Judges 13:25

KJV

And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} began {H2490} to move him at times {H6470} in the camp {H4264} of Dan {H1835} between Zorah {H6881} and Eshtaol {H847}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Spirit of ADONAI began to stir him when he was in the Camp of Dan, between Tzor'ah and Eshta'ol.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

American Standard Version

And the Spirit of Jehovah began to move him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 13:25 marks the initial manifestation of divine empowerment in the life of Samson, revealing the Spirit of the LORD's active presence and preparatory work in him. This pivotal verse describes the nascent stirrings of supernatural strength and prophetic insight that began to periodically affect the young Samson in his home region, signaling God's sovereign hand in shaping him for his future, albeit complex, role as a deliverer for Israel against the Philistines.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the narrative of Samson's miraculous birth and early childhood, following the angelic annunciation to his barren parents, Manoah and his wife, in [Judges 13:2-23](/judges/13-2 "Judges 13:2-23 - The Annunciation of Samson's Birth"). The preceding verse, [Judges 13:24](/judges/13-24 "Judges 13:24 - Samson's Birth and Growth"), states that "the child grew, and the LORD blessed him." Judges 13:25 then immediately elaborates on the nature of this blessing, specifying the divine Spirit's active involvement in Samson's development. It sets the stage for the dramatic and often turbulent events of Samson's adult life, where his extraordinary strength, directly attributed to the Spirit's empowerment, plays a central role in his confrontations with the Philistines, as seen in subsequent chapters like [Judges 14](/judges/14 "Judges 14 - Samson's Marriage and First Acts") and [Judges 15](/judges/15 "Judges 15 - Samson's Exploits Against the Philistines").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges depicts a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, divine judgment (oppression by foreign nations), Israel's cry for help, and God raising up a deliverer. At this point, Israel is under Philistine oppression, a dominant force in the coastal plain. Samson, a Danite, was born into this period of subjugation. His designation as a [Nazarite from birth](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow") (a vow of separation to God involving abstinence from wine, not cutting hair, and avoiding dead bodies) was highly significant, marking him as uniquely consecrated for God's purposes. The "camp of Dan" refers to the tribal territory of Dan, specifically the area where the Danites had settled before their later migration northward. Zorah and Eshtaol were towns within this region, indicating Samson's immediate geographical vicinity, close to his family home, grounding these early divine stirrings in a specific, familiar locale.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully introduces several key themes that permeate Samson's story and the book of Judges. Firstly, **Divine Empowerment** is central; the phrase "the Spirit of the LORD began to move him" signifies a supernatural enablement, distinct from natural ability, preparing Samson for his unique role. This theme highlights God's direct intervention in human affairs, especially in raising up leaders. Secondly, **Preparation for Ministry** is evident; before Samson actively engages in his public calling as a judge, God is already at work, stirring him. This underscores God's sovereign hand in preparing individuals for His purposes, often long before their public ministry commences. Thirdly, **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness** shine through; even amidst Israel's spiritual decline and Philistine oppression, God remains faithful to His covenant, demonstrating His control over history and His commitment to His people by raising and equipping a deliverer. Samson's story, initiated by this divine stirring, exemplifies God's persistent grace despite human failing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit of the LORD (Hebrew, _Ruach Yahweh'_):** This phrase consistently refers to the active, empowering presence of God. In the Old Testament, the "Spirit of the LORD" often comes upon individuals for specific tasks, endowing them with extraordinary abilities—whether for leadership, prophecy, craftsmanship, or, in Samson's case, immense physical strength. It signifies a divine anointing and enablement, indicating that Samson's power was not inherent but a direct gift and manifestation of God's supernatural agency.
