The Philistines have been mentioned as oppressors of Israel in Judges 3:31; Judges 10:7, Judges 10:11; and the Israelite worship of the gods of the Philistines is spoken of in Judges 10:6. But this is the first time that we have any detailed history in connection with the Philistines. They continned... [ Continue Reading ]
ZORAH - See the marginal reference. HIS WIFE WAS BARREN - To mark more distinctly the high providential destiny of the child that was eventually born. Compare the similar circumstances of the birth of Isaac, Jacob, Samuel, and John the Baptist.... [ Continue Reading ]
A NAZARITE - See the marginal reference. and note. The common Nazarite vow was for a limited time, like Paul’s Acts 18:18; Acts 21:23. Others, like Samuel 1 Samuel 1:11, were Nazarites for life.... [ Continue Reading ]
A MAN OF GOD - The designation of a prophet, of frequent use in the books of Samuel and Kings 1Sa 2:27; 1 Samuel 9:6, 1 Samuel 9:10; 1Ki 12:22; 1 Kings 13:1, 1 Kings 13:5, 1 Kings 13:11, and applied to Timothy by Paul in the New Testament 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 3:17.... [ Continue Reading ]
Translate, “What shall be the manner (or ordering) of the child, and what shall be his work (or exploits).” The original message of the Angel had given information on these two points: (1) how the child was to be brought up, namely, as a Nazarite; (2) what he should do, namely, begin to deliver Is... [ Continue Reading ]
Compare Numbers 6:4. In both passages the vine is described by the somewhat unusual though more accurate term, “vine of the wine” - the grape-bearing vine - to distinguish it from the wild cucumber vine 2 Kings 4:39, or other plants to which the name vine was applied.... [ Continue Reading ]
The language of Manoah, like that of Gideon Judges 6:18, seems to indicate some suspicion that his visitor was more than human. The word rendered “made ready,” is also the proper word for “offering a sacrifice,” and is so used by the Angel in the next verse. By which it appears that the Angel unders... [ Continue Reading ]
DO THEE HONOR - If applied to a man, it would be by gifts, such for instance as Balak promised to the prophet Balaam Numbers 22:17, and such as were usually given to seers 1Sa 9:7-8; 2 Kings 5:5, 2 Kings 5:15 : if to God, it would be by sacrifices Isaiah 43:23.... [ Continue Reading ]
SECRET - Rather, “wonderful,” as in the margin. In Judges 13:19 the Angel “did wondrously,” probably as the Angel that Appeared to Gideon had done, bringing fire from the rock. See the marginal references and notes.... [ Continue Reading ]
SAMSON - The etymology is doubtful. Perhaps it comes from a word signifying “to minister,” in allusion to his Nazaritic consecration to the service of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE CAMP OF DAN - Rather, “Mahaneh-Dan” (see the margin). The impulses of the Spirit of the Lord perhaps took the shape of burning indignation at the subjection of his brethren, and thoughts and plans for their deliverance, but especially showed themselves in feats of strength (Judges 14:6; Judge... [ Continue Reading ]