Everyone!

    Thank you so much for keeping me in your prayers. I read your messages frequently to keep in prayer for you, but don’t always have time to write. I was blessed to see Kelly mention my name and ask for an update on our house situation. I am really so thankful.

    There has been no progress as far as we can see. I think the seller is working on their side of it. We found out that half the building did not have planning permission when it was built. The sellers didn’t build the house, so I don’t think they knew either. I think they had paid cash for it and so it never was an issue for them. We definitely need a mortgage and are also hoping to receive a grant to help finish the house, so we need plans. The sellers need to apply for retention and the last I heard was that they were waiting on their architect. I guess it could take up to three months for it to go through. In a way, it is frustrating, but my husband and I are missionaries in Ireland and have a long trip back to the States planned at this time and so it is good we won’t have anything to “do” with the house for awhile. Still keep praying it will all work out. There are no other options for us in the area.

    Life has continued to be very busy for us. My husband realised he is burnt out as well. This upcoming trip to the states will be very busy for us and will not be a vacation at all, but I am hoping just something “different” will refresh us.

    It has been over 2 months and we still don’t have our car back. VW customer service has not been any help- they have no status of when the part for our car will be in. We finally considered somehow getting our car to another garage in the area to get it fixed ourselves (when we are trying to save for this house- not the way we would want to spend the money) and the lady told us they could fix it but it would take them 3 weeks to get our car in. This is about the time we are leaving for the States, so we figured we might as well keep on waiting for VW to try to get the part in and deal with it later once we return if it is still not fixed. I know God has the power to get this all sorted. I just struggle with the “why”. It’s such a little thing in the things that really matter in life, but it is still a huge stress and struggle.

    Also, planning this trip to the States has me in a whirl. So much to think about and do. I am really struggling today. My twins and my youngest boy were all awake last night and it is hard to get enough sleep.

    I don’t post a lot here and so I want to add some of the blessings that have happened in my life over the past few weeks. It really hasn’t been all bad.

    My youngest son got hit in the face with a hurley (like a wooden baseball bat- kinda) and needed to go to the ER (yes, and we didn’t have a car) because there was a major cut in his cartilage separating his nostrils from his face. Friends were able to take us quickly and my son was sent home, saying he needed to fast for the plastics team to see him in the morning. Again, friends took him in the morning and the plastics team was so impressed by his healing, they glued him up and he was sent home! No surgery! I had been praying and praying. I thank God for his healing. He really did heal my son. It is looking great.

    We have had friends be able to take us to appointments and go grocery shopping. That has been such a blessing.

    My husband had to be out of country for work and I had friends come to help me and friends take/pick up my husband to/from the bus.

    My husband shared with another pastor in the area of all of the struggles we have had and that pastor and his wife sent us a beautiful bouquet of flowers, saying they were praying for us and encouraging us. Such a surprise.

    Thanks for your prayers.

  26. Aimee D-R says:

    Father I’m trusting you through the challenges of raising two teenage sons. Please let no weapon of the enemy formed against them stand and guide my parenting and their decisions. In Jesus name,Amen

  27. Kelly (NEO) says:

    During a dark time in Israel’s history, a spark of hope is given in the form of a promised son who was to be set apart for God’s purposes. God is always working to bring His promises to pass.

    TINA – yea for Lorenzo

    GRAMSISUE – praying for you and Steve

  28. Elaine Morgan says:

    ❤️

  29. Brenda says:

    Aleida,
    Praying for Victor and his situation.

  30. Tina says:

    I met with my younger brother Frank on Sunday as he was visiting his daughter nearby.

    We talked about our younger days and homes we had shared as a family. Of one house, he said, ” I really liked that house, it was big and lovely and I loved riding my bike in the hallway. It really upset me when we had to move..”
    In the next breathe, to his daughter he said of the house we moved to.. ” but that is where I needed to be, because I met your mum there and I would not have met her otherwise, and you and you siblings would probably not be here and this story we are now living would not be happening!

    We may not always understand the things that happen, or why the smooth sail of our life goes off course..

    BUT GOD..

    He totally and absolutely does!

    I don’t know whether my brother has had that thought before, or whether that was a revelation to him, but Gods hand, Gods purpose, Gods plan, Gods faithful love and grace always, always
    has our best at heart.

    Thank you Lord God, for always loving us into your perfect plan and purpose for us..

    Thank you God, Thank you..

    AMEN.

    Happy Tuesday my loves so lovingly wrapped in hugs and thanks and prayers for you..❤️

    Lorenzo is home! All praise to God.❤️

    Thank you for your prayers and well wishes for us both. God Bless you all❤️

  31. Tina says:

    ALEIDA, Good morning!

    As God’s children, this is where we can settle our trust: Christ’s coming keeps us focused on hope. The gospel is our viewfinder. Even if all the other details of life seem blurry and unknown, we know we can put our trust in Jesus. May we view this story and our own as just a small piece of the grander reality of God’s great plan for His people.

    Written by Kaitlin Wernet

    I felt these words from from todays devotion, were meant for you, for Victor.

    Victor, is actively seeking.. BUT GOD, He has a great and wonderful plan to fulfill Victor, in ways we could never imagine! Our God is good, faithful and true and He will see this through to completion..
    Continued prayers for Victor, your Mama heart, and your family..❤️

  32. Aleida says:

    Good morning sisters, I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful autumn season. In Oregon the trees have a radiant show of colors. God’s creation is amazingly beautiful!
    Thank you for continuing to pray for my son, Victor and our family. The interviews he had last week were a mix of good and not so good. He’s doubtful he got the service advisor position at Lexus. I told him that I’m praying for the perfect job for him. If he doesn’t get the last one, that wasn’t the one God intended for him. He is having talks with Honda and is hoping for an interview there soon. Please sisters pray for a breakthrough in our son’s life. For complete healing with his depression, anxiety and any kind of addiction. For a good job where he can thrive and not barely survive. And safe housing for him outside of sober living. We’re not sure how much longer he will be in this program so it is of urgency that he finds a good job and a place to live in CA.
    As I read through all your prayer requests, I too am lifting each of you up in my prayers daily. I’m SO thankful to be able to share my life with all of you and you with me. May the Lord bless you and keep you in the shadow of His wings❤️