“For indeed you will conceive and give birth to a son. You must never cut his hair, because the boy will be a Nazarite to God from birth, and he will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines.” Judges 13:5

There are few men in the Bible who are singled out before their conception to become a pivotal character in the life of a nation. Not only was Samson’s birth announced, the manner of his up bringing and his life’s mission were also revealed. He was to be separated onto God from the womb, and he was to rescue the Israelites from the Philistines.

This child was to be a lifelong Nazarite. This means that he was consecrated, or separated onto God from the moment of his birth. It was a holy calling. A calling to be God’s man for this time. There were special laws for those who made the Nazarite vow, which can be found in Numbers chapter 6. Basically, it meant avoiding eating or drinking anything from a grapevine, never cutting his hair, and never going near a dead body. His parents named him Samson which is taken from the Hebrew word – Like the Sun.

What a start in life! Ordained by God, brought up by devout God-fearing parents and given a name that radiates power and light. This should be the story of a victorious life, a hero that we could emulate, and a role model we could follow.

But the story of Samson is an overwhelming tragedy of a man who had no control over his desires, little respect for his calling, who deceived his parents and was taken captive and tortured by the very ones God had called him to destroy.

Over the next few days, we are going to explore the story of Samson’s super strength, and his super serious sins and discover the true Superhero of this part of Biblical history.