March 12, 2025 - Judges 13-16

The stories of Samson provide us with a narrative that is a bit head scratching.  Chosen by God (declared to his mother by God himself), set aside as a Nazirite (and, thus, for special service for God), he would deliver his people Israel from the Philistines, and “Then the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson; and the child grew up and the Lord blessed him” (13:24).  What a resume, what a start, right?  Samson matured and, as a young man, “went down to Timnah and saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines” (14:1) and ended up marrying her, Delilah.  Now, “she looked good to Samson” (14:7).  I bet she did but that, and Samson’s infatuation with her, did not set aside God’s instructions not to marry among the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3).

Things did not go well at all with Delilah (A bit of an understatement, huh?), lots of conflict with the Philistines, and the ultimate humiliation and chaining of Samson.  “Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.”  Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them . . .” (16:28-29).  And we know the rest of the story.  In the end, Samson helped his people and he was avenged.  But the stories remind us of the importance of making wise decisions throughout life.  Our choices really do have consequences, don’t they?  But we also learn that, always, with God, there is the possibility of redemption.

Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth Thee;

Thou art my God, in Thee I live and move;

Oh, let thy loving Spirit lead me forth

Into the land of righteousness and love.

Thy love the law and impulse of my soul,

Thy righteousness its fitness and its plea,

Thy loving Spirit, mercy's sweet control

To make me liker, draw me nearer thee.   --John S. B. Monsell (1884)