SAMSON SERIES: BORN WITH PURPOSE – JUDGES 13

Chapter thirteen opens revealing the declining spiritual climate of Israel, “And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of God.” Consequently, for their actions, God allows them to fall into Philistine captivity for forty years. It is during this time that the thirteenth judge is about to come on the scene.

An angel first announces Samson’s birth to his mother whom the scripture describes as being barren and the wife of Manoah of the tribe of Dan and resident of the secluded mountain village of Zorah.

She was instructed not to drink wine or any other strong drink and not to eat anything  ceremonially unclean. Additionally, informed her son from birth would be a Nazarite unto God, during his lifetime no razor was to come on his head, and he would be used to begin delivering Israel out of the hands of the Philistines.

After giving these instructions to Samson’s mother, the angel leaves and Samson’s mother went and found her husband and shared the good news told to her by the unknown man. She told Manoah about the unidentified man of God, the pregnancy, and the Nazarite restrictions that she received. Manoah wanted to hear the instructions from the unknown man; thus, he prayed and asked God to send back the man which He graciously did.

Once again, the angel appeared to the woman, and she ran and got her husband. When he saw the angel, Manoah inquired, “How shall we order the child and how shall we do unto him?” In response, the angel replied, “Of all that I said unto the women let her beware.”

Unbeknown that this was an angel of God and not a man, Manoah offers the angel a meal while unsuccessfully attempting to find out his name. Not wanting to receive the homage that belongs to God the angel declines the meal but tells Manoah to offer a burnt offering to God. As Manoah offered up a kid and meat offering the angel ascended in the flame causing Manoah and his wife in awe to fall prostrate on the ground. When the angel did not reappear, Manoah became fearful and thought they were going to die; however, his wife was able to speak reassuring words to him concerning their future.

Chapter thirteen ends informing the readers of the birth of Samson, the child being blessed and the Spirit of the Lord moving on him at certain times.:

From this chapter, I want to share the following thoughts:
1. God will permit the enemy to have access to your life.
2. Evil and sinful acts will lead to captivity.
3. God always has a remnant.
4. God is a healer; He can open a womb.
5. Despite challenges, you have been set apart from conception.
6. Your diet can affect your life.
7. Life begins in the womb.
8. Your birth had reason and purpose.
9. At the appointed time, God can raise up something from nothing.
10. You can receive a prophetic word concerning your child’s destiny.
11. There is a benefit for living within God’s boundaries.
12. God’s plan for your life does not alter.
13. Your assignment may be to start something but not to complete it.
14. God will repeat His instruction when asked.
15. Pray for instructions and direction on raising your children.
16. Some questions never are answered.
17. Dead people cannot parent a child.