Scripture: Judges 13:2-5, 24-25 A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth. The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines… The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Devotional: Even before he was born, God had a special purpose for Samson’s life. His mother had been barren for many years, a disgrace for women of Israel in that day, and his birth took away her reproach. An angel visited her with the proclamation that her son was to be dedicated to God, and she took that announcement very seriously, ensuring he was raised just as God had asked.
Samson’s life began well.
For today, let’s rest in that place in his story.
Reflect:
- Re-read today’s passage and record your observations about Samson’s early life.
What must it have been like for his parents to conceive and raise him?