Judges 13:24 - Meaning and Application

Here we see, first, Samson’s birth. The woman who had long been barren bore a son, just as God had promised, for no word from God will fail. Has he spoken, and will he not make it good?

His name, Samson, has been taken by some from Shemesh, the sun, turned into a smaller form, like “a little sun.” This may be because he was born to be a deliverer, like Moses, and was likely very handsome, with a face that shone like a small sun. Or his parents may have named him in memory of the shining messenger of God who had brought them this promise. They did not know his name, yet when his words came true, they honored him in this way.

He was like a little sun because he was born a Nazarite, a person set apart to God, and because of his great strength. The sun itself is compared to a strong man (Psalm 19:5), so why should a strong man not be compared to the sun when he rises in his strength? He was also a little sun because he was a light and honor to Israel, and a picture of Christ, the Sun of righteousness.

Next, his childhood. He grew more than other children in both strength and size, far beyond boys of his own age. More than that, it was clear that the Lord was blessing him and fitting him, in body and mind, for something great and unusual. Children given by promise also receive blessing.

Then came his youth. When he was still young, the Spirit of the Lord began to move him (Judges 13:25). This showed that the Lord was blessing him. Where God gives his blessing, he also gives his Spirit to prepare a person for it. Those are truly blessed in whom the Spirit of grace begins to work early, even in childhood. If the Spirit is poured out on our children, they will grow up strong and fruitful, like willows by streams of water (Isaiah 44:3, 4).

The Spirit of God moved Samson in the camp of Dan, that is, among the trained men of that tribe, who likely had gathered in a camp between Zorah and Eshtaol, near his home, to resist the Philistines. There, while still a child, Samson appeared among them and showed himself in brave deeds, surpassing them all in tests of strength. He likely also showed unusual zeal against his country’s enemies and a public spirit beyond what could be expected in a child.

The Spirit moved him only at times, not all the time, like the wind that blows where it will. This showed that his feats did not come from himself, since he could not have done such things whenever he wanted. Strong men often think wine gives them courage (Psalm 78:65), but Samson drank no wine, and yet he excelled in strength, courage, and every bold and noble action, because the Spirit of God moved him. So do not be drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit.