Berean Study Bible The Birth of SamsonIsrael returned to the idolatry and disobedience that had marked earlier generations in Judges. Their rebellion was fully known to the LORD, who held His covenant people accountable for abandoning Him and adopting the corrupt practices of the nations around them. Jdg 10:6 And again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD.… so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines The LORD permitted the Philistines, Israel’s powerful coastal neighbors, to oppress them as judgment for their sin. The Philistines possessed superior military strength and remained a major enemy of Israel during the days of Samson and into the reign of David. Jdg 10:7 So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel,… for forty years. The long period of oppression brought severe discipline upon Israel and formed the setting for Samson’s birth and calling. Though Samson would begin to weaken Philistine control, Israel’s deliverance would unfold over many years. Jdg 5:31 So may all Your enemies perish, O LORD!… Now there was a man from Zorah Zorah stood in the Shephelah near the border of Dan and Judah, close to Philistine-controlled territory. Israel’s oppression by the Philistines forms the setting for Samson’s birth and calling. Jos 19:41 The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol,… named Manoah, Manoah, whose name means “rest” or “peace,” would become the father of Samson and receive God’s instructions for raising a son set apart for Israel’s deliverance. Jdg 16:31 Then Samson’s brothers and his father’s family came down,… from the clan of the Danites, Dan had struggled to possess its inheritance, while Philistine pressure threatened the tribe’s homeland. Samson would arise from this vulnerable region to begin resisting Israel’s oppressors. Num 1:38-39 From the sons of Dan, according to the records… whose wife was barren and had no children. Her inability to bear children highlights the Lord’s direct intervention in Samson’s birth. Like other births in Israel’s history, the child’s arrival would reveal God’s purpose and mark him for a special role. Gen 11:30 But Sarai was barren; she had no children. The angel of the LORD appeared to the woman Manoah’s unnamed wife lived near Zorah in Dan during Israel’s oppression by the Philistines. The angel of the LORD appears here with divine authority, as in other Old Testament encounters where God reveals Himself personally. Gen 16:7 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water… and said to her, The message begins directly with God’s knowledge of her condition and His purpose for her family. Gen 16:8-11 “Hagar, servant of Sarai,” he said, “where have you come from,… “It is true that you are barren and have no children; Her barrenness, a deep personal sorrow in Israelite society, made the coming birth unmistakably God’s work rather than a natural expectation. Gen 11:30 But Sarai was barren; she had no children. but you will conceive and give birth to a son. God promised the birth of Samson, who would be set apart from birth and would begin Israel’s deliverance from Philistine rule. His birth followed the pattern of other divinely given sons whose lives served a particular purpose in God’s plan. 1Sa 1:19-20 The next morning they got up early to bow in worship… Now please be careful The angel’s instruction to Manoah’s wife carries immediate force because the child she would bear was appointed for a special service to God from conception. Jos 22:5 But be very careful to observe the commandment and the law… not to drink wine or strong drink, Her abstinence was part of the child’s consecration as a Nazirite. Samson was to be set apart from ordinary practices associated with feasting and personal enjoyment. Num 6:3-4 he is to abstain from wine and strong drink.… and not to eat anything unclean. She was to observe the dietary laws given to Israel, maintaining ceremonial purity during her pregnancy. The command marked Samson’s life as belonging to God before his birth. Lev 11:44-47 For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves… For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. The angel announces a divinely appointed birth. God is raising up Samson at a time when Israel is oppressed by the Philistines and needs deliverance. Luk 1:31 Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son,… And no razor shall touch his head, His uncut hair will mark his lifelong separation to God under the Nazirite vow. It serves as an outward sign of the consecration required of him. 1Sa 1:11 And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, … because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, Unlike those who took the Nazirite vow for a limited time, Samson is set apart before birth for a permanent calling. His life is to belong to God in a special way, though his later choices reveal the cost of treating that calling lightly. Jdg 16:17 Samson told her all that was in his heart:… and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” Samson will strike at Philistine power and begin Israel’s deliverance, though the Philistine threat will continue beyond his lifetime. Despite Samson’s weaknesses, God will use him to carry forward His purpose for