1. The Dark Days of Israel’s Judges A Study of the Book of Judges The Dark Days of Israel’s Judges A Study of the Book of Judges Lesson 13 Judges 13:1-25 Samson’s Silver Spoon November 8, 2009

2. I.Introduction A.Why the title, “Samson’s Silver Spoon?” B.As we read this story, doesn’t Samson’s origin sound familiar to us? 1.Angelic messenger 2.Childless mother 3.Miraculous birth 4.Godly parents C.Caution: Read the story as it unfolds. D.The Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6:1-21) 1.A voluntary, temporary vow 2.No grape products (especially wine) 3.No contact with the dead 4.No haircut until the vow period ends

3. II.Israel’s Spiritual Condition (13:1) A.Israel again did evil B.Given over to Philistines for 40 years C.What is not said: 1. That they were horribly oppressed 2. That they cried out for help D.Why is Israel content in her bondage? 1. Security 2. Pluralism 3. Sensuality is permitted, even encouraged. 4. Does this sound familiar?

4. III.The First Angelic Visitation (13:2-7) A.Manoah is introduced (13:2). B.The Angel of the Lord appears to Mrs. Manoah (13:2-5). 1. No plea from her for a child (cf. 1 Sam. 1) 2. Her barren condition will be reversed 3. Drink no wine or alcohol, eat nothing unclean, hair to remain uncut 4. The boy to be a Nazirite from birth 5. He will begin to deliver Israel C.Woman reports to her husband 1. The awesomeness of the angel 2. The mysteriousness of the angel 3. The promise of the angel 4. The instructions of the angel

5. D.Observations 1. Mrs. Manoah is never named 2. Samson’s Nazirite status was not voluntary 3. His Nazirite status was not temporary 4. Mrs. Manoah must participate 5. She must not eat unclean food 6. The messenger is recognized as angelic, but not as the Angel of the Lord IV.The Second Angelic Visitation (13:8-23) A.Manoah’s prayer (13:8) B.The Angel appears to Mrs. Manoah (13:9-10) C.Manoah’s questions: 1. Are you the one? 2. What is to be the boy’s mode of life? (Notice that this is not directly answered.)

6. 3. Can you stay for dinner (13:15-16)? 4. What is your name (13:17-18)? D.The amazing sacrifice (13:19-20) E.Manoah’s realization and fear (13:21-23) 1. It was the Angel of the Lord – we have seen God! 2. We’re going to die! 3. His wife’s words of assurance V.The Birth and Growth of Samson A.The Lord blessed him (13:24) B.The Lord’s Spirit began to “stir” him (13:25)

7. VI.Conclusion A.What should the reader expect in coming chapters? B.What will the reality be? C.Why does God impose the Nazirite vow on Samson and his mother? D.What advantages does Samson enjoy? E.Why, then, does Samson fail so badly? F.What does this teach Israel? G.What does this text teach us?

8. Copyright © 2009 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 13 in the series, The Dark Days of Israel’s Judges, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for November 8, 2009. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.