Judges 13:25

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

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}.

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

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

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

Judges 13:25 marks a pivotal moment in the early life of Samson, revealing the divine influence that would characterize his extraordinary strength and tumultuous ministry. This verse shows the young Samson, still growing up, beginning to experience the supernatural prompting of God's Spirit, preparing him for his future role as a deliverer for Israel.

Context

This verse is set in the period of the Judges, a time when Israel often strayed from God, leading to oppression by surrounding nations, followed by God raising up deliverers. Samson's birth was miraculous, foretold by an angel to his barren parents, Manoah and his wife. He was designated as a Nazarite from birth, consecrated to God with specific vows, including never cutting his hair. The "camp of Dan" refers to the tribal territory where Samson, a Danite, resided. Zorah and Eshtaol were towns within this region, indicating the specific geographical area where these initial stirrings of divine power occurred, close to his home.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment: The central theme is the direct intervention and power of the Spirit of the LORD. This phrase signifies a supernatural enablement, distinct from Samson's natural abilities, preparing him for the mighty acts he would later perform against the Philistines.
  • Preparation for Ministry: Before Samson actively engaged in his calling, God was already at work, stirring him. This highlights God's sovereign hand in preparing individuals for His purposes, often long before their public ministry begins.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even amidst Israel's spiritual decline, God remained faithful to His covenant, raising up a deliverer and equipping him with divine power, demonstrating His control over history and human affairs.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "began to move him" is pa'am (פָּעַם), which can mean "to strike," "to beat," "to disturb," or "to impel." It suggests a powerful, rhythmic, or even impulsive stirring. It implies an internal, compelling force, a divine impulse that would periodically come upon Samson, setting him apart and preparing him for extraordinary feats of strength, such as those described in Judges 14:6 and Judges 15:14.

Related Scriptures

  • For other instances of the Spirit of the LORD empowering individuals for specific tasks in the Old Testament, consider Gideon in Judges 6:34 or David in 1 Samuel 16:13.
  • This verse foreshadows Samson's later actions, demonstrating the source of his legendary strength.

Practical Application

Judges 13:25 offers encouragement that God is active in the lives of His chosen ones, even before they fully step into their calling. It reminds us that God prepares and equips individuals for His purposes, often through internal promptings and gradual manifestations of His Spirit. For believers today, while the experience of the Holy Spirit's empowerment differs from the Old Testament anointing for specific tasks, the principle remains: God's Spirit equips us for service, witness, and overcoming challenges, as promised in passages like Acts 1:8. We are called to be attentive to these divine stirrings and yield to God's leading in our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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