Judges 13 25

Judges 13:25 kjv

And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 13:25 nkjv

And the Spirit of the LORD began to move upon him at Mahaneh Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 13:25 niv

and the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 13:25 esv

And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 13:25 nlt

And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him while he lived in Mahaneh-dan, which is located between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol.

Judges 13 verses

Judges 13 25 Meaning

Judges 13:25 describes the pivotal moment when the divine enablement for Samson's mission began. The Spirit of the Lord, representing God's active power and presence, initiated an internal stirring or impelling within the young Samson. This stirring, occurring in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol, marked the start of his preparation and anointing as a judge of Israel, preparing him for his future role in delivering Israel from Philistine oppression, as promised at his birth.

Judges 13 25 Context

Judges chapter 13 serves as an introduction to Samson, one of Israel's final judges during a period of deep spiritual and moral decline, described as "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." The Israelites had been under Philistine oppression for 40 years. The chapter opens with the barren wife of Manoah, of the tribe of Dan, receiving an angelic visitation announcing the miraculous birth of a son who would begin to deliver Israel. This son was to be a Nazarite from birth, meaning he would be dedicated to God with specific vows (no cutting hair, no strong drink, no contact with dead). Verse 25 follows Samson's birth and youth, indicating that at a relatively early age, likely in his late teens or early twenties, the divine power of the Lord began to manifest within him, signaling the commencement of his prophetic and judging role as foretold. It's a key transition from his private growth to the stirrings of his public, albeit controversial, mission.

Judges 13 25 Word Analysis

• And the Spirit of the Lord:
  • And: Connects this event directly to the preceding narrative of Samson's growth and the prophecy of his birth.
  • Spirit of the Lord (Hebrew: Ruach YHWH - רוּחַ יְהוָה): Refers to the Holy Spirit, the active power and divine presence of Yahweh, Israel's God. In the Old Testament, the "Spirit of the Lord" frequently came upon individuals to equip them with extraordinary abilities for specific divine tasks, especially judges, kings, and prophets, demonstrating God's direct involvement in human affairs and His empowering of chosen instruments. This term signifies God's own breath and dynamic energy.
• began to stir him:
  • began (Hebrew: heḥel - הֵחֵל): Indicates the initiation of an action or process. This was the first internal movement, not yet a public display of strength, but a preparatory work.
  • to stir him (Hebrew: lefa'amo - לְפַעֲמוֹ from the root pa'am - פָּעַם): The verb pa'am means "to trouble," "to pulsate," "to impel," "to strike," or "to move repeatedly." Here, it signifies an inner prompting or urging that was likely recurrent or rhythmic, a stirring that prepared Samson for his divinely appointed task. Unlike "rushed upon" (tsalach) used in later verses to describe sudden powerful acts (Jdg 14:6, 19), pa'am suggests a more subtle, initial, and continuous spiritual influence, an internal unsettling or quickening. It emphasizes a sovereign divine impulse at work within him.
• in Mahaneh-dan:
  • Mahaneh-dan (Hebrew: מַחֲנֵה־דָן): Meaning "camp of Dan." This was a specific location within the tribal territory of Dan (cf. Jdg 18:12). It highlights the geographical grounding of God's call and action within Samson's ancestral land.
• between Zorah and Eshtaol:
  • Zorah and Eshtaol: Two cities allotted to the tribe of Dan (Josh 19:41), very close to each other, situated in the Shephelah (foothills) region of Judah and Dan, a strategic area on the border of Philistine territory. This detailed geographical notation pinpoints where this divine stirring began, associating it directly with the very land that was under Philistine oppression and was due for liberation. This localized beginning underscores the particularity of God's chosen instruments and locations.

Words-group analysis:

• And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him: This phrase underscores divine initiative. It wasn't Samson choosing a path but God's Spirit activating a calling. The choice of "stir" rather than "came upon" (as often seen in later mighty acts) suggests a nascent, inward operation, a quiet inception of power and purpose within him. It highlights God's sovereignty in raising up leaders. This direct work of Ruach YHWH stood in sharp contrast to the reliance on false gods (like Dagon) by the Philistines and others, asserting Yahweh's sole authority.
• in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol: This precise geographical marker anchors the supernatural event in a very real, tangible setting within Israel. It shows that God's work unfolds within specific contexts and locations of His people. For the original audience, these were familiar places, reinforcing the reality and immediacy of God's interaction with Israel's leaders and circumstances.

Judges 13 25 Bonus Section

• Progressive Empowerment: The language "began to stir" implies a process, not a singular event. It contrasts with Samson's later actions where the Spirit "rushed upon him" for mighty feats (e.g., Jdg 14:6, 19). This indicates a divine process of preparation, from internal prompting to external power.
• Significance of Nazarite Vow: While the Spirit is stirring him, Samson's Nazarite vow, dedicated from birth, provides the unique conduit for this power, although his later choices would show his disregard for aspects of it. This verse is the first concrete fulfillment of the angelic prophecy that Samson would "begin to deliver Israel."
• God's Sovereignty and Initiative: The verse places the initiative squarely on God ("the Spirit of the Lord began"). This highlights God's proactive nature in delivering His people, despite their moral and spiritual failings, through instruments He chooses and empowers.

Judges 13 25 Commentary

Judges 13:25 is a profound verse, marking the inception of Samson's unique spiritual enablement. It's a testament to God's faithfulness even in Israel's darkest hours. The "stirring" by the Spirit signifies an internal divine awakening and empowerment, distinct from the sudden "rushing upon" that enabled his later, overt displays of superhuman strength. This verse indicates a preparatory phase—God cultivating His chosen vessel. The location specified, "Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol," firmly places this divine activity within the ancestral territory of Samson, specifically near the front lines of Philistine oppression. It underscores that God's plan unfolds in real geographical and historical contexts, commencing His deliverance work from within the very tribe that was directly suffering. This divine initiation prefigures Samson's role, showcasing God's commitment to delivering His people and His sovereign choice of instruments, even those with character flaws, through His empowering Spirit. It's a reminder that divine callings often begin with a deep, personal, spiritual stirring before leading to outward actions.