Samson

Samson (Hebrew meaning “Of the Sun”), Judges 13:1-16:31, was a man who was prophesied before his birth to free Israel from the Philistines:

“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.” (NIV, Judges 13:2-5).

Samson was Nazarite from his birth. Nazarites were consecrated males usually for a definite period, but it could also be a lifelong covenant. Nazarites were to abstain from wine, any grape product, any alcoholic beverages, did not cut their hair, and were not to touch the dead (see Numbers 6 for the complete list of regulations).

Samson serves as a good lesson in not living up to one’s potential. It is also an example of a person having freedom of choice and not predestination. Samson’s great strength could have led Israel out of Philistine bondage. But it seems Samson was an entitled and selfish individual, weak in moral character. Consequently, though he caused havoc amongst the Philistines he failed in saving Israel. By contrast, Samuel was also a lifelong Nazarite who faithfully served the Lord (1 Samuel 1:11). Samuel is counted amongst the great prophets of Israel.