April 4

Judges 13-15 (biblegateway.com)

Lessons of Faith and Failure

Judges 13–15 introduces the story of Samson, one of Israel’s most well-known judges. His birth was announced by an angel to his barren mother, signifying that he was set apart for God’s purpose from the beginning. As a Nazirite, Samson was to live a life of dedication to God, yet his life was marked by personal weaknesses and impulsive decisions. These chapters reveal how God used Samson’s extraordinary strength to begin delivering Israel from Philistine oppression, despite his flaws.

Judges 13 introduces the story of Samson. Samson’s story opens with the typical statement about Israel’s apostasy. As a result, God hands them over to the Philistines for forty years (v. 1). This oppression is the longest recorded in the book of Judges, showing the deep spiritual decline of Israel. Unlike previous cycles, there is no record of Israel crying out to God for deliverance, which highlights their spiritual complacency.

Next comes an extended and unusual introduction to Samson. It details the encounter between Samson’s parents and the Angel of the Lord, who announced Samson’s birth and mission. His story is one of divine intervention, special consecration, and God’s plan for deliverance, even in the midst of Israel’s continued cycle of sin and his own personal troubles.

During this period of oppression, a man named Manoah from the tribe of Dan is introduced, along with his barren wife (v. 2). God’s intervention in a barren woman’s life follows a biblical pattern seen in Sarah (Genesis 18:10-15), Hannah (1 Samuel 1), and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-25), among others. The Angel of the Lord appears to Manoah’s wife and announces that she will conceive a son (v. 3). This child is to be set apart as a Nazirite from birth, meaning that he will be expected to avoid wine, unclean food, and cutting his hair (v. 4-5; Numbers 6:1-21).

According to Scripture, any man or woman could take a Nazirite vow to dedicate themselves to God (Numbers 6). This vow was voluntary (Num. 6:2), temporary (Num. 6:5, 8, 13, 20), and required three key commitments: (1) abstaining from wine, strong drink, and anything derived from the vine (Num. 6:3-4); (2) refraining from cutting one’s hair (Num. 6:5); and (3) avoiding contact with the dead (Num. 6:6–8). If a person became unclean, specific purification rituals were required (Num. 6:9-21). Samson’s Nazirite vow was unique in three ways. First, he did not take it voluntarily; it was appointed to him from birth. Second, it was lifelong rather than temporary. Third, he violated all three conditions.

The Angel also declares that Samson will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines (v. 5), emphasizing that his role is only the start of a much larger plan. The Philistines would not be fully defeated until David’s reign (2 Samuel 8:1), but Samson’s efforts in weakening their control were still a crucial step in God’s unfolding deliverance. This reminds us that God’s work often happens in stages, and our obedience today may be paving the way for something greater in the future. Even when we don’t see immediate results, we must remain faithful in following God’s calling. You may be laying a foundation that others will build upon, and in God’s perfect timing, His plan will come to completion.

Manoah’s wife tells her husband about the Angel’s message, emphasizing that her son will be a Nazirite for life (v. 6-7). Seeking more information, Manoah prays, asking God to send the Angel again to instruct them on how to raise the child (v. 8). God answers his prayer, and the Angel returns to Manoah’s wife, however, she is alone (v. 9). She quickly retrieves Manoah, who then asks the Angel for further instructions on raising the child (v. 10-12). The Angel reaffirms what He previously told Manoah’s wife, that she must avoid wine, strong drink, and unclean food (v. 13-14).

As is tradition, Manoah offers hospitality, asking the Angel to stay and eat with them (v. 15). The Angel refuses but instructs Manoah to offer a burnt offering to the Lord instead (v. 16). When Manoah asks for the Angel’s name, the Angel responds, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond wonderful?” (v. 17-18). The Angel was revealing that His name was a mystery beyond human comprehension, too wonderful to grasp. Manoah sought an answer he would not have been able to understand. Likewise, when we ask God questions and receive no response, it doesn’t necessarily mean He is saying no. Instead, we may be seeking knowledge that is beyond our ability to comprehend or accept.

