Judges 14:1-4 – What kind of vessel are we?

Judges 13 concludes in verse 25 saying that the Spirit of the LORD began to stir Samson in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. Reading this verse would raise our expectation of meeting a very distinguished vessel that God had raised for great exploitations. We must not be mistaken. God’s choice of Samson as a vessel to deliver His people was undeniable. But the image we have of him as a clear thinker, a sensible vessel would be dashed. Having a great credential would certainly be an advantage if we want to serve God. But the vessel he uses need not necessarily be one with a great credential.  

Samson, as Charles Swindoll once described him, was a “he-man” but a “she-weakness.” He was a wilfully carnal man who was not only weak with women but also one with unrestrained anger. Samson was a very different person from what many minds would have conceived him to be. The story of his failing life only goes to point us to God’s faithfulness. The failings of man can never thwart the plan of our righteous, faithful God. Although we had wished that Samson was a very different person, yet it is clear that he was God’s design to deliver his people from the Philistine’s oppression. God uses Samson in spite of his moral failings. That is the wonders of God’s grace. Through this most unlikely servant, God accomplished His purpose of alleviating His people from oppression.  

Judges 14 describes for us the numbers of trips Samson made to the Philistine’s territory. Described in verses 1-4 was the first trip he made. Verse 1 said that “Then Samson went down to Timnah….” While he was there, he was attracted to a Philistine woman whom he saw. When he returned home, he insisted that his parents arrange for him to marry her. Marrying a foreigner would be a clear violation of the covenant agreement required of the Israelites. Manoah and his wife were unable to dissuade this wilful son. They reasoned with him asking “Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” His emotion had got the better of him. His attraction to the woman prevailed over the wisdom of his parents. So, he insisted. Here caution is in order. The lust of the flesh is more lethal than we know. It has been the downfall of many and will continue to be. It pays for us to be alert for lust can come knocking at our heart’s door anytime. Especially when we are unguarded and disappointed. We must take time to solidify our relationship with God so that we will not pander to lust when it comes calling.  

The heartening truth is found in verse 4. We are told that God’s providence was at work. Though Samson and his parents were unaware, God was looking to inflict the Philistines. The Israelites were greatly oppressed by them and they were too crushed and discouraged. God raised Samson to help them deal with the Philistines. The catalyst that had Samson going was the ill-treatment he had at the hand of the Philistines. The attraction to the Philistine's woman was the distasteful start of Samson’s journey as Israel’s deliverer.

Thankfully, God uses men despite their weakness. And nothing can frustrate His purpose. The truth is that God is faithful and gracious. It is this that should drive us to serve Him with our very best and not with our worst. With His help, we must seek to be at our very best so that His plan can be accomplished with greater honour and glory. Amen!