“One Year Bible” Old Testament History Passage
Judges 15:1-16:31
“… he (Samson) told her (Delilah) all his heart, and said to her, ‘No razor has ever come upon my head, for I have been a Nazarite to God from my mother’s womb. It I am shaven, then my strength will leave me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.'” Judges 16:17 (NKJV)
What was the secret of Samson’s strength? It is commonly said that Samson’s strength was in his hair. But is this really true? No doubt, his strength was associated with his hair, but why?
From Samson’s birth, he had been dedicated to the Lord as a Nazarite. Back in the book of Number (chapter 6), God ordained that some individuals were to take the vows of a Nazarite. These individuals were somehow set apart for special service to God. Part of these vows were that no razor could ever come upon their head to cut their hair. This was outward sign of an inward vow.
Samson’s strength was not in his hair, but in that which the hair represented: his vows to God. Samson’s strenth was in his commitments.
Without being legalistic, there are certain disciplines and commitments God calls every Christian to follow. These may be vows of daily devotion — vows concerning lifestyle. They are daily acts of obedience to God. They are important because they are the “secret” to our strength. It may be a daily quiet time. It may be a commitment to read the Bible in one year. It may be how you privately care for those around you. Again, without being legalistic and self-righteous, these discipines become the ground work for daily strength.
I have seen lives fall to pieces. In every case, the attendant circumstances are that all devotion, all commitment was dropped. However, if a man or woman remains true to their commitments to God, they will prevail. Your vows to God are so important. They are like anchors that hold us in the storm. So today renew your commitments to God! Renew your covenant with the Lord! Do not let them be shorn off of you in a moment of weakness. Do not lose heart. Do not be worn down like Samson was (Judges 16:16).