As Manoah offers the sacrifice, the Angel ascends in the flame from the altar, revealing His divine nature (v. 19-20). Manoah and his wife fall on their faces in awe, and Manoah fears they will die because they have seen God. Manoah’s fears echo those of Gideon on encountering the Angel of the Lord (6:22-23). Manoah’s wife, however, wisely reassures him that God would not have accepted their offering if He intended to kill them (v. 21-23). Samson is born, and as he grows, the Lord blesses him (v. 24). The chapter ends by noting that the Spirit of the Lord begins to stir him in Mahaneh Dan, preparing him for his future role as Israel’s deliverer (v. 25).

Judges 13 reveals profound theological truths about God’s character and His work in the lives of His people. One key lesson is that God works even when His people are spiritually passive. Unlike in previous cycles, Israel does not cry out for deliverance, yet God initiates their rescue through Samson’s miraculous birth. This reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our own. He remains true to His promises even when we falter. How often do we assume that God only moves when we take the first step? In reality, His grace is at work even when we are unaware. This should challenge us not to grow complacent but to seek Him daily, knowing He is always working for our good.

Additionally, God uses the weak and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes. Manoah’s wife was barren, yet God chose her to bear Israel’s deliverer. This is a consistent theme in Scripture, as God delights in using those whom the world overlooks. In our own lives, we may feel unqualified for God’s calling, but He often works through our weaknesses rather than our strengths. Instead of focusing on our limitations, we should trust that He equips those He calls. What insecurities or doubts are keeping you from fully embracing God’s purpose for your life?

Furthermore, God’s calling requires holiness and dedication. Samson was to be a Nazirite from birth, set apart for God’s work. While Samson himself struggled with faithfulness, his calling highlights the importance of living a life consecrated to God. Today, we are also called to be set apart, living in a way that reflects God’s holiness. This challenges us to examine our choices, habits, and priorities. Are we pursuing a life of purity and devotion, or are we compromising with the world? Holiness isn’t about perfection but about daily surrender to God’s will. What areas of your life need to be more fully submitted to Him?

Another key truth from Judges 13 is that God’s plans are bigger than individuals. The angel tells Manoah that Samson will only begin Israel’s deliverance, reminding us that God’s work is often a gradual process. Just as Samson was part of a greater story, we, too, may only see a fraction of what God is doing through us. This teaches us patience and trust—our faithfulness today can have an impact far beyond what we see. Are we willing to serve faithfully, even when we don’t see immediate results? Are we content to play a small role in God’s grand plan?

Finally, encounters with God should lead to worship and obedience. When Manoah and his wife realize they have encountered the divine, they respond with reverence and worship. Genuine experiences with God should transform us, deepening our humility and devotion while increasing our desire to obey Him. Too often, we seek spiritual experiences without allowing them to change our hearts. True worship isn’t just singing songs, it’s living in obedience to God’s Word. How is God calling you to respond in worship and obedience today?

The truths in Judges 13 challenge us to trust in God’s faithfulness, embrace His calling, and pursue holiness. Even when we feel weak or uncertain, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s plans are greater than our own. He is always at work, calling us to live faithfully and wholeheartedly for Him. Will you step forward in faith, trusting that He is working even when you cannot see the full picture?

Judges 14 begins the story of Samson’s actions as Israel’s judge, revealing both his God-given strength and his spiritual weakness. His desires and impulsiveness play a major role in his choices, yet God sovereignly works through his flaws to confront the Philistines, Israel’s oppressors. Immediately after learning that the Lord is with Samson and that the Spirit has begun to stir in him (13:25), the reader is told that Samson seeks a wife from among the Philistines. The narrative here revolves around the pursuit and loss of the Philistine wife and the consequences for both Philistia and Samson.

Samson travels to Timnah, a city in Philistine, where he sees a Philistine woman and demands that his parents get her for him as a wife (v. 1-2). His parents object, asking why he would choose a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines instead of from among his own people (v. 3). This concern is valid. Samson’s parents objected to his marrying the Philistine woman for several reasons. First, God had forbidden intermarriage with pagan nations to keep Israel from idolatry. Second, in addition to it being against God’s law, the Philistines were Israel’s greatest enemies. Marriage to a hated Philistine would be a disgrace to Samson’s family.

