Bible Studies
Samson, the Nazarite: The Challenges of Dedication to God (Judges 13:1)
Series: Studies in the Book of JudgesIntroduction:
1. This makes the sixth time that Israel is identified as doing evil in the sight of the Lord. The last three times the word “again” is added which highlights the repeating nature of their pattern. 2. Before Samson is introduced three lesser Judges are identified: Ibzan, Elon and Abdon (12:8-13). Previously a lesser judge was introduced before Deborah. His name was Shamgar (3:31). Two lesser judges also preceded Jephthah, Tola and Jair. 3. These lesser judges are identified as such only because they are briefly mentioned and very little information is given about them. 4. They act as “bridges” for the author to move to the next major character that he wants to address.Discussion:
I. Observations regarding Ibzan and Abdon.A. One of the distinguishing features of Ibzan is that “he had 30 sons and 30 daughters whom he gave in marriage outside.”
1. It is not entirely clear how far “outside” he went.
a. Did he encourage his children’s marriages to Canaanites?
b. Already we have seen problems with this behavior (3:5-6).
c. God had prohibited this before they came into Canaan (Ex. 34:12-16).
d. Of Solomon it is said that his 700 wives and 300 concubines “turned his heart away after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4).
2. But perhaps the reference only implies “outside” his clan, or tribe and suggests marital alliances designed to enlarge his influence.
B. Abdon had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who rode on 70 donkeys.
1. This seems to highlight his influence and prosperity.
2. In both Abdon’s and Ibzan’s cases multiple wives are implied.
II. Samson is introduced as the next major character and a Nazarite from birth (13:2-7).A. The Nazarite vow is described in Num. 6:1-21.
1. It involved a period of time during which an individual dedicated himself in a special way to God.
2. It was a voluntary commitment.
3. It was of limited duration. (In Samson’s case he was separated apart from birth and his commitment was for life.)
4. He must abstain from all grape products (3-4).
5. He must not cut his hair (5).
6. He must not be near a dead body (6).
7. At the end of the vow period he must offer sacrifices (13-21).
a. Burnt offering, sin offering, peace offering, grain offering, drink offering, and a wave offering (14-15, 20).
b. Cut his hair at the doorway of the tabernacle (18).
c. Special offering in fulfillment of his vow (21).
B. Samson was to be an individual specially devoted to God.
1. Just as the nation of Israel was to be especially devoted to God.
2. But like the nation Samson seems to have given little attention to such dedication.
3. It may be that the text is suggesting that Manoah, Samson’s father, exercised weak leadership.
a. The angel of the Lord came to Samson’s mother with the announcement not his father.
b. When Manoah wanted to be included the angel again came to his wife.
c. When Manoah requested information about what to do the angel said he had told his wife everything that was necessary.
III. Samson’s selection of a marriage partner violated strict dedication to God (Judges 14).A. He took one of the daughters of the Philistines. That is, he married one of the enemies of God and His people.
1. Both his father and mother objected, but then followed through on Samson’s demand.
a. Samson said, “Get her for me.”
b. “She looks good to me.” She was attractive to the eyes.
2. “It was from the Lord.” Was Samson doing the will of God?
a. Samson was not operating on the basis of his dedication to God.
b. Samson was operating on his own will. God would use this as an opportunity to punish the Philistines.
B. Manoah and Samson made their way down to the woman and made arrangements for the marriage (14:10).
1. Samson participated in the feast that was customary. Evidently this was part of the culture of the Philistines.
2. It is interesting that someone who was supposed to be especially dedicated to God participated in the marriage customs of the Philistines. Sometimes I witness the same thing among the people of God today. It is generally less evident in the wedding ceremony itself and more evident in the party to follow. Those “dedicated to God” celebrate with drinking and dancing. It is less about the mixing of two cultures and more about the mixing of the people of God with the people of the world.
3. When these things happen the direction of the new family is in evidence. Dedication to God is weak.
C. Samson’s new wife’s loyalty was more to her people than to Samson (14:15-18).
1. Contrast this with Stephanie’s comment, “I want a man that I know loves the Lord more than he does me.” Samson’s wife loved her people more than she him or the Lord.
2. Thus she betrayed him, but it was under threat to burn her and her father’s house. It is a difficult thing when our loyalties are challenged.
3. Samson killed 30 men after this betrayal (14:19).
D. He was betrayed again by his father in law (15:1ff).
1. His new wife was given to his best man.
2. Samson burned the crops of the Philistines.
3. The Philistines burned his wife and father-in-law.
4. Tensions mounted until the men of Judah came after Samson, bound him and turned him over to the Philistines. Thus he was betrayed by his own people.
5. But Samson killed a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.
6. Samson’s life was characterized by anger and hostility and revenge.
IV. Samson’s problems with women, with betrayal and with the Philistines continue until his death (Judges 16).A. Samson went to Gaza and went in to a harlot there.
1. There was a plot to assassinate him.
2. But he carried the city gates to the mountaintop opposite Hebron.
B. After this he loved Delilah.
1. She betrayed him into the hands of the Philistines.
2. Vulnerability and trust should characterize a marital relationship, but obviously Samson never experienced this. He was always betrayed. The women he chose to love always took advantage of him. Delilah was no different. She annoyed him to death (16) with her insistence that he trust her.
a. He wanted to be open with her. He wanted to tell her all that was in his heart (17).
b. But disappointment of disappointments—betrayed again.
C. “She looks good to me” had now led to his eyes being gouged out.
1. Do not give your heart to someone because they “look good to you.”
2. Trust and intimacy must be founded on more than appearance and more than sexual attraction.
3. Do not join yourself with the enemies of the Lord for they will betray you. They will annoy you to death to join them in intimacy and trust. Then they will gouge out your eyes. They will hurt you emotionally and sap your strength. They will amuse and entertain themselves with your humiliation.
D. That the challenge to Samson was really a matter of dedication to God is evidenced at the end of his life (16:23-31).
1. Be careful to recognize when your dedication to God is being challenged.
2. Know that the intent of the enemies of God is to destroy you.
3. Be careful not to be enticed by things that look good.
4. When you find yourself betrayed repeatedly take note and turn away from the way of destruction.
5. Trust in the Lord. Dedicate yourself completely to Him. Do it for life.
Conclusion:
1. Have you dedicated yourself to God? 2. Are you compromising that dedication with allegiances that will destroy you? 3. Like Samson, Israel had promised themselves to God and yet given themselves to idolatry. Have you promised yourself to God and given yourself to something else? 4. Repent!