Israel. Jdg 14:4 Now his father and mother did not know this was… So the woman went and told her husband, Manoah’s wife promptly reported the encounter to him, bringing her husband into the message God had given concerning their promised son. 2Ki 4:9 Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know… “A man of God came to me. She understood the visitor to be a divinely sent messenger, though she did not yet know he was the angel of the Lord. 1Sa 9:6 “Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man… His appearance was like the angel of God, exceedingly awesome. His presence inspired reverent fear and made clear that this was no ordinary man. The heavenly messenger’s appearance confirmed the seriousness of the announcement. Dan 10:5-6 I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a certain man… I did not ask him where he came from, Overwhelmed by the encounter, she had not questioned his origin. Jhn 7:27 But we know where this man is from. When the Christ comes,… and he did not tell me his name. The messenger had not revealed his identity, leaving Manoah and his wife to recognize that the message came from God and would be confirmed in His time. Gen 32:29 And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.”… But he said to me, Manoah’s wife reports the angel’s words faithfully, recognizing that the message came with divine authority. Luk 1:13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah,… ‘Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. Though she had been barren, God would give her a son for a purpose that extended beyond her family. Gen 16:11 The angel of the LORD proceeded: “Behold, you have conceived… Now, therefore, do not drink wine or strong drink, Before Samson’s birth, his mother was to observe restrictions connected with his coming consecration to God. Num 6:3-4 he is to abstain from wine and strong drink.… and do not eat anything unclean, Her obedience to Israel’s dietary laws reflected the holiness required for the child set apart from the womb. Lev 11:4-8 But of those that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof;… because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb Samson would belong to God in a lifelong Nazirite calling, marked by separation from ordinary practices and appointed for Israel’s deliverance. Num 6:2-5 Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman… until the day of his death.’” His consecration was intended to continue throughout his life, though his later failures would reveal the serious cost of disregarding God’s calling. 1Sa 1:28 I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives… Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, Having heard his wife’s report, Manoah turned directly to God. He accepted that the promised child would be raised for a special purpose and sought the Lord’s direction for their household. 1Sa 1:10 In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD… “Please, O Lord, let the man of God You sent us come to us again Manoah asked that the messenger return, recognizing him as God’s representative. He desired confirmation and further instruction concerning the child God had promised. 2Ki 4:9-10 Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know… to teach us how to raise the boy who is to be born.” Samson was to be set apart as a Nazirite from birth and would begin to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression. Manoah understood that raising such a child required careful obedience to God’s commands. Deu 6:6-7 These words I am commanding you today are to be… And God listened to the voice of Manoah, God answered Manoah’s request by giving further instruction concerning the child who would be born. His response confirmed that the announcement to Manoah’s wife came from Him and that Samson’s birth was part of His purpose for Israel. Psa 66:19 But God has surely heard; He has attended… and the angel of God returned to the woman The divine messenger appeared again to the woman, who had first received the promise of a son and the instructions for his consecration as a Nazirite. The return provided an opportunity for Manoah to hear the message directly. Gen 16:7-13 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water… as she was sitting in the field; She was engaged in ordinary life when the angel appeared. The location shows that God’s revelation was not confined to a sanctuary or public gathering. Gen 24:63 Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field… but her husband Manoah was not with her. Manoah had prayed to receive instruction, yet the angel first returned to his wife. She quickly called him, leading to the fuller conversation in which Manoah learned how Samson was to be raised. Jhn 4:16-18 Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”… The woman ran quickly to tell her husband, Her immediate response shows the importance of the messenger’s return. Though Manoah would take the lead in seeking further instruction, God first entrusted the message to his wife and used her to bring him into the encounter. Gen 24:28 The girl ran and told her mother’s household… “Behold, the man who came to me the other day has reappeared!” She recognized the visitor as the same one who had announced the