* **began to move him (Hebrew, _pa'am'_):** The root *pa'am* conveys a sense of striking, beating, or impelling. It suggests an internal, forceful, and often rhythmic stirring or compulsion. It implies an irresistible divine impulse that would periodically come upon Samson, setting him apart and preparing him for extraordinary feats. This is not a gentle nudge but a powerful, almost disruptive, divine intervention that would manifest itself in Samson's life.
* **at times (Hebrew, _biph'amim'_):** This adverbial phrase, derived from the same root as *pa'am*, emphasizes the periodic or intermittent nature of the Spirit's moving. It indicates that the divine empowerment was not a constant state but rather came upon Samson at specific, divinely appointed moments, likely in preparation for or during particular challenges. This suggests a controlled, purposeful, and strategic anointing rather than a continuous flow of power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Spirit of the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the ultimate source of Samson's extraordinary abilities. It is not his physical prowess, his lineage, or his Nazarite vow that is the origin of his strength, but the direct, supernatural intervention of God Himself through His Spirit. This establishes a theological foundation for all of Samson's future actions.
* **"began to move him at times":** This clause describes the nature and frequency of the Spirit's influence. The verb "began to move" (from *pa'am*) suggests an internal, compelling, and powerful stirring or impulse. The addition of "at times" (from *biph'amim*) clarifies that these stirrings were not constant but occurred periodically, indicating a targeted and strategic divine preparation for specific tasks or challenges that lay ahead in Samson's life.
* **"in the camp of Dan":** This phrase grounds the divine activity in a specific geographical and tribal context. Samson was a Danite, and "the camp of Dan" refers to the area where his tribe resided. This detail connects Samson's personal experience of divine power to his identity as a member of a specific Israelite tribe, highlighting that God's work is often rooted in the real-world circumstances of His people.
* **"between Zorah and Eshtaol":** These two towns were located in the Shephelah, the low hills separating the coastal plain from the central highlands, and were within the territory of the tribe of Dan. This precise geographical reference further localizes the initial stirrings of the Spirit, indicating that these profound spiritual experiences began for Samson in his immediate, familiar surroundings, close to his home and community.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 13:25 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Foreshadowing**. The verse acts as a clear harbinger of Samson's future. The "moving" of the Spirit is the initial spark that will ignite the extraordinary feats of strength and violence that define his later life, such as tearing a lion apart with his bare hands ([Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - Samson Kills a Lion")) or slaying a thousand Philistines with a jawbone ([Judges 15:14-15](/judges/15-14 "Judges 15:14-15 - Samson Kills a Thousand Philistines")). This early divine stirring sets up the expectation for his role as a deliverer. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Divine Intervention**, as the Spirit of the LORD is explicitly stated as the active agent. This emphasizes that Samson's power is not a natural gift but a supernatural endowment, highlighting God's direct involvement in raising up a deliverer for Israel. Finally, the Spirit's "moving" can be seen as **Symbolism** for the irresistible, compelling force of God's will and power, which begins to mold Samson for his unique, divinely appointed, yet tragically flawed, mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:25 profoundly illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in preparing individuals for His purposes, even before they fully comprehend or step into their calling. It underscores the Old Testament understanding of the Spirit of the LORD as the source of supernatural enablement for specific tasks, particularly for leadership and deliverance. This divine empowerment is not based on human merit but on God's choice and faithfulness to His covenant people. The periodic nature of the Spirit's moving ("at times") highlights God's strategic timing and purposefulness in equipping His chosen instruments. This verse serves as a foundational statement about the source of Samson's strength, distinguishing it from mere physical prowess and rooting it firmly in divine power, thereby elevating his story beyond a simple tale of a strongman to a narrative about God's persistent work amidst human brokenness.

