The Book of Judges

 The Book of Judges was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Judges 13:1-14:20

 

Introduction:

Chapter (13) is an introduction to the life of Samson. His life is like a seesaw, an excellent picture of the modern Christian. All of his predecessors were victorious in conquering and subduing the enemy, but in Samson's day the victories were not as consequential. There are spurts of greatness, but most of the accomplishments seem to be short lived.

 

I. The announcement of his birth (13:1-5)

A. Of all of the tribes, Dan is the least qualified to produce a spiritual leader (see ch. 18); therefore, it is no surprise that Samson has troubles with the flesh.

B. The rules concerning the Nazarite are found in Numbers 6. The words separate or separation are found 16 times in the chapter. The lesson is obvious - God's power accompanies separation. (2 Cor. 6:14-18)
 

II. Confirmation of the message (13:6-14)

A. The angel of God was said to be terrible. (See Deut. 7:21,10:17; Job 37:22; Psa. 47:1-3, 66:3,5). A review of these and many other verses describes God's terribleness as an ability to subdue His enemies.

B. Manoah has enough sense to know that if they are to raise a child to serve God, they are in desperate need of divine teaching (vs. 8). (See Prov. 22:6)

Furthermore, the teaching has to do with some sense of order (vs. 12). Children need structure and discipline. (Psa. 119:133)
 

III. When in doubt, give God an offering. (13:15-25)

A. Any offering that is valuable is given to God (vs. 16; 2 Cor. 9:7,8), not to man, an angel or anyone else.

B. Manoah (vs. 17), like Jacob (Gen. 32:29) is interested in the name of the messenger. Not unlike modem times, many people are more concerned about the messenger than the message. (Psa. 138:2)

C. The type is set - the offering is given (Christ on the cross) and accepted; instruction have been given; the ascension takes place; no further appearances happen (vs. 21). God help us to be more concerned about obeying the existing instructions than waiting for future revelation.
 

IV. The Desire To Forsake The Separation (14:1-4)

A. Samson's parents are mindful of the vow of separation, but Samson is “twitterpated” with a woman of the world (2 Cor. 6:14). The Laodicean church is familiar with this lack of discernment when it comes to marriage.

B. God can even use a bad marriage to accomplish His will (vs. 4). Hosea is the classic example of this truth.
 

V. The Lion In The Shadows (14:5-9)

A. The lion is a type of the Devil (1 Pet. 5:8). Even though the Spirit of God enables him to overcome, the lion still turns out to be a curse in that he touched the dead carcass to get the honey. This was a violation of (Num. 6:6-9).

B. Many Christians get initial victories but return later to nibble around the edges (Gal. 4:9).
 

VI. The Riddle Of Disobedience (14:10-20)

Life for Samson is a series of feast, riddles and gambling. How many of God's people attempt to make a riddle out of sin instead of repenting? The amazing picture of grace is that the Spirit of the Lord still enables Samson to defeat the enemy.

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