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Judges 11:29-15:20<\/strong><\/span> Today we read about Jephthah and his daughter \u2013 and the related vow.\u00a0 It is interesting to note that some Biblical scholars do not think that Jepthah actually killed his daughter, but that she simply died a virgin, as verse 38 says.\u00a0 However\u2026 verse 38 also says he kept his vow. Keep in mind that oftentimes the Bible reports \u201cjust the facts,\u201d which does not necessarily mean the \u201cfacts\u201d or actions of what us humans did was pleasing in God\u2019s sight.\u00a0 Human sacrifice was not part of God\u2019s laws or plans.\u00a0 It is clearly forbidden in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 1-5 and in Leviticus chapter 18:21 \u2013 \u201d \u2018Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.\u201d<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n Today we begin reading four chapters about Samson, the last of the judges.\u00a0 You\u2019ll notice that the author of Judges often compares the story of Samson\u2019s birth and life with the story of Israel.\u00a0 Samson was a Nazirite, which meant he could drink no alcohol, could not cut his hair, and could have no contact with the dead.\u00a0 I found it interesting that Samson\u2019s mother was commanded by the angel in Judges 13 today to not drink any alcohol during her pregnancy.\u00a0 Obviously this is important for health reasons, but also it seems it is important because Samson was a Nazirite \u2013 whose life began in his mother\u2019s womb.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Judges chapter 13 verses 19 & 20 are awesome to consider \u2013 \u201cThen Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered it on a rock as a sacrifice to the LORD. And as Manoah and his wife watched, the LORD did an amazing thing. As the flames from the altar shot up toward the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the fire. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell with their faces to the ground.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Interesting story today about Samson & the lion!\u00a0 Pretty gross that he ate the honey made in the lion\u2019s carcass on the way to his wedding!\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 \u00a0You\u2019ll note in our readings of Samson that he is drawn to Philistine women, which was against God\u2019s law and the Philistine\u2019s were Israel\u2019s enemies then.\u00a0 Hence, his parents did not approve of the marriage early in chapter 14.\u00a0 Okay \u2013 back to the lion, and verses 5 & 6 \u2013 \u201cAs Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the LORD powerfully took control of him, and he ripped the lion\u2019s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn\u2019t tell his father or mother about it.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Judges 15 today is quite a chapter!\u00a0 Whew\u2026\u00a0 Samson is a whirlwind in this chapter\u2026 I know I probably should not chuckle about this \u2013 but a donkey\u2019s jawbone??\u00a0 Who would have ever thought this could be a lethal weapon.\u00a0 Well, now we all know it can be indeed.<\/span><\/p>\n Worship Video:<\/strong>\u00a0 Today\u2019s readings remind me of Third Day\u2019s song \u201cSoul on Fire:\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \n
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