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Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  Philistine domination of Israel proved God’s displeasure with His people’s “cyclical sinning” (Period of Judges)  God had in mind one who would “begin to deliver Israel” with moral & physical strength Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion Ù Samson

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  However, Samson proved to be only a “man of the times”  Even though God used him, for the most part he was only concerned with himself and his own desires Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  Israel’s condition 13:1  Once again, she “…did evil in the sight of the Lord” [indicative of 350 yr. cycle of sin]  As a result, God gave her over into the hands of the Philistines for 40 years Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  God’s response 13:2-5  God “visited” Manoah and his barren wife  The angel gave her instructions for her during her pregnancy v. 4  The angel also instructed her re: her son once he was born v. 5 [Nazirite vow]  He was to begin to give Israel redemption Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  God’s response 13:2-5  The Nazirite Vow Num 6  A vow of dedication to the Lord v. 2  A vow of separation v. 4  Taken willingly for specified period of time  During the vow, one was “holy” v. 8 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  God’s response 13:2-5  The Nazirite Vow Num 6  During the vow…  …he had to completely abstain from anything related to the grape vv. 3-4  …he couldn’t shave his hair or beard v. 5 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  God’s response 13:2-5  The Nazirite Vow Num 6  Samson’s vow would be different  He didn’t take the vow willingly…it was decided for him  His wasn’t for a specified period of time… it was to be for his entire lifetime Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  Samson’s Parents 13:8-12  Manoah & his wife ask the angel to “…teach them what to do for the boy” v. 8  They inquired about the boy’s “mode of life and his vocation” v. 12  A commendable “parental” attitude pre-birth Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  Samson’s Parents 13:8-12  They took their responsibility seriously  They were concerned for his future  LESSON Ù children are a “gift” Psa 127:3  Parents prepare a child for adulthood…eternity  We only get 1 chance to “get it right”  Modern-day parents should heed this example! Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  Samson’s Parents 13:8-12  They took their responsibility seriously  They were concerned for his future  LESSON Ù children are a “gift” Psa 127:3  Far too many parents thoughtlessly bring a child into the world…give no thought to their “contribution” toward the child’s future Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4  He saw a woman in Timnah, desired her, & told his parents to get her for him vv. 1-2  They objected on the basis she came from the “uncircumcised Philistines” v. 3a Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4  Great Spiritual Application  Parents need to encourage/discourage their children’s choice for spouses…point them toward those with common interests, goals  Parents should imitate Samson’s parents Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4  Samson ignored his parents’ objection… she “looked good to him” v. 3b  A shallow carnal reason to marry  Many continue to make this same mistake Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4  A “providential fact” revealed v. 4  Samson’s parents were unaware of this  The Law established Divine disapproval of inter-marriages Deut 7:1-4 Josh 13:2-3 Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4  A “providential fact” revealed v. 4  Phrase “…of the Lord” doesn’t necessarily indicate Divine approval, sanction  It could refer to His providential use of it Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4  A “providential fact” revealed v. 4  Similar thought in Gen 37: :20  The nature of providence and the power & wisdom of God re: using us in His will Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The lion carcass 14:5-9  On the way to Timnah, a young lion comes roaring toward him v. 5  The “Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon him”…he kills the lion barehanded v. 6 [1st time this occurred] Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The lion carcass 14:5-9  Going back home, he sees bees & honey in the carcass…he takes some vv. 8-9a  He gives his parents some of the honey, but does not tell them its source v. 9b Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The lion carcass 14:5-9  A violation of the Nazirite vow? Num 6:6-7  A violation of the Law? Lev 11:27  Why didn’t he tell his parents? Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The marriage feast 14:10  A “customary ritual” young men did  Hebrew word for “feast” = drinking feast  Did Samson drink? The text does not say  He didn’t just “attend”…he “gave” (hosted) Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg  A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The marriage feast 14:10  Remember the restrictions imposed on him from the Nazirite vow Num 6:3-4  Are these actions totally consistent with those restrictions? Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion

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