So the woman bore a son and called his name Shimshon (Samson). And the child grew, and YHWH blessed him. And the Spirit of YHWH began to move him at Maḥanĕh Dan, between Tsor‛ah and Eshta’ol
YHWH ordained that Samson be set-apart for His service. In a time when all Israel did as the they saw fit YHWH equipped Samson with everything he needed to fulfill his divine purpose. It would be Samson’s calling to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.
“For look, you are conceiving and bearing a son. And let no razor come upon his head, for the youth is a Nazirite to Elohim from the womb on. And he shall begin to save Yisra’ĕl out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Samson was born with the strength and wisdom of YHWH, as long as he followed the straight and narrow path. This is not to suggest that keeping a Nazirite vow is the only way to walk that path, but there were expectations placed on Samson. Like us, he was expected to follow the ways of Elohim.
Although Samson was equipped with everything necessary to deliver Israel from their enemies and to serve as judge over the land, he suffered from a moral weakness that ultimately led to his downfall—his flesh. Today, many people fall by the wayside due to this unseen enemy that tempts and misguides us, much like a ship without a rudder. Our flesh tends to derail every good intention we have if we do not exercise self-control.
At that time, Israel was experiencing a similar situation. According to Judges 21:25, “In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This suggests that when individuals act solely based on their own perceptions of right and wrong, they are likely operating under their own impulses rather than adhering to a higher moral standard.
We as believers are expected to adhere to a high moral standard. Why? Because just like Samson YHWH expects us to be salt & light. To be the light in the darkness and that light only dwells in YHWH our Elohim. He is the source of our light. What seems popular to contrary belief is we must live, look, act, and be set-apart from this world.
Are we to love all people absolutely, be we cannot be in the world and be of the world at the same time. You cannot take part in the sinfulness of this world and expect to use that as an instrument of evangelism. This is why YHWH instructed His people to come out and be separate. There will always be the ones who, like the children of Israel will complain that the way is hard-pressed and will turn back. There will always be the ones living like the ‘church of Laodicea’ who are lukewarm and self-satisfied. Which one are you?
Our strength is found in YHWH and in Him alone. We must set aside our own desires and recognize that we need to lean solely on Him and be grounded in His word. Paul, in addressing the Corinthians, reminds them of Israel’s downfall during the golden calf incident. He warns the believers to take heed, lest they also fall by the wayside.
so that he who thinks he stands, let him take heed lest he fall.
In today’s world, we find ourselves surrounded by modern-day golden calves. Sin manifests in countless forms, yet we can achieve victory in our lives. We must not let the enemy deceive us as he deceived Eve in the garden with his crafty question: “Is it true that Elohim has said, ‘Do not eat of every tree of the garden?’”
Satan continues to craftily mislead YHWH’s people with such tempting doubts. Does YHWH really intend for us to live set-apart lives? Absolutely, He does!
He calls us to a higher purpose, just as He called Samson. However, Samson serves as a reminder of how even a righteous believer can drift off course. Scripture recounts several occasions where Samson in weakness fell into sin.
He coveted a pagan woman from Timnah, disregarding his parents’ wise counsel, and broke YHWH’s command by marrying her (Judges 14:1-3).
In a fit of rage, instigated by the manipulation of his wife, he killed 30 men (Judges 14:12-20).
Ultimately, his pursuit of another Philistine woman, Delilah, led to his betrayal, capture, and blindness.
Let us learn from Samson’s story and remain vigilant, for the call to live set-apart lives is profound and unwavering, but it takes full dependence on YHWH. Lean not upon your own understanding, but lean upon Him. What are the golden calves in your life that you need to identify and tear-down for true repentance and spiritual growth? A life of obedience is the only way to have victory over sin.
Each of us, much like Samson, possesses incredible potential to accomplish great things for YHWH. Embrace the power of prayer, distance yourself from the distractions of this world, refuse to be deceived, and wholeheartedly pursue YHWH’s purpose for your life.
The Didache, also known as “The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles,” stands as one of the earliest and most mysterious documents in the history of the early church. Its text, shorter in length yet far reaching in impact, offers a window into the beliefs, observances, and community halakha of the earliest followers of Yahshua.
The goal of this fallen world is the same as that faithful day in the garden. The alure and attraction of this world pulls believers and unbelievers alike into its grips through wealth, status, friends, religion, ETC. The enemy’s plan has not changed since the garden; he’s only become stealthier and more deceitful. The battle that started has only become more intense and with an enemy harder to target. The Word warns us not to become like the world, but to imitate our Messiah and to walk in the spirit which is full of life and peace.
Much like Moses, you may find yourself feeling discouraged, confused, and questioning where Yah is in your life. We all experience these moments, and often, the most heartfelt prayers come when we feel completely empty and simply ask for help. It’s in these times of humility, when we realize that there is nothing we can do on our own, that we must fully depend on and trust Him.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt becomes tasteless, how shall it be seasoned? For it is no longer of any use but to be thrown out and to be trodden down by men.”