birth of their son. The man was the Angel of the LORD, whose return confirmed that the promised child and the instructions concerning him came from God. Jhn 20:26-29 Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside… So Manoah got up and followed his wife. Manoah acted on his wife’s report and went with her to meet the visitor. Though Israel’s culture placed the husband as head of the household, God had first given the announcement to Manoah’s wife, and Manoah recognized the importance of what she had seen and heard. Gen 16:2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented… When he came to the man, The visitor appeared as a man, yet he was the angel of the Lord sent with God’s message concerning the child who would be born. His return confirmed that the promised birth of Samson came by God’s direct intervention. Jos 5:13-15 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw… he asked, “Are you the man who spoke to my wife?” Manoah sought to verify the identity of the visitor and to receive further instruction concerning the child. His question shows that he understood the message to be serious and personally addressed to his family. Gen 18:9-15 “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked… “I am,” he said. The angel confirmed that he was the one who had spoken with Manoah’s wife. Manoah and his wife were therefore dealing with a divine messenger whose instructions carried God’s authority. Jhn 18:5-6 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. Jesus said, “I am He.”… Then Manoah asked, Manoah responds to the angel’s announcement with reverence and practical concern. He accepts that God’s promise will be fulfilled and seeks instruction for the child God will give him. Luk 1:18 “How can I be sure of this?” Zechariah asked the angel.… “When your words come to pass, He speaks in confidence rather than doubt, treating the promised birth as certain. 1Ki 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel… what will be the boy’s rule of life Manoah wants to know how Samson should be raised under the Nazirite consecration appointed for him from birth. The restrictions were not merely personal discipline but marked Samson as belonging especially to God. Num 6:2-5 Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if a man or woman… and mission?” Manoah also asks about Samson’s appointed work. Samson would be raised to begin Israel’s deliverance from Philistine oppression, a task tied directly to God’s purpose for His people. Luk 1:16-17 Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back… So the angel of the LORD answered Manoah, The angel confirms that the instructions given to Manoah’s wife came from God and were not altered by Manoah’s request for further guidance. The coming birth of Samson required careful obedience because he was set apart from the womb for God’s purpose in delivering Israel from the Philistines. Gen 16:7-10 Now the angel of the LORD found Hagar by a spring of water… “Your wife is to do everything I told her. The commands concerning food and drink during her pregnancy and Samson’s lifelong Nazirite dedication were to be followed exactly. Manoah and his wife were entrusted with preparing their son for the calling God had appointed before his birth. Jhn 2:5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” She must not eat anything that comes from the vine, Because Samson was to be a Nazirite from the womb, his mother was to avoid all products of the vine during her pregnancy. Her conduct reflected the child’s consecration to God before his birth. Num 6:3-4 he is to abstain from wine and strong drink.… nor drink any wine or strong drink, Abstinence from wine and strong drink marked the separation required for Samson’s calling. The restriction set his birth and early life apart for the work God had appointed for him against the Philistines. Luk 1:15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.… nor eat anything unclean. She was also to observe Israel’s dietary laws, maintaining the ceremonial purity required by God. The instructions showed that Samson’s dedication involved his household before he was born. Lev 11:44-47 For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves… She must do everything I have commanded her.” The angel’s words left no room for alteration or neglect. Manoah’s wife was to follow every instruction because Samson’s life and mission belonged to God from the beginning. Deu 12:32 See that you do everything I command you;… “Please stay here,” Manoah sought to honor the visitor with the customary hospitality due to a guest, recognizing that he had encountered a man of God. Gen 22:5 “Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told his servants… Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, Though Manoah did not yet fully understand the visitor’s identity, the angel had brought the Lord’s promise that his barren wife would bear the son appointed to begin Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines. Jdg 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon and said,… “and we will prepare a young goat for you.” A young goat provided a fitting meal for an honored guest and expressed Manoah’s gratitude for the message he had received. Jdg 6:19 So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat… And the angel of the LORD replied, The angel speaks with divine authority during Manoah’s encounter, directing him away from ordinary hospitality and toward worship of the LORD. Jdg 6:22-23 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD,… “Even if I stay, I will not eat your food. Manoah had offered a meal in gratitude, but the angel would not accept it. The meeting was not a social visit but a divine announcement concerning the promised birth of Samson. Psa 50:12-13 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine,… But if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.” Rather than receiving honor for himself, the angel instructed Manoah to bring the offering to the LORD. The sacrifice expressed reverence, devotion, and dependence upon God. Lev 1:3-9 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd,… For Manoah did not know that it was the angel of the LORD. Manoah recognized that his visitor was unusual but had not yet understood the full nature of the encounter. Heb 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,… Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, Manoah recognized that the visitor carried a message from God and sought to respond appropriately to the promise concerning the child who would be born to him and his wife. Jdg 6:11-12 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down… “What is your name, He desired to know the identity and authority of the divine messenger. Gen 32:29 And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.”… so that we may honor you Manoah intended to show gratitude when the promised son arrived. Jdg 6:17-18 Gideon answered, “If I have found favor in Your sight,… when your word comes to pass?” He accepted the announcement as certain, anticipating the birth of Samson and the beginning of Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines. Jer 28:9 As for the prophet who prophesies peace,… “Why do you ask my name,” Manoah sought to know the identity and authority of the One who had promised the birth of Samson. The response showed that the messenger’s identity exceeded ordinary human understanding and pointed to His divine nature. Gen 32:29 And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.”… said the angel of the LORD, The angel spoke and acted with God’s authority, receiving Manoah’s offering and ascending in its flame. Manoah rightly recognized that they had encountered God, indicating that the angel of the LORD was a divine appearance. Jdg 6:11-24 Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down… “since it is beyond comprehension?” His name revealed a glory too wonderful, or beyond comprehension, to be contained by human knowledge. Manoah and his wife were given what they needed to know: God would fulfill His promise and use their son to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given,… Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering Manoah responded to the angel’s instruction with a sacrifice suitable for honoring the LORD. The young goat and grain offering expressed gratitude, devotion, and dependence upon God for the promised son. Lev 1:10-13 If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering… and offered them on a rock to the LORD. The rock served as an altar, marking the offering as an act directed to the God of Israel rather than to any local deity. Manoah recognized that the visitor’s message concerned the LORD’s purpose for Israel. Jdg 6:20-21 And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat… And as Manoah and his wife looked on, Both husband and wife witnessed what followed, receiving together God’s confirmation of the promise concerning their child. 2Ki 2:11-12 As they were walking along and talking together,… the LORD did a marvelous thing. God visibly confirmed the divine origin of the message and the seriousness of the calling placed upon their future son. Psa 118:23 This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes. When the flame went up from the altar to the sky, God visibly accepted Manoah’s offering. The rising flame joined the sacrifice with the heavenly message already given, confirming that the promised son would be set apart for God’s purpose. Lev 9:24 Fire came out from the presence of the LORD… the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. The angel’s departure revealed that Manoah and his wife had encountered a divine visitor, not merely a man. He had delivered God’s instructions concerning Samson and returned in a manner that displayed God’s authority and presence. Jdg 6:21-22 Then the angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff… When Manoah and his wife saw this, The sign removed any uncertainty about the promise of Samson’s birth and the calling placed upon him. Both witnessed the event and understood that God had spoken to them. Exo 24:10-11 and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet… they fell facedown to the ground. Overcome by awe and fear before God’s presence, Manoah and his wife responded with reverence. Their posture reflected their recognition that the encounter was holy and beyond ordinary human experience. Jos 5:14 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander…”… And