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24 So the woman gave birth to a son, and named him Samson; and the child grew up and the Lord blessed him.
25 And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him when he was in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
In the Bible, a name reflects the nature of the person. What thoughts did your parents have when naming you? What hopes and meanings were embedded in it? God must have a plan fitting for your name. Let’s reflect upon our own names. Following the angel’s promise, Manoah’s wife gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. (1) Samson is a name related to the word “sun”. In a sense, he is “a son of the sun.” This name also symbolizes Samson’s mission. He becomes the sun that rescues the people of Israel from the darkness of Philistine oppression. (2) Samson grew physically, intellectually, and spiritually. Then there was the Lord’s blessing upon him. (3) When the time came, he was moved by the Spirit of the Lord and began his activities in Mahaneh -dan between Zorah and Eshtaol. Mahaneh-dan means “the camp of Dan,” named so because 600 Danite soldiers encamped there.
Samson is a type of Jesus Christ. In other words, Samson prefigures the coming Messiah. There are many similarities between Samson and Jesus Christ. (1) His birth was different from the usual. Samson’s mother was barren, yet she conceived a son with the help of the Lord. Similarly, Jesus’ mother Mary conceived Him by the Holy Spirit. (2) Samson was given the name “son of the sun.” Jesus is referred to as “the true Light that enlightens every person” (John 1:9). (3) Samson grew under the blessing of the Lord, and so did Jesus. “Now the Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40). “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people” (Luke 2:52). (4) And most importantly, both Samson and Jesus began their activities through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us also pray to be filled by the Holy Spirit, so that we can fulfill the mission given to us by God.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, please fill me with the Holy Spirit. Use me according to Your divine plan. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.