Topical Bible: Children: Dedicated to God in Infancy: Samson

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Samson, one of the most renowned figures in the Book of Judges, was dedicated to God from before his birth. His account is a profound example of divine purpose and the Nazarite vow, which set him apart for God's service. The narrative of Samson is found in Judges 13-16, where his life is depicted as a series of extraordinary events marked by both triumph and tragedy.

Divine Announcement and Dedication

The account of Samson begins with a divine announcement to his parents, Manoah and his wife, who were childless. An angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife, declaring that she would conceive and bear a son. The angel instructed her, "Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean. For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines" (Judges 13:4-5).

This divine instruction set Samson apart as a Nazirite, a person consecrated to God with specific vows, including abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair. Samson's dedication to God was not only a personal commitment but also a national one, as he was destined to begin the deliverance of Israel from Philistine oppression.

Samson's Birth and Early Life

In obedience to the angel's command, Manoah's wife adhered to the Nazarite restrictions during her pregnancy. When Samson was born, he was raised under the same vows. "The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him" (Judges 13:24). From his infancy, Samson was under the special care and blessing of the Lord, indicating his unique role in God's plan for Israel.

Samson's Strength and Feats

As Samson grew, the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him, and he became known for his extraordinary strength. This strength was a direct result of his Nazarite vow and the Spirit of God upon him. Throughout his life, Samson performed numerous feats against the Philistines, demonstrating his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. His exploits included tearing a lion apart with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6), striking down thirty Philistines (Judges 14:19), and famously slaying a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15).

The Tragic End

Despite his divine calling and dedication, Samson's life was marred by personal failings and lapses in judgment. His entanglement with Delilah led to his downfall, as she betrayed him to the Philistines. Samson's hair was cut, breaking his Nazarite vow, and he lost his strength. Captured and blinded by the Philistines, Samson's final act was one of redemption. In a moment of repentance and renewed faith, he prayed, "O Lord GOD, please remember me. Strengthen me, O God, just once more, so that with one act of vengeance I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes" (Judges 16:28). God granted his request, and Samson brought down the Philistine temple, killing many of their leaders and himself in the process.

Legacy

Samson's life serves as a powerful testament to the complexities of human nature and divine purpose. Dedicated to God from infancy, his account illustrates the potential for both greatness and failure within the human experience. Despite his shortcomings, Samson fulfilled the role for which he was dedicated, beginning the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. His life remains a compelling narrative of faith, strength, and the consequences of straying from one's divine calling.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 13:5,7
For, see, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Against Jovinianus.
... therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children.' And [4286 ... Not that virgin
who has once for all dedicated herself to the service of God: for, should ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... OF THIS WORK, WRITTEN BY THE AUTHOR THEREOF, AND DEDICATED TO THOSE ... Children, grace
be with you, Amen ... It is 'something of' a relation of the work of God upon my ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the ... of the anointed stones which
were dedicated in His ... Jacob, who, by his wrestling with God, had obtained ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm