A Bible Study on Samson

I just have to say that I love the Old Testament, and I fall even more in love with it during Advent.  Back when I was in college, I found a Scripture Study to follow during Advent that pointed out all the messianic prophesies in the Old Testament (prophesies that pointed to the coming of Jesus).  It's exciting because all these prophesies come true in Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death and Resurrection.  It's also exciting to study all the different "types" of Jesus or Mary, as we studied this past semester at Women of the Word how Esther and Judith are "types" of Mary (a "type" is a biblical person, event, or thing that has it's own identity yet at the same time points forward to another person, event or thing in the Bible).  I have shared this many times at WOW, but it is awe-inspiring how the Old Testament was written thousands of years before the coming of Jesus.  The authors of the Old Testament had no way of knowing the intricate details that would surround the life of the Messiah, yet, somehow, their writings point toward and foreshadow Jesus' life.  It is proof that while the Bible was written by human authors, the Holy Spirit was indeed inspiring them as He knew of God's wonderful plan of Salvation. 

Now, I wanted to write this wonderful theological post about one of these "types" but I think, in the spirit of Women of the Word, I will allow you to read the story yourself and answer these questions first.  Tomorrow (or the day after, since some days time just ruuunnnsss away from me, can you relate?!  Hehe!) I will go through the story and make some observations.

Today I would like to focus on one of my favorite Bible stories.  It is the story of Samson. Samson's story is found in Judges chapter 13 through chapter 16.  Today we will just focus on chapters 13 through 15.  So, grab your Bible, find some place quiet, and give yourself half an hour to an hour to dive into this story!  And don't forget to invoke the Holy Spirit!  Then answer these questions:

Read Judges chapters 13 through 15
1. In what ways are Samson's conception and Jesus' similar? (Jesus' account is found in Luke 1:26-56).  In what ways are they different?
2. Take note of Judges 14:4.  The Philistines had taken "dominion" over Israel, meaning they "ruled" over Israel at this time.  Israel was not "their own" nation. 
3. At the end of chapter 14, verse 19 is says, "Then he went off to his own family in anger."  Why was Samson angry?
4. In chapter 15, Samson is angry that his wife was given to another man, so he sets out to ruin the Philistines vineyards among other things.  He incites conflict between the Philistines and the tribe of Judah (a tribe of Israel).  The Philistines finally capture Samson and bind him up.  What is so striking about verses 14 through 16?  Can you think of a way that this might point to Jesus? 

Ok, look forward to more questions on chapter 16 tomorrow!