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Samson, the Strongest Yet Weakest Man
This chapter is based on Judges 13 to 16.
Amid widespread apostasy, the faithful worshipers of God con-
tinued to plead with Him deliver Israel. Though it seemed as if there
was no response, in the early years of the Philistine oppression a
child was born through whom God planned to humble the power of
these mighty enemies.
“The Angel of the Lord” appeared to the childless wife of
Manoah with the message that she would have a son through whom
God would begin to deliver Israel. The Angel gave her instructions
concerning her own habits and also how to treat her child: “Be
careful not to drink wine nor similar drink, and not to eat anything
unclean.” The child was also forbidden to eat or drink these things.
The Angel further instructed that his hair should not be cut, for he
was to be consecrated to God as a Nazirite from his birth.
Importance of Prenatal Training
Afraid that they would make some mistake, the husband prayed,
“Let the Man of God whom You sent come to us again and teach us
what we shall do for the child who will be born.”
When the Angel appeared again, Manoah asked, “What will be
the boy’s rule of life, and his work?” The previous instruction was
repeated—“Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful. ... All
that I commanded her let her observe.”
To be sure that the promised child was properly qualified for
his important work, the habits of both the mother and the child
needed careful control. The habits of the mother will affect the child
for good or evil. She must be controlled by principle, practicing
temperance and self-denial, if she wants the best development for
her child. Unwise advisers will urge the mother to gratify every wish
and impulse, but by God’s command the mother is placed under
solemn obligation to exercise self-control.
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