Chapter 12
Verse 1 The tribe of Ephraim got left out again.
Verse 6 Local dialect worked in their favor. The men of Ephraim couldn't say the "sh" sound!
Verse 7 Part of the job of the judges was to calm "civil unrest".
Verses 8-15 The successors of Jephthah. All relatively short reigns.
Chapter 13
Verse 2 It amazes me how many barren women are used in the Bible for God's greater plan. God uses our natural weaknesses to reveal His own incredible strength and Glory.
Verses 4-5 The Nazerite vow is a serious one--this one initiated by God before conception.
Verse 6 The angel went directly to the woman, not through her husband.
Verse 8 Dedicated parents, seeking the will and instruction of the Lord in the upbringing of their son. We don't have to parent a Nazirite to follow their example. Notice they seek His leading before the child is even conceived! They believe the promise God has given them.
Verses 9-23 The encounter between the Angel of God and Samson's parents is a surreal, supernatural experience. In verse 20, the angel ascends into the heavens in the flame of the alter. AWESOME!
Verse 24 The promised son is born.
Next time: Judges 14-15
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