Sunday: The Birth of Samson: Judges 13:1-25
Samson was born to godly parents who feared the Lord, prayed for wisdom, and obeyed His will. Samson was dedicated to the Lord as a lifelong Nazarite. A godly home is no guarantee of a godly life if the spiritual influence is rejected by the children. The parents were not at fault; Samson was. (Numbers 6; Proverbs 22:6)
Monday: Samson’s Marriage: Judges 14:1-20
When Samson went to the Philistines to get a wife, he showed a lack of concern and respect for God’s commandments, specifically ignoring God’s law concerning mixed marriages. He misused God’s gifts and empowerment for personal gain and advantage. (Exodus 34:16; Deuteronomy 7:3; Genesis 24:3-4; 26:34-35)
Tuesday: Samson’s Revenge: Judges 15:1-8
Samson’s fight with the Philistines was primarily motivated by personal anger and revenge rather than by concern for God’s deliverance of the Hebrew people. This selfishness and lack of commitment to God eventually led to his ruin. (Ezekiel 25:15-17)
Wednesday: Samson’s Exploits: Judges 15:9-20
During the twenty years Samson was judge of Israel, he never succeeded in delivering the people from the oppression of the Philistines. His record consisted only of sporadic exploits against the pagan nation. What might God have accomplished through Samson if he had been faithful to his calling and genuinely dedicated to God’s purpose for his life as the chosen deliverer of Israel?
Thursday: Samson and Delilah: Judges 16:1-16
Samson’s problem of insatiable lust eventually led to his downfall. He was more concerned with satisfying his sexual passion than with pleasing his holy God. A Spirit-filled God-called leader has no right doing what Samson did. His body belonged to God. (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
Friday: Samson’s Downfall 1: Judges 16:17-22
Samson is an example of those believers who think that God will remain with them even as they continue in sinful and immoral conduct. The Lord left this judge because of his continued disobedience. It is possible for the Lord to depart from a persistently sinful person without him or her realizing it. (1 Corinthians 9:27; Hebrews 3:6-19)
Saturday: Samson’s Restoration: Judges 16:23-31
Samson, now with a repentant spirit and a renewed faith in God, called on the Lord, and his prayer was answered. The demonstration of Samson’s faith resulted in his inclusion among the heroes of faith. (Hebrews 11:32)