Congregation Bible Study (30 mins.) lfb lesson 38, introduction to section 7 and lesson 39.
Analysis of Lesson 38: Jehovah Gives Strength to Samson
Why was Samson so strong?
Because Jehovah chose him to rescue the Israelites from the Philistines who dominated the land of Israel, and he would be a Nazirite, which meant that he would serve Jehovah in a special way, and that vow implied that he was forbidden to cut his hair.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Samson was so strong because Jehovah gave him extraordinary strength when he grew up. He was a Nazirite, which meant that he was dedicated to Jehovah in a special way. One of the signs of his Nazirite vow was that he was not to cut his hair, and as long as he kept that condition, he would maintain his strength.
Samson's immense strength stemmed from his being chosen by Jehovah to rescue the Israelites from the Philistines and to be a Nazirite. His strength was not due to human talent, but rather the result of his special relationship with Jehovah.
Every time Samson acted courageously to fight the Philistines, what was really happening was that Jehovah was working through his servant to defend his people. His vow not to cut his hair was part of a sign of consecration, a constant reminder of to whom his strength belonged.
What happened to Samson when he told Delilah the secret of his enormous strength?
When Samson revealed to Delilah that his strength was related to not cutting his hair, she told the Philistines the secret of Samson's strength and tricked him into falling asleep on her knees. Then she summoned someone to cut his hair. As a result, Samson lost his strength and could no longer defend himself against the Philistines, who captured him, gouged out his eyes, and took him to prison.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
After revealing his secret to Delilah, Samson learned the hard way what it means to stray from Jehovah's protection. When Delilah succeeded in having his hair cut, he thought he could face the Philistines as before, but he no longer had the strength Jehovah gave him. He was captured, his eyes were gouged out, he was taken prisoner, and forced to work as a slave.
This account reminds us that we should not trifle with Jehovah’s boundaries or underestimate his warnings. When we disobey, Jehovah does not act cruelly; we simply face the natural consequences of straying from his loving protection. His wisdom is evident in his warning us in advance of what could happen if we ignore his standards.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
It teaches us, as Philippians 4:13 shows, that just as Samson received such extraordinary strength from Jehovah, we should remember that today Jehovah's servants also receive the strength to endure the hardships of this system of things and remain faithful to Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It teaches us that Jehovah keeps his promises. He had promised that Samson would be a deliverer for Israel, and he used him even at the end of his life to defeat the Philistines. Furthermore, he blesses those who obey. As long as Samson remained faithful to his Nazirite vow, Jehovah blessed him with tremendous strength.
This account teaches us that Jehovah can show mercy even after a serious mistake. Although Samson made a grave error by revealing his secret, Jehovah heard his final prayer and restored his strength to perform one last act in behalf of his people.
It teaches us that Jehovah is above any false god. The death of thousands of Philistines in the temple of Dagon demonstrated that pagan gods were powerless against Jehovah.
We learn that Jehovah is a God who deeply values our dedication to him, but who is also patient and merciful. Samson was a Nazirite and was chosen by Jehovah because he had a special purpose for him. However, when Samson began to make unwise decisions, such as getting close to Delilah and jeopardizing his secret, Jehovah allowed him to face the consequences.
Jehovah allowed Samson to face the consequences of his decisions, not because he was cruel, but because he respects his own standards and wants us to respect them as well. This makes it clear that Jehovah does not approve of a double life, such as claiming to be devoted to him while allowing ourselves to be seduced by the world or sin.
What practical lessons can we learn?
We learn that we should not trust people who do not love Jehovah. Samson lost everything because he trusted Delilah, who had bad intentions. This reminds us that bad company can lead us to make wrong decisions.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that obeying Jehovah always protects us. When Samson disobeyed Jehovah's command regarding his Nazirite vow, he faced painful consequences.
We learn that Jehovah can help us even after we have made mistakes. Samson prayed to Jehovah in his most difficult moment, and Jehovah heard him. Likewise, if we sincerely repent, Jehovah can forgive us and strengthen us.
We learn that true strength comes from Jehovah. Samson had impressive strength, but it did not come from himself. We too can remember that any quality or ability we have comes from Jehovah, and we should use it to honor him.
Perseverance and faith always bring results. Despite his mistakes, Samson died demonstrating faith in Jehovah. This encourages us to never stop trusting in God, even when we feel weak or face consequences for our decisions.
