Sampson’s Parents Make a Vow

Judges 13:8–14
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Manoah and his wife did not have any children because she was barren. So the birth of Samson was miraculous as was the birth of Isaac, or Joseph or Benjamin. Manoah accepted that the visitor was a “man of God” (v.8), prayed for a second visit and that he and his wife would be prepared for the demands of parenthood (v. 9). His request was granted and as soon as the angel appeared Manoah’s wife ran to get him (v. 10. Manoah asked the angel how they as parents could fulfil their responsibilities and the angel simply gave the same instructions he had given to his wife on the first visit (vv. 11-12). The angel reminded the couple concerning the serious responsibility of the vow that was to be kept by her during her pregnancy and then by the son throughout his life (vv. 13-14). The important thing is that we are seeking His way and His will just as Manoah was.

Manoah was more careful and desirous to know the duty to be done, than to know the events: duty is ours, events are God’s. God will guide those who desire to know their duty and serious parents should beg Divine assistance. The angel repeats the directions he had before given. Samson was a Nazarite. He was God’s man, and that was the secret of the success he had. He was to be raised up for a great purpose, and his success was in God. Unfortunately he never succeeded in performing his God appointed task. He began to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines, but he never finished the task. He was a beginner, not a finisher. There are many Christians like that. They start out with a bang and end up with a fizzle. Many people begin to read the Bible, but many  fall by the wayside. They just begin and don’t go on with it.

Application

I have been in the ministry for almost 50 years, and I have known lots of people who start something but never finish it. I not only want to be a good starter but a good finisher also.