However, Samson insists on marrying her, declaring, “She is right in my eyes” (v. 3). This statement reflects Israel’s moral decline, echoing the recurring theme in Judges: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (21:25). Samson’s father ultimately gives in to his demand, even though he had the right to refuse the marriage. Yet, despite Samson’s wrong motives, God was using this situation to accomplish His purposes—creating conflict with the Philistines, who ruled over Israel (v. 4). This demonstrates how God can work through human weakness to fulfill His divine plan.

Samson took his parents down to Timnah to arrange the wedding. Along the way, Samson apparently turned aside into the vineyards of Timnah, perhaps to obtain grapes. Here he encounters a young lion that suddenly comes roaring toward him (v. 5). The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he tears the lion apart with his bare hands (v. 6). His superhuman strength is evidence of God’s power working through him. However, he does not tell his parents about this event (v. 6). That he did not tell his father or mother about this implies that they had proceeded on ahead of him to Timnah. This event sets up the riddle that Samson will later pose to the wedding guests.

Samson continues on to Timnah, talks with the woman, and he likes her (v. 7).

Some time later, possibly after the betrothal period ended, Samson returns to take his bride. Along the way, he again turns aside into the vineyards and discovers that bees have made honey inside the lion’s carcass. He takes some of the honey, eats it, and later shares it with his parents, without revealing its source (v. 8-9). By touching the dead body, Samson violates his Nazirite vow, which strictly forbade contact with corpses (Numbers 6:6). This act highlights his carelessness toward his consecration to God.

At the wedding gathering, Samson hosts a seven-day feast, which was typical in Philistine culture (v. 10). While the text does not state that Samson drank, his willingness to participate in a pagan celebration suggests further compromise. To entertain his thirty Philistine groomsmen, Samson proposes a riddle, based on his lion encounter: “Out of the eater came something to eat, Out of the strong came something sweet” (v. 14). If they solve it within seven days, he will give them thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothes. If they cannot solve it, they must give him the same (v. 12-13). The riddle, which refers to the honey from the lion’s carcass, is impossible for them to guess naturally.

After three days of failure, the Philistines threaten Samson’s wife, saying they will burn her and her family if she does not get the answer from Samson (v. 15). She weeps and pleads with Samson, accusing him of not loving her (v. 16-17). Eventually, Samson gives in and tells her the answer, which she immediately reveals to the Philistines. On the final day, the Philistines answer his riddle with a clever response: “What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?” (v. 18). Realizing he has been betrayed, Samson responds with an insult: “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have solved my riddle” (v. 18), This means that if they had not manipulated his wife, or if they hadn’t threatened his wife, they wouldn’t have learned the answer to his riddle.

In response to their deception, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Samson again, and he kills thirty Philistines in Ashkelon, takes their garments, and gives them to the wedding guests to fulfill his obligation (v. 19). This is Samson’s first act of deliberate aggression against the Philistines, fulfilling God’s purpose (Judges 14:4). Samson impulsively used the special gift God gave him for selfish purposes. Today, God distributes abilities and skills throughout the church. Similarly, to use these abilities for selfish purposes is to rob the church and fellow believers of strength. As you use the gifts God has given you, be sure you are helping others, not just yourself.

Furious, Samson returns to his father’s house in Zorah, without returning to his wife on the seventh night of the wedding to consummate the marriage (v. 19). In his absence, possibly to avoid the disgrace of what he perceived as an annulment, the bride’s father gives her to another man, one of his groomsmen (v. 20). This betrayal will set up further conflict in the next chapter.

In Judges 14, we are confronted with key theological truths that not only reveal God’s character but also offer vital lessons for our lives. God can use even our weaknesses for His purposes. Samson’s desire for a Philistine woman, though wrong, becomes part of God’s plan to provoke conflict with Israel’s enemies. This doesn’t justify sin, but it underscores God’s sovereignty. He is able to fulfill His purposes, even through our failures. How often do we let our failures define us? Samson’s story reminds us that God is bigger than our mistakes, and He can still work through us when we turn back to Him.

Spiritual compromise leads to greater failure. Samson’s casual attitude toward his Nazirite vow, touching a dead lion and attending a pagan wedding feast, foreshadows his later moral lapses. Small compromises in our lives can snowball into bigger consequences. We might think we can handle small deviations from God’s truth, but this passage challenges us to be vigilant. Are we letting small compromises slip by in our own lives? The tiny things often lead to the bigger ones.

Our desires must align with God’s will. Samson’s statement, “She is right in my eyes” (Judges 14:3), reflects the dangerous pattern of doing what seems right to us, regardless of God’s will, a recurring theme in the book of Judges. His personal desires override God’s commands, which leads to devastating consequences. How many of us make decisions based on what feels right or what we want, rather than seeking God’s will first? This reminds us that our desires must be measured against God’s truth.

Sin leads to betrayal and suffering. Samson’s trust in his Philistine wife, based on selfishness and immaturity, results in betrayal and the destruction of lives. Sin never operates in isolation; it affects everyone around us. Samson’s life is a stark reminder that selfishness and sin fracture relationships and bring pain. Are there areas in our lives where our sin might be leading to broken relationships or causing others to stumble?

Finally, God’s strength is given for His purposes. Throughout Samson’s life, we see that his strength comes from God’s Spirit. However, Samson misuses this strength, often for personal revenge rather than for God’s glory. This challenges us to ask: how are we using the gifts God has given us? Are we using our talents, strength, and resources for selfish reasons, or are we directing them to serve God’s greater purpose?

Samson’s life is a powerful reminder that even in our weaknesses and failures, God is at work. But it also calls us to examine our lives for compromises, desires, and choices that stray from His will. As we seek His strength and guidance, may we use the gifts He has given us for His purposes and His glory.

Judges 15 continues the story of Samson, focusing on his revenge against the Philistines and his growing conflict with them.

The chapter opens with Samson returning to visit his wife after some time. He was returning to Timnah with a present of a young goat to present to her (v. 1). However, upon arriving at her house, he finds that her father had given her to another man (v. 2). Furious, again, and unimpressed with the offer of marriage to her younger sister, Samson seeks revenge. To retaliate, he captures three hundred foxes, ties their tails together in pairs, and attaches torches to their tails. He releases them into the Philistines’ fields, burning their grain, vineyards, and olive groves (v. 4-5). This was at the time of the wheat harvest, when the fields would have been dry and easily burned. This massive destruction provokes the Philistines.

The Philistines, angered by the loss, retaliated by burning Samson’s wife and father-in-law to death (v. 6). Motivated again by personal revenge, Samson declares that he will seek vengeance on the Philistines in a more destructive manner, stating, “Since you acted like this, I swear I won’t stop until I get my revenge on you” (v. 7). Samson attacks the Philistines viciously, slaughtering many of them, after which he goes to stay in a cave in the rock of Etam (v. 8).

The Philistines, pursuing Samson, come up to Judah and set up camp in Lehi (v. 9). When the Judeans learned the reason for the Philistine show of force, they sought Samson with 3,000 men (v.11). The men of Judah, fearful of the Philistines, approach Samson and ask, “Why have you brought this trouble on us?” (v. 11). Samson responds, “I merely did to them what they did to me” (v. 11). Samson’s actions of vengeance are causing problems for Israel, and the men of Judah feel compelled to act. Despite his desire for personal justice, the men of Judah decide to bind Samson with two new ropes and hand him over to the Philistines (v. 12-13).

As Samson is delivered to the Philistines, the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him. The ropes binding him become like charred flax, and the bindings drop from his hands (v. 14). Samson then picks up the jawbone of a donkey lying on the ground and uses it to slay a thousand Philistines (v.15 -16). The jawbone is an unlikely weapon, yet God empowers Samson to use it to strike down his enemies. Afterward, Samson exclaims, “With a donkey’s jawbone, I have made donkeys of them. With a donkey’s jawbone, I have killed a thousand men!” (v. 16). His victory, though fueled by personal anger, highlights God’s strength working through him to defeat Israel’s enemies.

