Samson – A Nazarite unto God
Judges 13
Rules of a Nazarite vs. 1-14
As the Philistines plagued the land for 20 years, God moves over two children at the same time, Samuel and Samson.
God appeared to Samson’s parents and explained God desired this child from birth. He was also to take a vow of a Nazarite.
The vow was three-fold: 1) They could not drink grape juice or alcohol oat any unclean thing, 2) they could not touch any dead body, even that of a loved one, and 3) they cut not cut their hair while the vow was in effect.
This was all to declare that they belonged to God
People like Paul took a short-term vow. There were three people with lifelong vows of Nazarites: Samuel, Samson, and John the Baptist.
Any child given to the Lord begins with the parents. Vs. 8
Recognizing God vs. 15-23
Because of the message, Manoah and his wife desired to treat their visitor properly. They asked him to wait as they prepared Him a meal. The Angel of the Lord replied you could make it, but I won’t eat it.
When they asked His name, He replied it is secret, meaning a type of secret that is too wonderful!
When they offered the meal, a flame erupted up and took the meal, and the Angel of the Lord went with it.
Raising of Samson vs. 24-25
Samson may have had his failing, but it was not learned from his parents.
His parents kept the vow and taught the vow and its meaning to Samson. As he grew, God blessed him and used him.