671. JDG 13:24, JDG 13:25. SAMSON, BOTH AN EXAMPLE AND BEACON

Jdg_13:24, Jdg_13:25. Samson, Both an Example and Beacon

"And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol."’97Jdg_13:24, Jdg_13:25.

The history of Samson is one of the most difficult biographies of the Old Testament. Yet this difficulty arises chiefly from our incorrect mode of judging and concluding of human character. For instance; a man may be unconverted, and yet there may be evinced many traits of moral excellency. He may be truthful, sober, honest; yea, generous and benevolent. We meet with such in every-day life,’97and such have existed in all ages.

On the other hand, a man may be really converted, and yet his life may be singularly checkered and uneven’97there may be glaring relapses, and numerous infirmities. Now we presume, that Samson is of the latter class. A good man, laden with infirmities.

Let us look at those moral features,

I. Which hold him up as an example.

Let us, however, first glance at some general things in his life. His birth was foretold, &c. See the remarkable account; chap. Jdg_13:1, &c.

He was an instrument of divine providence, for special purposes. In some things, he has been supposed to be a type of the Lord Jesus.

(1.) In overcoming the lion, &c.

(2.) Especially in bearing away the gates of Gaza; typifying the resurrection of the Son of God.

Amazing physical strength was that with which he was especially endowed. We have no evidence of his being distinguished either for great mental or moral power. His excellency may be summed up in one brief sentence, "Public consecratedness to God." He lived, and labored, and suffered, as a public servant of God. As such he was,

(1.) A Nazarite from the birth.

(2.) An entire abstainer from all intoxicating drinks.

(3.) A great sufferer for Israel’s sake. Blinded, in prison, &c.

(4.) A voluntary sacrifice on the altar of his country, and religion.

He was also evidently candid, generous, and noble-hearted. As such he is worthy to be an example; in these two things especially:

Personal devotedness. Public usefulness.

Let me urge these on all professing Christians.

But look at him,

II. As a Beacon.

1. He was the victim of sensual passions.

Neither watchful nor vigilant,’97apparently without self-government. Hence, mark all the woes of his life.

2. His irreligious marriage.

His bosom companion one of the Philistines, whom he was raised up to punish. No more foolish or wicked a thing can Christians scarcely do, than marry with unbelievers. It must result in evil. It cannot be truly happy, or really prosperous.

3. See him with his head afterwards in the lap of pleasure.

Himself on the verge of ruin. Sporting with peril. All who live in pleasure are dead, &c. How many of the young are often seen thus; and how many are daily ruined.

4. See him bereft of sight, and toiling in the prison.

Dark, degraded. The victim of slavery, even in the prime of manhood. How often this the result of sensuality and profligacy. Our city asylums are full of such cases. Mental, and often moral blindness, is the result; yet let us hope that his adversity and sufferings were sanctified.

As an instrument of God’s vengeance on the Philistines, and as a punishment of idolatry, the last scene of Samson’s life and doings, are brought before us; chap. Jdg_16:23. No doubt, a splendid temple. Thousands of spectators. The grandees of the nation, &c. Jdg_16:27. It was to exalt Dagon, Jdg_16:23; and expose Samson to universal contempt. Look at Samson led in. He seeks a resting place. The spirit of the Lord comes upon him. The God of the Philistines is to be shamed, and his worshippers destroyed; Jdg_16:28.

All is silent, as the eager multitudes wait for the sport of their victim.

He prays to God.

Grasps the pillars.

Puts forth his strength; and the house fell, &c.

Samson, thus dying, partially recovers his renown.

God is glorified. Idolatry signally punished. But from Samson, the instrument of God’s providence in ancient times’97we turn,

To Jesus, the perfect model of all holiness and loveliness. The great deliverer, &c. Mighty to save.

Who died for us; and in dying, redeemed us and a rebellious world, to himself, &c.

(1.) To Him let the sinner repair for mercy and salvation.

(2.) To Him let the believer look for help &c., in every hour of need.

(3.) To-night, at his table, we celebrate his dying victory, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS