Judges

Lesson 5Samson: Part 1 of 3

We continue our study of Judges by beginning a multi-lesson look at the life and role of Samson. What terrific examples of what to do, and what not to do, will surface as we look at the life of one of the Bible’s wildest characters: the sometimes hero, the sometimes fool, Samson.

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In this lesson, we will look at his birth and his parents, and learn a great deal about God and ourselves through our examination of these relationships, as they related to God’s call. Please use this study as an opportunity for introspection. As you contemplate the story in the scripture references, ask yourself how would you have reacted and what you would have done. Seek to understand what Judges 13 reveals to us about the God of the universe, our creator, who loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.

Read Judges Chapter 13 and answer the following:

  1. What was the condition of the people of Israel, as described at the beginning of this chapter? (Judges 13:1)
  2. What happened to Manoah and his wife, as recorded in Judges 13:2-3?
  3. Whom did the Angel of the Lord visit? (Judges 13:3-5)
  4. What did the Angel of the Lord tell her? (Judges 13:3-5)
  5. Read Numbers 6:1-8, and fill in the blanks below.
    1. A person who takes a Nazirite Vow will ____________________ (Judges 6:3)
    2. A person who takes a Nazirite Vow will ____________________ (Judges 6:4)
    3. A person who takes a Nazirite Vow will ____________________ (Judges 6:5)
    4. A person who takes a Nazirite Vow will ____________________ (Judges 6:6)
    5. A person who takes a Nazirite Vow will ____________________ (Judges 6:7)
    6. A person who takes a Nazirite Vow will ____________________ (Judges 6:8)
  6. What was Manoah’s reaction to the message from the Angel of the Lord, after it was relayed to him? (Judges 13:8)
  7. Whom did the Angel of the Lord visit the second time? (Judges 13:9)
  8. What did Manoah then want to know? (Judges 13:12)
  9. Is this a question that we should be asking of God ourselves?
  10. What instructions did the Angel give Manoah? (Judges 13:13-14)
  11. What was Manoah’s response to these instructions? (Judges 13:15-18)
  12. What was the name of the Angel of the Lord? (Judges 13:17-18)
  13. What did the Angel of the Lord then do, which amazed Manoah and his wife? (Judges 13:19-21)
  14. So who in fact was the Angel of the Lord? (Judges 13:22)
  15. Consider for a moment what we have just read and what we might be able to learn from it.
    1. Did God know how Samson would eventually turn out before Samson was born?
    2. What did the woman, Samson’s mother, do to deserve such an honor?
    3. After reading Judges 13:22-25, would you consider Samson’s mother a wise person or a foolish person?
    4. What conclusions can we draw from this story about God, the Nation of Israel, Samson, his parents, our salvation, and making commitments or vows to God?
    5. What can we learn from this about living a Holy life?

Thus God, out of His great love for Israel, his chosen people, commissioned, or dedicated, Samson to the task of beginning the process for their delivery from the hands of the Philistines. He did this even before Samson was born and during a time when Israel was doing evil continually.

It was also evident that, even during times of great sin and rebellion, there is a remnant of the faithful that God will use to deliver His people and accomplish His will. Manoah and his wife were faithful in their commitment to obeying God’s commands concerning their son; and that they raised him up in accordance with God’s instructions.

At the end this lesson, we see a dedicated set of parents who obediently and without question follow God’s commands, and we also see a God who loves us so much that he will deliver us from the evil and sin which results each time we disobey Him.

In the lessons to follow, we will observe, however, that in spite of that upbringing, and in spite of God’s commissioning of his life before he was born, Samson will be a rebellious man, who does not live the holy life which God commanded. Perhaps we will be able to draw out some parental truths as well, regarding our children, their upbringing, and their rebellion.

May God’s love so shine on you this week that His glory is seen in you by all those around you. And may He continue to richly bless you as you continue to faithfully study His Holy Word.

In Christ,

Wes

[2018]

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