For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines." For beholdThis phrase serves as a divine announcement, capturing the attention of the listener or reader. In Hebrew, the word "behold" is often used to introduce something of great importance or a revelation from God. It signifies that what follows is not ordinary but a divine intervention in human history. The use of "behold" here underscores the miraculous nature of the forthcoming birth and the special role the child will play in God's plan. you will conceive and give birth to a son
This promise echoes the miraculous births found throughout Scripture, such as Isaac, Samuel, and ultimately, Jesus Christ. The Hebrew culture placed immense value on childbirth, especially the birth of a son, who would carry on the family lineage. This announcement is not just about the birth of any child but one who is divinely appointed for a specific purpose. It highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating events and choosing individuals for His divine purposes. And no razor shall come upon his head
This phrase introduces the Nazirite vow, a special consecration to God described in Numbers 6:1-21. The vow included abstaining from cutting one's hair, consuming wine or strong drink, and avoiding contact with the dead. The uncut hair was a visible sign of dedication and separation unto God. In the context of Samson, this vow was not temporary but a lifelong commitment, indicating the depth of his consecration and the seriousness of his mission. for the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb
The term "Nazirite" comes from the Hebrew word "nazir," meaning "consecrated" or "separated." This lifelong dedication from the womb signifies that Samson's life was set apart for God's purposes even before his birth. It emphasizes the idea of divine election and purpose, reminding believers that God has plans for individuals even before they enter the world. This consecration from the womb also foreshadows the unique and powerful role Samson will play in Israel's history. and he will begin the deliverance of Israel
This phrase indicates the primary mission of Samson's life: to initiate the deliverance of Israel from their oppressors. The word "begin" suggests that Samson's role is part of a larger, ongoing process of deliverance. It acknowledges that while Samson will not complete the task, he will be instrumental in setting the stage for future victories. This reflects the biblical theme of God using flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes, as Samson's account is one of both great strength and personal failure. from the hand of the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant threat to Israel during the time of the Judges, representing not just a physical enemy but also a spiritual challenge, as they often led Israel into idolatry. The phrase "from the hand of" implies deliverance from oppression and control. Samson's mission was to weaken the Philistine hold on Israel, symbolizing God's ongoing commitment to protect and preserve His chosen people. This deliverance is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His power to save, even when His people are unfaithful. Persons / Places / Events 1. Manoah's WifeThe unnamed woman who receives the angelic message about her future son. She is the mother of Samson. 2. SamsonThe son to be born, who is to be a Nazirite from birth and will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. 3. Nazirite VowA special vow of dedication to God, which includes abstaining from cutting hair, consuming wine or strong drink, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. 4. PhilistinesThe oppressive enemies of Israel during this period, from whom Samson is destined to begin delivering Israel. 5. Angel of the LORDThe divine messenger who delivers the prophecy and instructions to Manoah's wife. Teaching Points Divine Purpose and CallingGod has a specific purpose for each of us, as He did for Samson. Understanding and pursuing our divine calling is crucial. Consecration and HolinessThe Nazirite vow symbolizes a life set apart for God. Christians are called to live holy lives, dedicated to God's service. God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceGod raises deliverers according to His timing and plan. Trust in His sovereignty, even when deliverance seems delayed. Parental Responsibility in Spiritual FormationManoah's wife was given specific instructions for raising Samson. Parents today have a responsibility to nurture their children's spiritual growth. The Beginning of DeliveranceSamson was to "begin" the deliverance of Israel. Sometimes, God calls us to start a work that others will complete. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the Nazirite vow signify, and how can we apply its principles of dedication and holiness in our lives today? 2. How does the account of Samson's birth and calling encourage us to trust in God's plans, even when they are not fully revealed to us? 3. In what ways can parents today take inspiration from Manoah's wife's obedience to God's instructions for raising children? 4. How does Samson's role as a deliverer foreshadow the ultimate deliverance brought by Jesus Christ? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to begin a work or ministry. How can you trust God to bring it to completion, even if you only see the beginning? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 6:1-21This passage outlines the Nazirite vow, providing context for the special dedication Samson is to have from birth. 1 Samuel 1:11Hannah's vow for Samuel mirrors the Nazirite dedication, showing a pattern of special consecration for those set apart for God's purposes. Hebrews 11:32-34Samson is mentioned among the heroes of faith, highlighting his role in God's plan despite his personal failings. Matthew 1:21The angelic announcement to Mary about Jesus draws a parallel to the divine announcement to Manoah's wife, emphasizing God's intervention in human history. People Dan, Danites, Manoah, SamsonPlaces Eshtaol, Mahaneh-dan, Pirathon, ZorahTopics Apart, Bear, Bearing, Begin, Behold, Birth, Boy, Child, Conceive, Conceiving, Cut, Deliver, Deliverance, Freeing, Hair, Hands, Nazarite, Nazirite, Philistines, Razor, Save, Separate, Womb, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 13:5 5128 baldness
5157 head
8223 dedication Judges 13:2-5 4436 drinking, abstention
5658 boys
5741 vows Judges 13:2-7 4544 wine Judges 13:2-14 4458 grape Judges 13:2-23 8474 seeing God Judges 13:2-25 5652 babies Judges 13:3-22 1511 Trinity, relationships in
5976 visiting Judges 13:4-5 5794 asceticism Library The Wonderful.
Isaiah ix:6. HIS name shall be called "Wonderful" (Isaiah ix:6). And long before Isaiah had uttered this divine prediction the angel of the Lord had announced his name to be Wonderful. As such He appeared to Manoah. And Manoah said unto the angel of Jehovah, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honor. And the angel of Jehovah said unto Him "why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is Wonderful" (margin, Judges xiii:17-18). This angel of Jehovah, the Person who …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of GloryOf the Name of God
Exod. iii. 13, 14.--"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." We are now about this question, What God is. But who can answer it? Or, if answered, who can understand it? It should astonish us in …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Incarnation.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that hath been made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was …
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his Adherents, in this Respect, in Tyrannically Oppressing and Destroying Souls.
1. The power of the Church in enacting laws. This made a source of human traditions. Impiety of these traditions. 2. Many of the Papistical traditions not only difficult, but impossible to be observed. 3. That the question may be more conveniently explained, nature of conscience must be defined. 4. Definition of conscience explained. Examples in illustration of the definition. 5. Paul's doctrine of submission to magistrates for conscience sake, gives no countenance to the Popish doctrine of the obligation …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Judges 13:5 NIVJudges 13:5 NLTJudges 13:5 ESVJudges 13:5 NASBJudges 13:5 KJV
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