This account reminds us that all the good we accomplish in God’s service is not due to our own abilities, but because Jehovah provides us with his support. At school, at work, or in the ministry, when we feel we have no strength left, Jehovah can help us to accomplish even more than we imagined.
We learn that Jehovah’s wisdom does not make us self-sufficient, but teaches us to depend on him. So, as Philippians 4:13 says, we can think: “I have strength for everything thanks to Jehovah,” and each day trust, not in ourselves, but in his power.
Introduction to section 7
In this section, we will examine a period of approximately 80 years that includes the lives of King Saul and King David. During this time, we will see stark contrasts in the attitudes and hearts of those who ruled the people of Israel. Saul began his reign with humility and obedience, but over time he stopped following Jehovah’s guidance. As a result, Jehovah rejected him and chose David as the next king.
Throughout these accounts, we also learn of Jonathan's deep loyalty to David, even when his own father, Saul, filled with envy, repeatedly tried to take David's life. For his part, David demonstrated a humble spirit: although he made serious mistakes, he always accepted Jehovah's correction.
These accounts teach us valuable principles about obedience, loyalty, and humility. If you have children, this section will be especially helpful in helping them understand why it is so important to fully support all of Jehovah's decisions.
Analysis of Lesson 39: The First King of Israel
What did the Israelites ask for?
The Israelites asked for a king, just like the other nations. Although Jehovah was already guiding them through judges, they told Samuel: “All the other nations have kings, we want one too.” Then Samuel prayed to Jehovah, and he answered that they could have a king, but that king would ask many things of them. Even so, the people said: “It doesn’t matter! We want a king!”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The Israelites asked for a human king to lead them and fight their battles. They wanted a visible leader like the other nations. They did not appreciate the unique privilege of having Jehovah as their King and Protector, who guided them through judges. Instead of being happy to be different from other peoples, they wanted to be like them.
This teaches us to guard our hearts so that we do not take for granted the blessings Jehovah offers us for something that may seem more attractive or modern. Today the world offers many ways of living and thinking, but none compare to Jehovah’s loving guidance. He, like a wise father, knows that when we try to imitate others, sooner or later we will get hurt.
Why did Jehovah not want Saul to remain king?
Jehovah did not want Saul to remain king because Saul stopped obeying him. First, Samuel told Saul to wait for him to offer sacrifices, but when Samuel was late, Saul offered sacrifices on his own, without permission. Then, he disobeyed again by not completely destroying the Amalekites and by sparing King Agag. So Jehovah said, “Saul has forsaken me; he no longer obeys me,” and decided to give the kingdom to someone who would love and obey him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah decided that Saul should no longer be king because he stopped taking God's authority seriously. He acted as if he could change or adjust God's commands. Instead of acknowledging his mistake, he clung to his excuses and was more concerned about his image before the people than how Jehovah saw him. This showed a lack of respect for God's sovereignty and a lack of obedience to him.
What does this account teach us about Jehovah?
This account teaches us that Jehovah deeply values obedience and does not overlook willful disobedience. It also shows that Jehovah is patient, but when someone persists in disobeying him, he can withdraw his approval. Furthermore, we see that Jehovah keeps his promises and chooses those who love and obey him wholeheartedly.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
This lesson shows us that Jehovah deeply values sincere obedience. In Saul's case, it is clear that Jehovah is not impressed by appearances or outward actions. Although Saul offered sacrifices and seemed very active, he did not fully comply with what Jehovah asked of him. Therefore, Jehovah made it clear that obedience is better than any sacrifice. This teaches us that what Jehovah values most is our heartfelt obedience.
What practical lessons can we learn?
Samuel did not react impulsively or let his emotions get the better of him; rather, he went directly to Jehovah in prayer. This teaches us that in our daily lives, when we feel hurt, misunderstood, or rejected, we should turn to Jehovah in prayer for his help. Before making hasty decisions, the first thing we should do is talk to Jehovah. He always listens with patience and love, like a loving father who wants to hear from his children.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that we must obey Jehovah even when circumstances seem difficult, such as when Saul did not wait for Samuel.
We learn that we should not give in to peer pressure, like the Israelites who wanted to be like the other nations. Furthermore, Jehovah blesses humility, like Saul's at first, but he does not endorse pride or self-sufficiency.
We learn that partial obedience is not true obedience. Saul did only part of what Jehovah commanded, and that led to his rejection. Furthermore, Jehovah knows the heart and gives privileges and responsibilities to those who sincerely love him and remain obedient.
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