* [Judges 6:34](/judges/6-34 "Judges 6:34 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Gideon")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon David")
* [Isaiah 11:2](/isaiah/11-2 "Isaiah 11:2 - The Spirit of the LORD on the Branch")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 13:25 offers profound encouragement and insight for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively at work in the lives of His chosen ones, often preparing and equipping them for their unique purposes long before they fully recognize or step into their calling. Just as the Spirit began to stir Samson, God's Holy Spirit continues to work within us, prompting, guiding, and empowering us for service and witness in the world. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and yieldedness to these divine stirrings, recognizing that God's preparation often involves internal promptings, gradual manifestations of spiritual gifts, and a deepening awareness of His presence. It teaches us patience in the process of spiritual growth and vocational discernment, trusting that God's timing and methods are perfect. We are called to be receptive to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to mold and equip us, not for extraordinary physical feats like Samson, but for the spiritual battles and compassionate service that define the Christian life, relying on the same divine power that moved Samson.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you believe the Spirit of God might be "moving" or preparing you for a specific purpose or ministry in your life, even if it's not yet fully clear?**
* **How can you cultivate greater attentiveness to the subtle or periodic promptings of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?**
* **What does Samson's early preparation teach us about God's patience and sovereignty in equipping individuals for His work?**

### FAQ
**What does "began to move him" truly imply about the Spirit's action?**

Answer: The phrase "began to move him" translates the Hebrew verb *pa'am* (פָּעַם), which carries a sense of striking, beating, or impelling. It suggests a powerful, internal, and often rhythmic impulse or compulsion. It's not a gentle suggestion but a forceful, almost irresistible, divine stirring. This implies that the Spirit of the LORD was actively and powerfully initiating a process within Samson, preparing him for his future role. It signifies a supernatural anointing that would periodically manifest as immense strength and courage, distinct from Samson's natural abilities, enabling him to perform extraordinary feats. This divine "moving" was the catalyst for his unique, Spirit-empowered ministry as a judge.

**Why does the verse specify "at times" for the Spirit's moving?**

Answer: The phrase "at times" (Hebrew: *biph'amim*) indicates that the Spirit's empowerment was not a constant, always-on state for Samson but rather occurred periodically or intermittently. This suggests a purposeful and strategic anointing. The Spirit would come upon Samson at specific, divinely appointed moments, usually in preparation for or during particular challenges or acts of deliverance. For instance, the Spirit "rushed upon him" when he tore the lion apart in [Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit Rushes Upon Samson") and again when he broke the ropes in [Judges 15:14](/judges/15-14 "Judges 15:14 - The Spirit Rushes Upon Samson Again"). This periodic nature highlights God's sovereign control over the manifestation of His power, ensuring it was deployed for His specific redemptive purposes in Israel's history.

**What is the significance of the geographical locations "in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol"?**

Answer: Specifying "in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol" grounds Samson's early experiences of divine empowerment in a very concrete and familiar geographical context. Zorah and Eshtaol were towns located in the Shephelah, the low hills that formed a border region between Israelite territory and the Philistine plain. This area was strategically important and often contested. By mentioning these specific locations, the text emphasizes that the divine preparation of Samson began not in a distant, mystical place, but right in his home territory, among his own people, and in the very region where he would later engage in his most significant conflicts with the Philistines. It underscores that God's work is rooted in the real-world circumstances and challenges faced by His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:25, describing the Spirit of the LORD beginning to move Samson, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Samson was a flawed deliverer, empowered by the Spirit for specific, episodic acts of strength, he serves as a type, pointing to the true and ultimate Deliverer. Jesus, unlike Samson, was not merely *moved* by the Spirit at times, but was conceived by the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 1:18](/matthew/1-18 "Matthew 1:18 - Conception by the Holy Spirit")) and received the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Receives the Spirit Without Measure")). His ministry was inaugurated by the Spirit descending upon Him at His baptism ([Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - Jesus' Baptism and the Spirit's Descent")), and He performed all His mighty works, including casting out demons and healing the sick, by the power of the Spirit ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement in Nazareth") and [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed by God with the Holy Spirit")). Where Samson's strength was physical and often tied to his own impulses, Jesus' power was spiritual, redemptive, and perfectly aligned with the Father's will, leading to the ultimate deliverance from sin and death. Furthermore, the promise of the Spirit's indwelling, once a periodic anointing for a select few like Samson, is now available to all believers through Christ's finished work, as promised in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - Pentecost and the Outpouring of the Spirit"), empowering them for witness and holy living, bearing the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, Samson's early stirrings by the Spirit foreshadow the comprehensive, indwelling, and transforming power of the Holy Spirit available to all who are in Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 3:10

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.

Joshua 15:33

[And] in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

John 3:34

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto him].

Judges 18:11

And there went from thence of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred men appointed with weapons of war.

Judges 18:12

And they went up, and pitched in Kirjathjearim, in Judah: wherefore they called that place Mahanehdan unto this day: behold, [it is] behind Kirjathjearim.

Judges 6:34

But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

1 Samuel 11:6

And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly.