Today’s passage: Judges 13:1-25
Helpful thoughts:
- Israel is again under the oppression of a neighboring nation. This time for forty years before the Lord intervenes. There is no mention of the people of Israel crying out to God for help.
- Much like the nation of Israel, Samson is miraculously brought forth by God and called to a life of separation and purity. As the narrative continues, we will see just how far the comparisons go. Samson will serve as a type (Or picture) of Israel.
- The identity of this Visitor slowly dawns on Samson’s mom and dad throughout the chapter. Manoah was sure they were going to die even though God had just told them they were going to have and raise a son. The feeling of their experience was more significant in his mind than the words of God.
Questions to consider:
- Why did Manoah and his wife fall prostrate on the ground after the Lord left their presence? What kind of realities would have been rushing through your mind in that moment? What would allow you to be in the presence of the Holy God without fear of condemnation?
- Thinking about this chapter and the rest of the Samson narrative to come, what comparisons can you already think of between he and Israel?
- Why do we sometimes clamor for or get distracted by experiences instead of being assured by the truth of God’s Word? Is God’s Word insufficient or unreliable?