“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of Gd spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21
In the story of Samson related to us in the book of Judges, we find that “…the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.” (13:25) The first thing that we notice about this intervention of God is that it had very real repercussions, or effects, upon Samson. Though Samson could not see the Spirit of God, there was no doubt that He worked in and upon Samson to communicate to him strength that was not normally his. This leads us to the second thing about this moving of the Spirit. It came about in the Lord’s time, in the Lord’s way, for a purpose which the Lord desired to accomplish. In other words, the moving of the Spirit was under the sovereign control of God and revealed in the measure that God intended. It was intermittent, or rather, “at times.” God had a purpose for giving that strength to Samson, for by his hand God would “…begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” (13:5)
There are other things that are important to see concerning the ministry of the Spirit of God in and through Samson. There were times when the “Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him,” and yet, there were times when He did not. Why? The Spirit of God worked mightily in and through Samson when the specific circumstances required it. For example, Samson had to kill a lion. The Spirit of God came upon him for this. There was a time when Samson would fight against the Philistines, slaying a thousand of them in one day. Samson would judge Israel for twenty years, the Spirit of God giving him the specific strength to overcome all his foes. However, there would come a day, when that strength given by the Spirit was withheld by God. Why? Why was there not a continuation of Samson’s judgeship? At what point did the Spirit of God cease to bless, and intervene, to give the strength to overcome Samuel’s enemies, and those of Israel? The key to the blessing of God upon Samson, and the mighty working of the Spirit, did not have to do so much with his uncut hair, as much as a deliberate compromise of in his heart towards the God of his strength.
Samson had been set apart by God from before he was born, this being revealed to his mother and father. He was a Nazarite, one who had accepted his calling to be wholly a servant of God. His uncut hair, and the specific separation from that which was of the world with it’s wine and strong drink, along with all uncleanness, would have no part in Samson’s life. Samson was watchful and careful to “guard his heart,” with respect to his consecration vow. However, Samson had another enemy, one that was quietly stalking him. It was Satan. For over twenty years he sought to bring Samson down, first of all by the strength of battle, by the hands of the Philistines. But then it became evident, that the Philistines could only conquer Samson by intrigue, and deception. That which was the essential thing was the knowledge of why God gave to Samson his strength, and only Samson could declare it.
There existed a covenant between God and Samson, one whereby with regard to the power and purposes of God, Samson was faithful. He fought Israel’s enemies to deliver them from their domination, and judged the people, in the measure that he could. As long as Samson was completely committed to the God of the covenant, his uncut hair being a sign of this commitment, God would move by the Spirit, giving Samson strength. But if ever, for whatever reason, through negligence or willfulness, that covenant was breached, his strength would become like that of any other man. Whole-hearted faith was the key.
Dear Father, Give us devoted hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.