After the battle, Samson experiences great thirst and cries out to God, saying, “You have given your servant this great victory. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” (v. 18). Samson acknowledges his dependence on God and his need for God’s provision after his triumph. In response to Samson’s prayer, God miraculously provides water (v. 19). Samson drinks and revives. He then names the place En Hakkore, meaning “the spring of the one who called” (v. 19), recognizing that it is God who provided for him.

The chapter ends with a brief note: Samson led Israel for twenty years during the period of Philistine oppression (v. 20). Despite his personal flaws and impulsive actions, God used Samson to deliver Israel and judge the people for two decades.

In Judges 15, we encounter several truths that demonstrate God’s sovereignty, His ability to use human weaknesses for His purposes, and His unyielding grace despite our flaws. These truths not only reveal God’s nature but also provide practical lessons for our lives today.

Despite Samson’s motivations for personal revenge, God sovereignly uses his actions to strike at Israel’s oppressors. While Samson acts out of anger and frustration, God is still able to accomplish His greater purposes through Samson’s flawed decisions. This shows that God’s plans are not thwarted by our failures, and that He can work through our weaknesses and even sin to bring about His redemptive work. Though Samson’s personal desires are not justified, God uses him to further His will in Israel.

In our own lives, it’s tempting to seek personal revenge or act out of frustration when wronged, but this passage reminds us to trust God with judgment. Instead of holding onto anger or seeking to make things right in our own timing, we are called to trust that God will deal with injustice in His perfect timing. We should surrender our desires for vengeance to God, knowing that He is sovereign and will use even the wrongs we face for His purposes.

Samson’s great physical strength is not inherently his own but is given by God. When the Spirit of the Lord empowers Samson, it’s a reminder that human ability, no matter how impressive, is insignificant compared to the divine power of God. Samson’s feats, while remarkable, are a testament to God’s strength, not his own. This illustrates the contrast between human capability and God’s supernatural empowerment. It is only by God’s strength that we can accomplish anything of eternal value.

Just as Samson relied on God’s strength to perform extraordinary feats, we must recognize the source of our strength in all areas of life. Whether it’s physical, intellectual, or spiritual, we are reminded to acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God and to use it for His glory. When we rely on our own abilities without acknowledging God’s power, we limit what He can do through us. It’s vital to lean on God’s strength, especially in moments of weakness, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing.

God provides for needs. Samson is exhausted and near death, and God miraculously provides water from a rock to refresh him. This act of provision in a time of desperation highlights God’s faithfulness to His people, especially in their moments of weakness. God does not abandon us when we are struggling; He is present and provides exactly what we need.

Just as Samson’s physical need was met in an extraordinary way, God continues to meet our needs, particularly when we are at our lowest. Whether it’s emotional, physical, or financial, we can trust that God will supply what we need in His perfect timing and way. In moments of need, rather than relying on our own resources, we are called to lean on God, who is faithful to provide.

Finally, God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will. Samson is far from a perfect hero. He is impulsive, prideful, and at times disregards God’s laws. Yet, despite his flaws, God uses him as a deliverer for Israel. This demonstrates that God’s plan is not dependent on our perfection but on His grace and sovereignty. It’s not about our qualifications but about God’s ability to use us, even in our imperfection, to fulfill His greater purposes.

Just as God used Samson in spite of his flaws, He can use us, too, despite our imperfections. We don’t have to be perfect to be part of God’s redemptive work. This truth challenges us to stop letting our failures define our potential and instead, allow God to work through us. We may feel inadequate at times, but God specializes in using imperfect vessels to accomplish His will. Are we willing to allow God to use us, even in our weakness and failure, as He did with Samson?

In conclusion, Samson’s story in Judges 13–15 highlights both God’s sovereignty and human weakness. Though Samson frequently acted out of personal desire rather than divine wisdom, God still used him to accomplish His purposes. His life serves as a reminder that God’s plans prevail, even through imperfect people. These chapters set the stage for Samson’s ultimate downfall and redemption, emphasizing that true strength comes not from physical power but from dependence on God.