I’ve never given much thought to Samson’s parents from the Old Testament book of Judges.
Indeed, Samson is such a stranger character, I’ve read his story and moved on.
My friend Chase Replogle has a book coming out soon which examines the man more closely.
I’m looking forward to reading The Five Masculine Instincts: A Guide for Becoming a Better Man for more insight.
He discussed Samson on his January 31, 2022, podcast. You can listen here.
But in the meantime, I’ve just read Judges 13 and saw several concepts about faith and childrearing.
Samson’s parents had the same questions many of us have when a baby is coming.
Except, this child’s arrival was announced by the Angel of the Lord.
What did it mean?
Miracle and Restrictions
Parenting always involves faith–for health, safety, happiness, and the future.
What would you do if Jesus–in the guise of “the Angel of the Lord”–dropped in on you?
Now there was a certain man from Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had no children. And the Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Indeed now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.”
Judges 13:2-3 ESV
Interesting, isn’t it, how often Bible stories involve a barren woman?
In this case, Mrs. Manoah knew that emotional burden and embarrassment.
Then this angel appeared–“fear not”–with exciting and surprising news.
A miracle, really.
The Angel provided her with specific instructions about her pregnancy with this child, which she relayed to her husband.
Then the woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name, but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’”
Judges 13:6-7 ESV
These directions told Mrs. Manoah that she, basically, would live with the Nazarite vow through the pregnancy.
Samson’s Parents Grapple with Faith
Of course, Manoah wanted to believe this astounding news.
His wife believed it.
But, still, he asked God to confirm. (Joseph got confirmation, too.)
Don’t you love how patient God is with our flimsy faith–particularly when entering a miraculous gift?
So, the Angel of the Lord returned.
To Mrs. Manoah working in the fields. She ran to retrieve her husband this time!
Manoah arose and went after his wife and came to the man and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to this woman?” And he said, “I am.”
And Manoah said, “Now when your words come true, what is to be the child’s manner of life, and what is his mission?”
Judges 13:11-12
Note that reply: “I am.”
That should explain who that angel was!
Manoah, though, brushed right past that amazing answer and asked instead about the child. What sort of future would he have? What mission did God plan?
Isn’t that what we all want to know about our children?
But why?
Trusting God for the future
I thought about Manoah’s question and what faith means for us. What are we really asking with the words, “will this all work out?”
Here’s the definition of superstition:
- a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation.
- an irrational abject attitude of mind toward God.
- a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary
The news was too good to be true. If God was going to such an extreme to produce this child, would his future be safe?
The Angel of the Lord basically said, “I’ve told you all you need to know.”
Hasn’t God already told parents what they need to know?
- I will never leave you nor forsake you. (1 Kings 8:57 and elsewhere)
- I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. (Genesis 28:15)
- The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Hebrews 13:6)
- Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. (Isaiah 41:10)
God already gave us the assurances we need. No matter what happens to ourselves or our children, He’ll be there.
He loves us. We can trust Him.
Why Samson’s parents probably were happy they didn’t know the future
Given what that kid dragged them through, don’t you think they deserved some peace of mind?
A friend commented once that worry doesn’t do us any good. (More Bible verses!)
She quoted someone, “If you worry, you suffer twice. First, when you worry. Second when you go through it.
“But if you don’t worry, you only have to endure the experience once.”
Samson’s parents had quite a road ahead of them as they tried to guide and love their strong-headed child.
(Don’t ask me how they managed his never-cut hair!)
More than anyone, they must have watched wide-eyed as the child God called into being lived an overwhelming life.
The lies, humiliation, rash decisions, hot temper, and waywardness with women must have left them perplexed.
In the end, however, Samson served God’s purpose.
But the cost was heavy.
We raise our children with hopes and dreams, just like Samson’s parents.
Some children live honorable and wonderful lives.
Some do not.
As parents, all we can do is trust them into God’s hands. (They were His idea anyway).
Pray, believe, love, and guide.
Again and again!
They belong to God– not us.
Tweetables
Imagine being Samson’s parents! And what about his future? Click to Tweet
How to raise children without fear–or answers. Click to Tweet
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