when the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, The angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife because his mission was complete. He had confirmed the promise of a son, given instructions for Samson’s Nazirite consecration, and accepted Manoah’s offering in a way that revealed God’s presence. No further direction was needed before Samson’s birth. Jdg 6:21-22 Then the angel of the LORD extended the tip of the staff… Manoah realized that it had been the angel of the LORD. Manoah understood that the visitor was no ordinary man but God’s messenger, bearing divine authority. His realization explains the fear that follows, since he and his wife had witnessed the angel ascend in the flame of the offering. The encounter assured them that God had chosen their son for a specific purpose in Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines. Jos 5:14-15 “Neither,” He replied. “I have now come as Commander…”… “We are going to die,” Manoah feared that he and his wife would not survive after realizing they had encountered the Angel of the LORD. In Israel’s understanding, God’s holiness exposed the frailty and sinfulness of human beings, making such an encounter terrifying. Exo 20:19 “Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said… he said to his wife, Though Manoah spoke as head of the household, his wife had first received the angel’s message and had shown greater discernment throughout the encounter. Together they recognized that the visitor had come with divine authority. Gen 31:11-13 In that dream the angel of God said to me, ‘Jacob!’… “for we have seen God!” The Angel of the LORD had accepted their offering and ascended in its flame, revealing that He was more than an ordinary messenger. Manoah understood that they had witnessed a visible manifestation of God, and his fear reflected the awe that accompanied such appearances. Gen 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying… But his wife replied, Though unnamed, Manoah’s wife responds with calm faith and sound judgment. She recognizes that God’s actions have been directed toward life and the promised child, not judgment. 1Sa 25:23-31 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey,… “If the LORD had intended to kill us, Manoah fears death after seeing the angel of the LORD, but his wife understands that the LORD’s purpose agrees with the promise He has given. He appeared to announce His plan, not to destroy them. Jdg 6:22-23 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD,… He would not have accepted the burnt offering and the grain offering from our hands, The fire consuming their offering confirmed God’s acceptance and favor. Their worship had been received by the LORD. Gen 4:4-5 Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock… nor would He have shown us all these things The angel’s appearance, the sign at the altar, and the instructions for their son’s Nazirite life showed God’s continuing purpose for their household. Deu 4:34-35 Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation…… or spoken to us this way.” The promise of a son who would begin Israel’s deliverance from the Philistines gave them reason for confidence. Manoah’s wife rests in what God has revealed. Deu 5:24-27 “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory”… So the woman gave birth to a son God fulfilled His promise to Manoah and his wife during Israel’s oppression by the Philistines. Samson’s birth marked the beginning of God’s appointed deliverance for His people. Luk 1:57 When the time came for Elizabeth to have her child,… and named him Samson. His name, derived from the Hebrew word shemesh, meaning “sun,” anticipated the strength and prominence he would possess as Israel’s judge against the Philistines. 1Sa 1:20 So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth… The boy grew, Samson matured under the calling God had placed on his life from before his birth. 1Sa 2:21 So the LORD attended to Hannah, and she conceived… and the LORD blessed him. God’s favor rested on Samson, preparing him for the work of confronting Israel’s enemies and beginning their deliverance. Gen 26:12 Now Isaac sowed seed in the land, and that very year… And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him God began to move Samson inwardly, preparing him for the work appointed to him as Israel’s deliverer. His unusual strength and later acts against the Philistines would not arise merely from natural ability, but from God’s direct power and purpose in his life. Jdg 14:6 and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him,… at Mahaneh-dan, This “Mahaneh-dan,” meaning “camp of Dan,” lay in the tribal territory of Dan and reflected the unsettled condition of a people pressed by surrounding enemies. It became the setting where Samson’s calling first began to emerge. Jdg 18:12 They went up and camped at Kiriath-jearim in Judah.… between Zorah and Eshtaol. These towns lay near Samson’s home and remained closely connected with his life and death. The location grounds his ministry among his own people, where Philistine oppression had become an everyday reality. Jdg 18:2 So the Danites sent out five men from their clans… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
    |