Numbers 4:21-7:89
Judges 13:2-25
I can’t explain all that I feel whenever I read Numbers; it’s so easy just to ‘skirt’ through it and whiz by all the numbers and names of the tribes; people, and families mentioned. Think of it; first of all, what an amazing thing it would be to see your name written in the holy word of God…! There is something so personal about it from God’s perspective, even a kind of ‘honoring’ the fact that we live in a fallen world, and it doesn’t put off, the Lord of Glory, from being personally involved in what is going on in our lives. I have to admit I don’t feel like I have any great insights into why this particular haftorah was chosen, except for the most obvious: the Nazarite vow is mentioned in chapter 6 of the Book of Numbers. What can we personally gain here in our understanding of the Living God and our relationship with Him? Is there something important here concerning Samson’s mother: barren and seemingly without a name; but “What Lord”? What is uniquely here for us to see without reading ahead and learning more about Samson’s exploits? I even heard someone say that the whole Nazarite vow (especially one that involves an entire life) is more like a prophetic word to the people, than just a person who is set apart for personal devotion.
In the Jewish culture and practice, wine was for celebration with God and man, and when someone is asked to abstain from this, it’s making a statement of God’s displeasure with His people and needing to ‘withhold’ celebration, which always involves His presence… I know, this is probably quite a stretch, so I still need to say: “what is here for me to see, with what is written?”. Maybe the focus here isn’t so much unlocking the mysteries of a person so set apart for the Lord; what if it’s not about Samson at all? What if it’s really about his barren, nameless mom? What if it’s a word of encouragement to each of us, when our lives seem at times to be “barren and nameless”? God’s ‘numbering system’ doesn’t overlook our brokenness and struggle as we cry out. His lovingkindness answers and produces great signs and wonders, even as He produced for this woman, in the form of a mighty deliverer for His people!
So, if this week you felt a little “barren and nameless”, use the occasion to cry out to the One Who knows every hair on your head, and is about to do an amazing thing with your ‘cry’. We serve such an awesome God! He will write your name in the Book of Life! by john eisner
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