Today's reading (Judges 4 through 15) went much easier than yesterday. I read about some of the first judges and how Israel responded when each judge died. For most of the judges, there is very little information listed. Then we get to Samson...
I had a very negative view of Samson until my hubby and I started reading through the Old Testament together last year. When I was younger, the stories I heard about Samson made him seem to be an evil man who is used by God to help Israel during their bondage. I was under the impression that Samson had poor choice in wives, that he was reckless, and that he was extremely violent.
When I actually read the stories for myself, I was shocked. The Bible says that Samson's first marriage was "of the Lord" (Judges 14:4). Samson didn't disregard God's council and marry a Philistine; God wanted him to marry a Philistine woman. And yes, the stories about Samson are kind of violent. But Samson wasn't being violent just for the sake of violence; God was using Samson as an instrument to punish the Philistines for acts they committed against the Israelites! "The Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him" in several instances (Judges 14:6, 15:14). No wonder Samson was listed in the faith chapter. I finally understand why.
1 comment:
I'm glad your reading is going well and he is showing you what you did not understand before. :)
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