In the story of Jephthah (Judges 11 & 12), we learn that we need
wisdom as well as sincerity. We need to have knowledge of God’s will as
well as a desire to do His will.
Samson was to “dedicated to God
from his birth” (Judges 13:5). His early life is described in terms of
God’s blessing - “The boy grew up,and the Lord blessed him” (Judges
13:24). Samson’s adult life can be viewed at two levels - (a) Samson’s
selfishness - “Get her for me! She’s the one I want!”; and (b) God’s
sovereignty - “the Lord was behind” this (Judges 14:3-4). We see this
pattern continuing throughout Samson’s life. There is victory: “he
called out to the Lord, and said, ‘You have given me this great
victory.’” There is defeat: “he saw a prostitute and slept with her”
(Judges 15:18; 16:1). This combination of defeat and victory continues
all the way through to the time of Samson’s death. He was a prisoner of
the Philistines (Judges 16:21,23-24). He was used by God to bring the
Philistines down (Judges 16:28-30). The story of Samson is a story of
divine grace, triumphing over human sin.
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