Today’s first reading is part of the story of Samson, one of the Judges of Israel in the time before the kings of Israel were established. The account is part of the birth narrative of the last of the Judges, perhaps well described as an “annunciation.” It stands in comparison (or contrast) with today’s gospel, the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets. There have been some writers that hold Samson to be a messianic figure, but today’s reading set seems to compare Samson, not to the Messiah, but to the herald. Granted there are similarities in the accounts, but apart from the stories of notable strength, Samson is not someone upon whom one should model their life. Read the story of Samson and you’ll find he murders 30 men for their garments because he lost a wager. Not exactly your model citizen. Still, the narratives share some notable similarities but also some differences. Perhaps a comparison will reveal a larger purpose at hand.

Both birth stories occur during times of spiritual and political hardship. The Israelites were oppressed by the Philistines because of their disobedience to God. The people of Israel were under Roman occupation, awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises, and longing for the coming of the Messiah. In each case God is intervening to bring about deliverance and renewal.

In both narrative the parents were childless, an angel announces the miraculous birth, and the special role for the child as their sons are set apart for divine purpose

Their roles and purposes are a bit different.  Samson is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. His purpose is to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression (Judges 13:5). John the Baptist is to be a prophet, filled with the Holy Spirit, turning the hearts of people back to God, and preparing the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:16–17). Yet both are divinely appointed for deliverance—Samson as a military judge and John as a spiritual herald. Samson’s role focuses on Israel’s physical deliverance, while John’s role centers on spiritual preparation for Jesus.

An interesting difference is that Samson’s father, Manoah, accepts the angelic message and seeks further clarification and guidance from the Angel of the Lord about how to raise the boy (Judges 13:8–12). Zechariah, John’s father, has his doubts due to his and Elizabeth’s age. As a result, he is struck mute until the child’s birth (Luke 1:18–20).

If an angel’s appearance isn’t enough, there are other signs that accompany the narrative.  In the case of Samson, the angel’s visit is accompanied by fire ascending to heaven as the angel ascends in it (Judges 13:19–20). Zechariah’s muteness serves as a sign. When John is born, Zechariah’s tongue is loosed, and he praises God, prophesying John’s role in salvation history (Luke 1:64–79). Zechariah’s restored speech also serves as a sign.

While John the Baptist is never called a Nazirite, he shares some Nazirite-like characteristics, including abstinence from wine and a life of holiness (Luke 1:15). Samson  is explicitly called to be a Nazirite from the womb, which includes abstaining from wine, unclean food, and avoiding cutting his hair (Judges 13:5). Both are consecrated for God’s service, though Samson’s Nazirite vow is explicit, while John’s is implied through his lifestyle and divine calling.

There are also key differences and I think they are important. While Samson delivers Israel physically through military acts, John the Baptist prepares for spiritual deliverance by pointing to Jesus. And throughout the story, Samson struggles with personal moral failures despite his divine calling . In comparison, John the Baptist remains faithful and obedient to his prophetic mission.

The birth narratives of Samson and John the Baptist emphasize God’s intervention in times of difficulty, the miraculous nature of their births, and their divine purposes. While Samson’s story focuses on physical deliverance and highlights human weakness, John’s role is preparatory for Jesus’ coming and points to ultimate spiritual deliverance. Both narratives reflect God’s sovereignty and His plan to raise up leaders at critical moments in Israel’s history.

There is an old expression that all “battle plans” evaporate upon first contact with the enemy. Samson was able to stop the Philistine…but at what cost and by what means. God’s plan was never going to depend on the physical prowess of a Samson even though his story began with the great faith of his father.  John’s story begins in doubt, but moves forward on the spiritual commitment of the Baptist. Perhaps a lesson for us all.

---

Image credit: Samson Slaying The Philistines | Luca Giordano (Italian, 1634-1705) | and | King Herod and John the Baptist | Giovanni Fattori (1825 – 1908) | PD-US