The birth of Samson is a significant event in the biblical narrative, found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 13. This account marks the beginning of the account of one of Israel's most renowned judges, whose life was dedicated to delivering Israel from the oppression of the Philistines.

Context and Background

The period of the Judges was a tumultuous time in Israel's history, characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, leading to their subjugation by surrounding nations. In Judges 13:1, it is noted, "Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years."

The Angelic Announcement

The narrative of Samson's birth begins with divine intervention. Manoah, a man from the tribe of Dan, and his wife, who was barren, were chosen by God to bear a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Judges 13:3-5 records the angel of the LORD appearing to Manoah's wife, saying, "Behold, you are barren and have borne no children, but you will conceive and give birth to a son. Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean. For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. 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."

The Nazirite Vow

The instructions given by the angel highlight the Nazirite vow, a special commitment to God described in Numbers 6:1-21. This vow included abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair. Samson's lifelong Nazirite status was unique, as most Nazirites took the vow for a limited period. His consecration from the womb signified his divine purpose and the special role he was to play in God's plan for Israel.

Manoah's Encounter with the Angel

Manoah, upon hearing his wife's account, prayed for further guidance. The angel of the LORD returned, and Manoah sought confirmation of the instructions. In Judges 13:12-14, Manoah asked, "When your words come to pass, what will be the boy’s rule of life and mission?" The angel reiterated the instructions, emphasizing the importance of the Nazirite vow.

The Offering and Revelation

Manoah prepared a burnt offering, and as the flame ascended, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame, revealing His divine nature. Judges 13:21-22 states, "When the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it was the angel of the LORD. 'We are going to die,' he said to his wife, 'for we have seen God!'"

The Birth of Samson

In due time, Manoah's wife bore a son, and they named him Samson, meaning "sun" or "brightness." Judges 13:24-25 notes, "The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol."

Significance

The birth of Samson is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about deliverance through chosen individuals. Samson's life, marked by extraordinary strength and divine purpose, began with a miraculous birth and a divine calling. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the potential for redemption and deliverance through His chosen instruments.