413. JDG 13:3-5. SAMSON A TYPE OF CHRIST
Jdg_13:3-5. Samson a Type Of Christ
"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren and hearest not; but thou shalt conceive and bear a son," &c.’97Jdg_13:3-5.
Few persons of scriptural renown appear to less advantage than Samson. There are no evidences of superior piety or distinguished goodness exhibited in his life, and we might almost have hesitated whether to place him among the ranks of the godly, had we not found this already done by the apostle, who gives us a brief view of Old Testament worthies, in his epistle to the Hebrews, (ch. xi. 32,) and concludes by saying, "All these died in the faith." While the private life of Samson is however so lamentably deficient as to traits of elevated piety, yet the public events of his wonderful career seem expressly typical of the person and work of the Messiah Observe this in the following particulars:
I. In the Events associated with his Birth.
His conception was announced by an angel, and his future character and history predicted, Jdg_13:5. How exactly do we see a similar messenger, announcing a similar event to the virgin mother of Jesus. "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favor with God. And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David," &c., Luke i 30-33. He seemed to be a type of Christ,
II. As a Nazarite.
It was ordained of him that he should be a Nazarite from the womb. The Nazarites were considered separated from common purposes, and devoted to God. In this how did he typify Jesus, who although not a legal Nazarite, yet was called a Nazarene, Mat_2:23. And who exhibited in all his actions his devotedness to his Father’s work, and who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. Yes, how truly was the very spirit of the Nazarite exemplified in Christ. He associated not with those engaged in the pursuit of wealth, fame, or earthly glory. His was not companionship with the great and the learned, with the nobles and princes of this world. He came to do the work of God, and he wearied not, until he could say, Father, "I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."
III. In his Achievements
1. In the destruction of the lion.
The history of this event is given, Jdg_14:6, and the sequel of the bees and honey in the carcass is peculiarly singular; as Scott justly observes, "the carcass of a lion was a most unlike place for a swarm of bees, being, as might have been supposed, both inconvenient and offensive to that delicate insect, which draws honey from she most odoriferous flowers and plants." In this we see the temptations and victory of Christ singularly exhibited. Christ, on his entrance on the great work of his mission, retired into the wilderness, and there conflicted and overcame Satan, the roaring lion. And this conquest of Christ’s is full of sweetness to the tempted believer, for he not only sees the limited power of the wicked one, but also learns how effectually to put him to flight by the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. See Mat_4:1-11.
2. He marvellously discomfited his enemies.
Unto these enemies he was delivered by his own people, Jdg_15:11, &c. Yet by his own mighty arm, nerved with power from on high, did he overcome them. See Jdg_15:14-20. And so also at his death did he slay still more of his enemies than during his life, Jdg_16:26. The whole life of Jesus was one struggle with those who were the enemies of his person, doctrine, and reign. By his words and miracles did he confound both the Pharisees and scribes and teachers of the people. But at his death he gained a final conquest over earth and hell, and triumphantly shout ed, "It is finished," and gave up the ghost In the sufferings and indignities offered to Samson before his death, we have shadow ed forth the shame, and contumely, and cruelty with which Jesus was treated in the court of Herod, and after the sentence of death was pronounced upon him. Com pare especially Jdg_16:25, and Mat_27:29.
3. In beaming away the gates of Gaza.
See Jdg_15:2, Jdg_15:3. It is impossible to read the scripture account of this event and not see a striking coincidence in it, and the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
Just as the enemies of Gaza must have marvelled at Samson’s escape, bearing on his shoulders the ponderous gates of the city, so marvelled both the soldiers and the Jews at the resurrection of Christ from the tomb, with the earthquake and glory with which it was attended. We shall not attempt to show the great disparity between Samson and Jesus, as one was the least perfect of Old Testament saints, and the other the source and pattern of unsullied purity and goodness. It may indeed be said that many New Testament saints, under a more favorable dispensation, exhibit equal frailties to those displayed in the life of Samson. Our reply is, Jesus is the model of Christian excellency, we are called with a high and holy calling, and it behooves us to show forth a conversation becoming the gospel of Christ. While Samson acts as a beacon, let Jesus be the magnet, directing us to walk in his holy and heavenly steps.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS