Podcasts about nazarite

This episode explores Judges 16, which recounts Samson's tragic downfall and final victory: after falling in love with the ill-intentioned and persistent Delilah, in a moment of weakness, he revealed the secret of his strength—his uncut hair as a Nazarite vow—allowing the Philistines to shave, capture, and blind him. At a great feast honoring their god, Dagon, the Philistines brought the blinded Samson out to entertain the crowd; he prayed for strength “only this once,” grasped the two central pillars, and collapsed the temple, killing more of Israel's enemies in his death than he had in his life. Samson's outstretched arms between the pillars and voluntary death picture the Lord Jesus Christ, Who was also slain in the moment of victory on the Cross, destroying our enemies of sin, death, and Satan through His finished work. https://bereanbiblesociety.org/tbg-episode/261-the-death-of-samson/ Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bs4MkFnP69I Buy episode on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-single-episode-1-dvd-251-252/?attribute_pa_episode=261-the-death-of-samson Buy series on DVD: https://store.bereanbiblesociety.org/shop/dvd-transformed-by-grace-series-the-cross-in-prophecy/

Spiritual Authority and Dominion (1) (audio) David Eells, 8/26/26 I want to remind you and encourage you about the difference between using carnal and spiritual dominion. The Bride is maturing and overcoming the flesh, and she's using her dominion over the spiritual host of wickedness and doing warfare against the DS satanists. The Lord says, If any man [is] for captivity, into captivity he goeth: If any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed … (Rev.13:10). Jesus exercised dominion in His kingdom; not the kind of dominion that some want and false religious leaders have, which glorifies man. Jesus rejected the offer by Satan to be a worldly king with carnal dominion. The Pharisees and Sadducees had a carnal dominion over the people of God. Jesus commanded the people not to do what they did but to obey them because they sat in the seat of Moses. They were given governmental authority much the same way they are today in the church. Jesus exercised dominion over the curse and over Satan's kingdom. He was destroying the works of Satan in the lives of His people. Jesus had spiritual authority, and the people followed Him willingly because they were drawn of the Father, not because they were under the condemnation of the Law. Spiritual authority was necessary to be spiritually and physically fed, healed, and delivered. The apostate religious leaders had no authority like that then, nor do they now. Even though the disciples did not resist their carnal authority, they did resist their attempt to exercise spiritual authority when it was important. They said, “We must obey God rather than men.” When Peter tried to enforce his carnal authority with the sword, Jesus said, … All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword (Mat.26:52). Then, to show that His spiritual authority can, when necessary, dominate the carnal realm, Jesus said, (Mat.26:53) Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? Anyone who has an angel, much less twelve legions, would not need a puny sword for defense. One angel killed 185,000 men to defend Zion. Jesus then makes the point that if He calls the angels to defend His flesh, how would it be crucified? (54) How then should the scriptures be fulfilled that thus it must be? This is a good principle for us who also must be crucified. According to type, crucifixion does not necessitate the physical death of the body, but the old nature. (Rom.12:1) … Present your bodies a living sacrifice … The body is dead, meaning that it no longer has a will and rights of its own but is devoted to the service of God. In type, just as Jesus sacrificed His literal flesh, we sacrifice the flesh of the old man while we live. We are told that those who try to defend the body by physical force will be killed for their lack of faith. (Rev.13:10) If any man [is] for captivity, into captivity he goeth: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. It is also clear here that if a person needs captivity to fulfill in some way their own crucifixion, the sword will not save them. In fact, it will be judgment to them. (Joh.18:36) Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews …. Those who wrestle with flesh and blood in disobedience to the Word are not fighting for God's kingdom but the world and the flesh. They are attempting to exercise carnal dominion. Jesus exercised dominion to save God's creation. He did not exercise dominion over people who wanted to put to death His flesh. As He did a few times, we also have permission to flee, for it was not yet His time. That is a type for us. We must go through many things in order to put to death our flesh. That is what the world was created for: to bring us into sanctification through the death of the old man, the flesh. Even while the world around us is spiritually putting us on our cross by insults, injuries, persecutions, slander, etc., we have to cooperate with them by turning the other cheek. We have authority to save, heal, deliver, provide, and die to self. Exercising our dominion is God exercising His sovereignty through us. Jesus exercised dominion, but He personally resisted not the evil by turning the other cheek. While the world was crucifying Him, even before He came to the natural cross, His spiritual man was exercising dominion and delivering His people from the curse.  Sometimes we can get mixed up about when to exercise this dominion and when not. We do not have authority to save the old man. We do not want to keep our old life; we want our new life. Jesus said that unless we lose our life, we would not gain our life. So this authority to exercise dominion that God has given us is the same as Jesus had. This dominion is not to get rich in the world, but it is to have all we need to do God's Will. God gave me my last two houses and cars free, in order for me to do His Will. (Php.4:19) … My God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Dominion is not to live after the lusts of the flesh, as they do in a false, worldly prosperity that encourages and empowers the flesh to live. (1Ti.6:8) But having food and covering we shall be therewith content. (9) But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. Here is a promise to those who are not content but love the things of the world. They will be overcome by lusts, and it will be as impossible for them to enter the Kingdom as it would be for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (Mat.19:24‑26).  Jesus exercised dominion over His flesh when He was going to the cross. He said, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” He gave them authority to crucify His flesh. In the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus spoke to those who came to take Him, “they went backward, and fell to the ground,” showing that He could stop them if He wanted to save His life, or until it was time to go to the cross. He said in John 10:18, “No one taketh it away from me, but I lay it down of myself.” A couple of times, He passed through their midst, apparently translated, because it was not His time to die (Luk.4:30). He had been given authority to save God's people, who believed, and to destroy Satan's kingdom. Our flesh (the carnal man) is part of Satan's kingdom (Rom.8:7). The book of Esther is not only literally true but also a prophetic parable. Haman (the beast) had been given authority by the king (the Lord) to destroy the people of God, while Esther (the bride) had been given authority to save the people of God. The beast and the bride were given opposing authority at the same time by the same king. In type, the beast was given authority to crucify the old man, the carnal nature, and the bride was given authority to bring to life the spiritual man. The king's authority could not be annulled in anything, just as our Lord's authority. Ultimately, the house of the beast was given unto the bride to have authority over it (Est.8:1).  The time will come when God will no longer offer grace to the Gentiles but will return it to Israel. He will permit Christians, at that time, to exercise authority over the people who are trying to kill them. Fire from the Witnesses' mouths destroying their enemies, smiting the earth with every plague, and stopping the rain for 3 ½ years, are examples (Rev.11:5-6). From there to the end, authority will be manifested to destroy the beast's kingdom until this world becomes God's kingdom and He takes control (Rev.11:15). Personal control differs from control by proxy. God runs everything, but He must use vessels of dishonor now (Rom.9:21‑24). The time is coming when He will take control in and through His saints who believe. This dominion is ours as spiritual children of Jesus Christ, but we will grow into it by grace. Dominion starts here in the training grounds but continues for eternity. Here, the Lord teaches us how to be rulers under Him over His creation. (1Co.6:1) Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? (2) Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? (3) Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (4) If then ye have to judge things pertaining to this life, do ye set them to judge who are of no account in the church? (5) I say [this] to move you to shame …. If we have authority to judge fallen angels, how much more do we have authority to judge things in this life? Jesus taught His disciples to pray like this: “Thy kingdom come thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The Lord pointed out to me that this is a command that God is putting in our mouth. Some would object that this puts us in the place of commanding God. Look what God said in (Isa.45:11) Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask me of the things that are to come; concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command ye me. In effect, what we command when led by the Spirit, He carries out. In Acts 3:6, Peter commands the lame beggar, “What I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” See, we represent Christ. Peter had authority to represent Jesus and to command the curse. When the lame man walked and bystanders were tempted to credit Peter, he said, “Why fasten ye your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him to walk?” (Act.3:12) God's power fulfills what we command in obedience to Him. Our work here is to manifest God's kingdom here on the earth. At the last trump, it will be said in (Rev.11:15) … The kingdom of the world is become [the kingdom] of our Lord, and of his Christ …. Through whom did God bring this to pass? The Bible gives credit to the saints. (Dan.7:26) … The judgment shall be set, and they (the saints) shall take away his (the beast) dominion, to consume and destroy it unto the end. (27) And the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High …. The saints, by God's grace, shall exercise dominion to end the beast's dominion. God gave dominion unto Samson even in his ignorance. What was the secret of Samson's power? Judges tells us that the secret was his long hair, and as soon as he lost his long hair, he lost his power. Samson was not a big, muscle‑bound man. In Judges 16:17, he told Delilah, “If I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, and be like any other man.” His enemies wanted to know the secret of his power. They were not asking, “How did you get such big muscles?” That did not occur to them. It is not because of our great ability, or power, or wisdom, or even sinlessness, but through what Jesus did at the cross that we have this authority to reign over sin and its curse. Samson reigned over the enemies of God's people. When Samson lost his submission to God, he lost his dominion. In 1 Corinthians 11:3‑16, the long hair was given unto the woman as a sign of submission to her husband. The Bride submits to the Lord, Who is our husband. The one who took the Nazarite vow, as Samson did, could not cut his hair as a sign of submission. The point is that this great dominion was given to Samson, and he lost it because he lost his hair, a sign of his submission to the Lord.  Nazarites were separated from the world by their submission unto the Lord, signified by their long hair. (Num.6:5) All the days of his vow of separation there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy; he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long. This separation by submission is the meaning of holiness. How did Samson lose his holiness and power? (Jdg.16:19) And she (Delilah) made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and shaved off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. Samson went to sleep, spiritually meaning he no longer had his eyes open to the light of the truth. He submitted his head, or mind in the lap of the harlot Delilah and lost his hair (submission, separation, holiness) and consequently his power or dominion. The moral of that story is that we should not let the harlot have our mind, for then we will have no power of dominion. The religious systems of man, the harlot, have deprived God's people of their power because they are not submitted to the Word of God. (2Ti.3:5) Holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away. The “bride” in the Song of Solomon was a prophetic parable of the sojourning of the Bride today, who temporarily lost her submission. (Son.5:7) The watchmen (or ministers) that go about the city found me, They smote me, they wounded me; The keepers of the walls (denominations or sects) took away my mantle (Hebrew: “veil”) from me. The watchmen are identified by the Lord as shepherds (Hebrew: “pastors”) in Isaiah 56:10‑12. These pastors, in trying to keep the Bride within their sectarian walls, smote her and took away her veil, which is also a sign of submission to her husband, the Lord. (1Co.11:3) … The head of the woman is the man … (5) But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonoreth her head … (10) for this cause ought the woman to have [a sign of] authority on her head … (13) Judge ye in yourselves: is it seemly that a woman pray unto God unveiled? False shepherds have made the people of God submissive to religions rather than Christ as it was in Jesus' day.  In a true type to our day, the Bride in vain sought her beloved first in the broad ways of Babylonish religion. (Son.3:2) [I said], I will rise now, and go about the city (Babylon); In the streets and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. (She sought Him from the false shepherds whose loyalty was to themselves and their own kingdom.) (3) The watchmen that go about the city found me; [To whom I said], Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? (It was not until she was delivered from them that she found the one whom her soul sought.) (4) It was but a little that I passed from them, When I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, (In her excitement she wanted to share Him with those among whom she was first conceived and birthed.) Until I had brought him into my mother's house, And into the chamber of her that conceived me. The other daughters of that corporate mother did not share her excitement for her peculiar beloved. (5:9) What is thy beloved more than [another] beloved, O thou fairest among women? What is thy beloved more than [another] beloved, That thou dost so adjure us? Because of her not being content with “another Jesus,” she was not defiled with the religions of these other daughters and was chosen by her Lord. (6:9) My dove, my undefiled, is [but] one; She is the only one of her mother; She is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed …. She regained her dominion when she became undefiled with the women representing the false religious systems. Those who bear fruit will walk in the holiness of her steps, not being defiled with the seed (word) of men, for they are spiritual virgins. (Rev.14:4) These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These [are] they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, [to be] the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb. The sects of Christianity have become defiled with what Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 11:4, “Another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or [if] ye receive a different spirit, which ye did not receive, or a different Gospel, which ye did not accept.” (2Co.6:17) Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you. Only the Word is the truth that sets free. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Jesus calls His sheep out of the fold of apostate religion to “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” (Joh.10:3) … He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This little flock that follows the Lord in rest is what the bride sought for. (Son.1:7) Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest [thy flock], Where thou makest [it] to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions? The veil in this case represents the blindness and bondage of submission to religion. (2Co.3:15) But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart. (16) But whensoever it shall turn to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (17) Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, [there] is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory …. As we can see, those who are unveiled of the legalism of religion see the Lord and come into His likeness. The beloved Lord's answer to “Where thou feedest [thy flock]?” was (Son.1:8) If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents. In Jesus' day, it was not possible to feed His Church, meaning “called-out ones,” in the apostate sects of Judaism, so He fed them “beside the shepherds' tents.” Likewise, because the Church has greatly apostatized in our day, Jesus is feeding the flock of freedom, rest, and truth, outside the shepherds' tents. This brought reproach to the bride and Jesus. (6) … My mother's sons were incensed against me …. Those who take up their cross to follow Jesus are commanded to accept this same reproach. (Heb.13:11) For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest [as an offering] for sin, are burned without the camp. (12) Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. (13) Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.  Moses, in a true type of Christ, led his people out of the camp of the rebellious apostates. (Exo.33:7) Now Moses used to take the tent and to pitch it without the camp, afar off from the camp; and he called it, The tent of meeting. And it came to pass, that every one that sought the Lord went out unto the tent of meeting, which was without the camp. It is in these days that thundering judgments will put the fear of God in those in the camp to come out and meet with the “called‑out ones” on the true mountain of God's Kingdom. (Exo. 19:15) And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not near a woman (apostate sect). (16) And it came to pass on the third day, when it was morning (the beginning of the third day millennium since the last Adam – where we are now [2 Pet.3:8]), that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of a trumpet exceeding loud; and all the people that were in the camp trembled. (17) And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. If you have discovered that you have been following man's religions and decide to repent, God will restore your dominion. While in bondage to the Philistines, Samson repented, and his hair began to grow. His dominion returned and he brought down their false temple upon their heads. (Jdg.16:30) And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead that he slew at his death were more than they that he slew in his life. Likewise, as we die to self, we increase in dominion over our enemies. Few who ever exercised dominion in the earth for God were manifestly perfect, including Samson. He refused the dominion of the Lord over himself, and he ultimately lost the dominion that he had over the earth. It is not necessary for God to take away the promises of dominion from the rebellious. Their own heart will not have the faith to partake of it. (1Jn.3:21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. If we do not serve God, our own heart will condemn us, and we will have no faith to exercise dominion. He is still not speaking of manifestly perfect people here, but He does expect us to be disciples, walking in the light that we have. In this way, we are perfect by faith until we manifest perfection. The baby Christian has little knowledge of good and evil, but he is innocent in God's eyes if he is doing what he knows to do. Baby Christians have dominion over sin and the curse, but not over God's people. I have shared this revelation before, but years ago, I had a dream instructing me about the way in which God promotes some to leadership positions over His people. I am making no claims for myself with this dream, merely pointing out principles. In this dream, there were two mountains. (The first mountain represents the kingdom of the world, Babylon, and the second mountain represents the Kingdom of God, Mount Zion.) I was driving a car down the first steep mountain. (This represents humbling ourselves to the Word [Isa.40:4], becoming as a child [Mat.18:4], and losing our carnal life in this world [Mat.16:25-26].) The road that descended this mountain had a trench going down the center of it to the bottom. My car had one set of tires on one side of the trench while the other set was on the other side. I could not turn right or left without falling into the trench and, of course, halting my progress. (Joshua received instructions similar to this for taking the Promised Land. (Jos.1:7) Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. Turning to the right or to the left symbolizes getting off the narrow road of Scripture. It will stop us from exercising authority to take our promised land, which symbolizes living on the promises.) At the bottom of this hill, I got out of the car. I sensed that I had many enemies. (The more we humble ourselves to God's Word, the more enemies we will have, both in the carnal church and the world, just as our Lord.) Then I found, hidden under a bush, some tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches, which were drenched in oil. (The burning bush is where Moses received authority to deliver God's people from bondage. These tools all bind and loose, as does God's authority given to His disciples (Mat.18:18). The promises of the Word are the binding and loosing keys to the Kingdom of God that were given to disciples. The oil signifies the power of the Holy Spirit. In other words, if we stay in the straight and narrow way, we will receive authority to bind and loose for God.) From there, I turned to the right (The sheep are set on the right [Mat.25:33].) and went up a steep mountain. (Going down the first mountain entitles us to go up the next. Being humbled in the estimation of the world makes us great in the estimation of the Kingdom. The last shall be first, and the least shall be greatest. (Isa.40:3) … Prepare ye in the wilderness the way of the Lord … (4) Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low …. The way of the Lord is that those who are humble in the world shall be promoted on God's mountain, but those who are exalted on the worldly mountain will have to come down.) (Jas.4:10) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you.) Reaching the top of the mountain, I went through the door of an immense palace. (Joh.10:2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (7) Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (Jesus is the only Shepherd of the sheep. He uses vessels that come to the sheep only through Him, the Door. This palace represents the New Jerusalem on Mount Zion, the city that rules over God's people.) Old Jerusalem ruled over God's physical letter people just as New Jerusalem rules over God's spiritual New Testament people. Paul declared that we have come to this spiritual city. He showed us that it is not a physical city that can be touched. (Heb.12:18) For ye are not come unto [a mount] that might be touched … (22) but ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem … (23) to the general assembly and church of the firstborn …. (Jesus' called-out ones come to this mountain. Our journey is to come to this mountain, climb it, and enter the throne room through the Door.)  Then I saw Jesus, the Son of David, sitting on the throne of David. I walked over and sat down next to Him, and we talked. (The throne is the place of dominion that the bride has next to her King.) (Rev.3:21) He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. All who overcome the stubbornness of their evil heart, to abide in the Name of Jesus, will come to this throne. (Jer.3:17) At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord; and all the nations (of the mostly Gentile Church) shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. (All who overcome the first mountain of the world will live on the second mountain of the Kingdom of God. These act in “the name of the Lord” because they are seated in the throne of authority with Jesus.  This position has been given to all who are born again, but many have turned to the right or left and do not take their rightful position by abiding in Christ.) (Eph.2:5) Even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), (6) and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly [places], in Christ Jesus. As I talked with Jesus, I heard a noise behind me and turned to see some men trying to climb up into the throne room through a rear window. Jesus said, “Don't worry about them; they can't come in here.” (Obviously, the position of authority may be usurped in Babylon but not in Zion, God's mountain and kingdom.) (Joh.10:1) … He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. Jesus, speaking of the apostate ministers of His day, said, “All that came before me are thieves and robbers” (Joh.10:8); and so it is today. Many have stolen the position of authority by not going down the road of humbling themselves to the Word and entering through the Door of Christ. They have robbed the sheep of gifted mentors. They have robbed the sheep of Christ, for ministers can only pass on what they are. Religion has historically made the same mistake. They mistake education in a sect of Christianity to be God's authority and commission. The disciples were perceived to be unlearned and ignorant by the religious leaders (Act. 4:13). However, the religious leaders knew that the disciples had been with Jesus by their gifts. Faith, fruit, maturity, submission to the Lord, and personal knowledge of the Lord and His ways must be passed on to the sheep. Ministers cannot pass on what they do not possess themselves. The daughter harlots (Rev.17:5) are still mass producing hirelings (Joh.10:12-13; Isa.56:9-12); but Jesus comes to lead His sheep out of the Babylonish sheepfolds of men (Joh.10:3-4) so that, unhindered by the traditions of men, they may run after Him. A man must be an elder in experience and maturity in the Word to be promoted as a bishop (overseer) over God's people (1Ti.3:1-7; Tit.1:5-9). A friend dreamed about Christians as babies with beards, showing they had been with the Lord for many years but were still immature. God's people have loved the world, so He has given them immature apostate leaders to tell them what they want to hear. (Isa.3:4) And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. (5) And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself proudly against the old man, and the base against the honorable. (Choose the man with the gift over the man with the title.) (2Ti.4:3) For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; (4) and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

00:00:00 Numbers 1 – Numbering the Men of War from Twenty Years Old and Upward00:07:24 Numbers 2 – Order of the Camps and Standard of the Host of Israel00:11:55 Numbers 3 – Charge of the Levites and Redemption of the Firstborn00:19:08 Numbers 4 – Service of the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites00:26:26 Numbers 5 – Restitution for Trespass and Water of Jealousy00:31:02 Numbers 6 – Vow of a Nazarite and the LORD Bless Thee and Keep Thee00:35:11 Numbers 7 – Dedication Offerings of the Twelve Princes of Israel00:45:54 Numbers 8 – Lighting the Seven Lamps and Cleansing of the Levites00:49:33 Numbers 9 – Passover Kept in the Wilderness and Cloud Covering the Tabernacle00:53:16 Numbers 10 – Two Trumpets of Silver and Departure from Mount Sinai00:58:00 Numbers 11 – Burning at Taberah, Quails, and Seventy Elders Endued with the Spirit01:03:32 Numbers 12 – Miriam's Leprosy for Speaking Against Moses01:05:43 Numbers 13 – Twelve Spies Sent to Search out the Land of Canaan01:09:47 Numbers 14 – Murmuring of the People and Forty Years Wandering Proclaimed01:16:11 Numbers 15 – Offerings of the Land, Sabbath Stoning, and Fringes on Garments01:21:40 Numbers 16 – Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the Earth Opening Her Mouth01:28:45 Numbers 17 – Rod of Aaron Budded, Blossomed, and Yielded Almonds01:30:37 Numbers 18 – Portion of the Priests, Levites, and Tithes of the Tithes01:36:16 Numbers 19 – Sacrifice of the Red Heifer and Water of Separation01:39:55 Numbers 20 – Moses Smiteth the Rock at Meribah and Death of Aaron01:43:58 Numbers 21 – Serpent of Brass and Defeat of Sihon and Og01:49:08 Numbers 22 – Balak Sendeth for Balaam and the Ass Speaketh01:55:21 Numbers 23 – Parables of Balaam: God Is Not a Man That He Should Lie01:59:24 Numbers 24 – Prophecy of a Star Out of Jacob and Sceptre Out of Israel02:03:07 Numbers 25 – Whoredom at Baalpeor and Zeal of Phinehas02:05:34 Numbers 26 – Second Census of the Children of Israel in the Plains of Moab02:13:42 Numbers 27 – Inheritance of the Daughters of Zelophehad and Joshua Set Before Eleazar02:16:57 Numbers 28 – Daily Continual Burnt Offering, Sabbath, and Feast Days02:21:13 Numbers 29 – Offerings for Feast of Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles02:26:21 Numbers 30 – Vows of Maidens, Wives, and Husbands Disannulling Them02:29:04 Numbers 31 – Vengeance upon Midian and Division of the Prey02:35:25 Numbers 32 – Reuben, Gad, and Half Tribe of Manasseh Settle Transjordan02:41:16 Numbers 33 – Journeys of the Children of Israel from Rameses to Moab02:46:48 Numbers 34 – Borders of the Land of Canaan and Princes Appointed02:50:13 Numbers 35 – Levite Cities and Cities of Refuge for the Slayer02:55:13 Numbers 36 – Inheritance of Daughters Marrying Within Their Own TribeDownload One-Year Reading Plan:https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/kingjamesbibleinoneyearBooks:https://andrewhorval.substack.com/p/booksPodcast & More:https://andrewhorval.substack.com

We continue exploring the life of Samson, the Philistine destroyer. We delve into his pattern of disobedience, his encounters with Philistine women, and his downfall at the hands of Delilah. Despite Samson's repeated failures to uphold his Nazarite vow, God uses him to subdue the Philistines. Samson's final act of strength, pulling down the pillars of the Philistine temple, highlights the tragic end to his story of general disobedience.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

We explore the early life and exploits of Samson, the Nazarite dedicated to God from birth. We discuss his miraculous birth to a barren woman and his vow as a Nazarite, which included abstaining from alcohol, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and not cutting his hair. Despite these vows, Samson's actions were often driven by personal desires rather than divine commandments. From pursuing a Philistine woman for marriage to posing a riddle at his wedding feast, Samson's life was marked by impulsive decisions and defiance. Yet, God used even his flaws to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

Why would the Holy Spirit warn Paul not to go somewhere if that's exactly where God was leading him? In part 3 of our student interview series, film school student Aleesia asks Pastor Dallas about Acts 21 — prophetic warnings, the Nazarite vow, and Paul's arrest and Roman citizenship reveal in Jerusalem. This episode continues our special series where students from THP Students interview Pastor Dallas about the passages we're studying together, recorded and edited by the students themselves as part of our church Film School program. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Welcome 1:10 - Acts 21: Paul Warned Not to Go to Jerusalem 4:22 - Agabus Prophesies With Paul's Belt 5:19 - Meeting With James and the Jerusalem Elders 9:23 - Why Paul Took the Nazarite Vow 15:36 - Paul's Arrest and Roman Citizenship Reveal 21:57 - Closing & How to Visit The Healing Place

Andrew Henry returns to the podcast, joining Pastor Tim Bayly to discuss why they are thankful for the United States of America and what the need of the day is for Christians living in her. They discuss the American Revolution and its messy complexity; John Adams; the desire for simplistic explanations amid conflicts and controversies; the work of politicians and pastors; living in your station; localism; the crisis of discipline; and cultivating the ability to say "I was wrong."Show notes:Alfred F. Young, Liberty Tree: Ordinary People and the American RevolutionGeorge W. Forell, "Luther and the War Against the Turks,” Concordia Theological Monthly: Vol. 17, Article 52. Andrew mentions Samson, so I thought to include... Calvin's comments on Numbers 6:6.He shall come at no dead body:This, too, they had in common with the high-priest, that they were not even to mourn for their relations. Although Moses enjoins two things, that the Nazarites should make themselves unclean neither by entering the house of mourning, nor by mourning themselves, it was indeed a duty of humanity to bury the dead; but if any of the people had touched a dead body, or had come near a death-bed or bier, they were polluted. But God demands more of the Nazarites, lest, they should contract uncleanness; for it was not sufficient for them (as will be seen again presently) to purify themselves according to the accustomed means, but it behoved them to be far removed from all things that would pollute them. But why the touch of a dead body was a pollution, we shall consider more at large in its proper place. Now it must be briefly concluded, that because by death is represented God's curse, the wages of sin, the Israelites were thus admonished to beware of dead works. (336) As to the mourning, the reason of the prohibition was different, viz., that those who professed the special service of God, should set, an example to others of magnanimity and submission. If it were sinful to weep and lament when our friends are taken from us, Christ would not, have wept. at the tomb of Lazarus; but because perturbation is always associated with grief, and men in their mourning are too apt to give way to ambition and pomp, and voluntarily and purposely provoke themselves to excess, as though nature did not already carry them further than is right, the Nazarites could not give an example of moderation, if they had mixed themselves with mourners. Wherefore, as they were before restrained from daintiness, so now a remedy is applied to the opposite disease, viz., to sorrow. But, although all ought, to seek to indulge it moderately, yet something more is prescribed to the Nazarites, that, as if disentangled and stripped from earthly affections, they should go further than the rest of the people; as we shall see hereafter with respect to the priests.Aish.com article titled, “Samson - Contact with Dead":In terms of coming in contact with dead animals, that is not an issue for any type of Nazarite. The Torah only forbids his coming in contact with “a dead soul” – but not a dead animal (which doesn't possess a true soul) (Talmud Nazir 48a). (answered by Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld.)Here's the picture of my great-grandfather, William A. DeWalt, which hangs in our living room. He holds my uncle, Curtis DeWalt: "H. R. 10174. William Dewalt, aged 78 years, late a private, Company A, One hundred and fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Infantry, from April 20, 1862, to June 6, 1865 (length of service, 3 years 1 month 17 days), is now pensioned under certificate No. 47837 at the rate of $46 per month under general law for loss of left arm above elbow."***Desire to become a pastor? Check out New Geneva Academy. Listen to NGA's brand new podcast, "What I Wish They'd Told Me," here or watch video here.***Out of Our Minds Podcast: Pastors Who Say What They Think. For the love of Christ and His Church.Intro and outro music is Psalm of the King, Psalm 21 by My Soul Among Lions.Out of Our Minds audio, artwork, episode descriptions, and notes are property of Warhorn Media, published with permission by Transistor, Inc. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Subject: Numbers: The Camp of the LORDSpeaker or Performer: Cole NewtonScripture Passage(s): Numbers 6:1-21Date of Delivery: July 19, 2026

Got a structured Nazarite funds inheritance settlement but need cash for sacrifices now? Call Mishnah Nazir, Chapter 4 Mishnah 7 cash now! Really though, why is chapter 4 all about stuff lady nazirites can't do? Join Shel Maala in England: http://bit.ly/torah-in-exile To ask us questions, email us at xaihowareyou@gmail.com. Support us on patreon at patreon.com/xaihowareyou. Music by Ben Schreiber.

Send us Fan MailDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

7 takeaways from this study Take your “wilderness” seasons seriously. Times of isolation, sickness, or loss can become holy ground where God has your undivided attention. Ask Him what He is teaching you, not only what He is removing. Treat both body and soul. When facing long-term illness or patterns like addiction, pursue wise medical help and also ask: “What is going on in my heart, habits, relationships, and walk with God?” Guard your tongue. Miriam and Gehazi show how slander, complaint, and deceit can become “spiritual toxins.” Make repentance for sinful speech as real and specific as you would for any outward act. Dedicate what you hear, do, and where you go. The ear, hand, and foot imagery invites a daily prayer: “Lord, cleanse and direct what I listen to, what I put my hands to, and the paths I choose today.” Let your healing deepen your calling. The cleansed leper is not only restored but symbolically “near-priestly.” When God brings you through a trial, ask how your story can now serve others in practical, humble ways. Do not waste your outsider experiences. Like the four lepers in 2 Kings 7, the places where you were most rejected or desperate may become the very places God uses you to bring good news and provision to others. Respond with obedience and gratitude, not just relief. The ten lepers in Luke 17 remind us: it is possible to receive God's mercy and then move on. Make a habit of returning in worship, obeying His instructions, and giving Him glory publicly. Biblical “leprosy” functions as more than a medical label. In Scripture, צָרַעַת ṣāraʿat/tzara’at exposes both physical affliction and spiritual condition. Leviticus 13–14 establishes the basic categories and rituals. Historical narratives in 2 Kings and the Gospels then illustrate how God uses lepers and leprosy to reveal sin, grant cleansing, and redirect lives. Leviticus 14 shows that the ritual for the “leper in the day of his cleansing” (Leviticus 14:2 NASB95) applies after physical restoration has already occurred. The ceremony therefore emphasizes spiritual realities. Later accounts in 2Kings 7, Luke 17, and Mark 1 further develop the connection between outward disease and inner life. Leprosy in Leviticus: Broad and ritual, not narrowly clinical Leviticus 13–14 describes tzāraʿat in terms of color, depth, spread, and duration. The text speaks of white hair, raw flesh, reddish or greenish marks, and deeper depressions in the skin (Leviticus 13:2–8, 18–25). The vocabulary allows many modern skin conditions — such as eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, or other chronic dermatoses — to fall within its scope. Consequently, ṣāraʿat in Leviticus functions primarily as a ritual and covenantal classification rather than a precise clinical diagnosis like modern Hansen's disease. The passage focuses on whether the condition renders the individual טָמֵא ṭāmēʼ (unclean) or טָהוֹר ṭāhôr (clean), not on identifying a specific pathogen. In addition, priestly involvement centers on examination and declaration. The priest observes, isolates, re-examines, and then pronounces clean or unclean (Leviticus 13:3, 13:13, 13:17). The priest does not apply medical treatment. This division of roles underscores the ritual and spiritual focus of the legislation. Isolation outside the camp: Loss and direct encounter Once declared unclean, the person with ṣāraʿat must live “alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp” (Leviticus 13:46 NASB95). Clothing is torn. The head is uncovered. The upper lip is covered. The leper must cry out “Unclean! Unclean!” (Leviticus 13:45). These actions publicly mark the condition and prevent casual contact. Practically, such isolation strips a person of home, normal relationships, and community worship. Family connections become distant, often literally. Daily survival may depend on food left at a distance by compassionate relatives or neighbors. The social cost mirrors the spiritual reality of being separated from the holy presence in the camp. At the same time, this separation places the leper in a kind of wilderness space, separated from community structures. Human mediators can only pronounce, not cure. In this setting, dependence on יי רֹפְאֵנוּ Adonai Rofeinu (the LORD our Healer) becomes central. If healing comes, it comes from God Himself. In this way, the “outside the camp” experience embodies both judgment and opportunity for direct encounter. Physical and spiritual dimensions of disease Biblical material often links physical conditions with inner states without denying natural causes. Emotions, patterns of sin, and spiritual dynamics interact with bodily health. For instance, prolonged anger and anxiety can aggravate stomach ulcers or gallbladder problems. Psalm 32:3–4 portrays unconfessed sin in terms of bodily wasting: “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away… my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer” (NASB95). Here inner guilt and physical experience intertwine. Modern examples follow the same pattern. Alcoholism, while classified as a disease, frequently arises from deep emotional wounds, trauma, or despair. In biblical categories, such factors involve the לֵב lēv (heart) and the רוּחַ rūakh (spirit). Chronic destructive habits grow out of damaged inner life as well as physical predisposition. Consequently, long-term conditions—such as addictions, some chronic illnesses, or persistent psychosomatic complaints—often display both physical and spiritual dimensions. Addressing only the physical symptoms may leave the root issues untouched. When this occurs, patterns can recur, intensify, or shift into alternate forms. Leviticus 14: Cleansing after healing Leviticus 14 opens with a clear temporal statement: “This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing” (Leviticus 14:2 NASB95). The ritual begins only after the visible disease has ceased. The priest “shall go out to the outside of the camp; thus the priest shall look, and if the infection of leprosy has been healed in the leper” (Leviticus 14:3). Only then does the ceremony proceed. The ritual includes: Two live clean birds Cedar wood (עֵץ אֶרֶז ʿēṣ ʼerez) Scarlet string or material (שָׁנִי תוֹלָעַת šānî tôlāʿat – scarlet) Hyssop (אֵזוֹב ʼēzov) An earthenware vessel over “living water” (fresh, running water) Later, sacrifices of a guilt offering, sin offering, burnt offering, and grain offering Application of blood and oil to the cleansed person One bird is slaughtered over the living water. The blood and water mix in the vessel. The living bird, cedar, scarlet, and hyssop are dipped in the mixture. The priest sprinkles the person seven times and then releases the live bird in the open field (Leviticus 14:4–7). The individual then washes, shaves, and enters a staged process of re-entry. These procedures do not function as medical therapies. They do not administer herbs, balms, or diet. Instead, they act as symbolic actions that declare cleansing, atonement, and new consecration. Physical healing has already occurred. The ceremony publicly acknowledges this healing and integrates the person back into the worshiping community with a heightened spiritual significance. Connections to Passover, Atonement, priesthood and nazarite vows The elements in Leviticus 14 echo several major biblical themes. First, the use of hyssop and blood recalls Passover. In Exodus 12:22, Israel takes a bunch of hyssop, dips it in the blood, and applies it to the lintel and doorposts. The LORD passes over the homes marked by blood (Exodus 12:23). In that event, deliverance does not depend on prior holiness. The people remain as they are, sheltered by the blood. Salvation comes as a gift. Second, the two-bird pattern parallels the two goats of the Day of Atonement. On Yom Kippur, one goat is sacrificed. The other, the scapegoat, bears the iniquities of Israel into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:7–10, 20–22). The live bird released in Leviticus 14:7 reflects similar symbolism. Guilt and impurity are carried away. The person stands cleared in God's sight. Third, the procedure copies the anointing of priests. At Aaron's ordination, Moses puts blood “on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot” (Leviticus 8:23 NASB95). The same pattern applies to Aaron's sons (Leviticus 8:24). In Leviticus 14:14–17, the cleansed person receives blood and oil on these same points. This alignment indicates a movement toward priestly-like consecration. Fourth, the shaving of all hair resembles Nazarite transitions. A נָזִיר nāzîr (Nazarite) grows hair during a vow period (Numbers 6:5). At completion, the Nazarite shaves the head and presents offerings (Numbers 6:18). In Leviticus 14:8–9, the former leper shaves head, beard, eyebrows, and all body hair twice. This suggests a complete reset and renewed dedication. Taken together, these resonances bind leper-cleansing to: Passover (protective blood and undeserved rescue) Yom Kippur (removal of iniquity and cleansing of intentional sin) Priesthood (set-apart service between God and people) Nazarite vow (special consecration and surrendered life) The restored person thus moves from total exclusion to a status that symbolically approaches priestly consecration. Ear, hand, and foot: Hearing, doing, walking The specific locations of blood and oil carry clear symbolic meaning. In both priestly ordination and leper cleansing, the sequence appears: Right ear lobe Right thumb Right big toe The right ear represents hearing. With blood and oil applied, the hearing life is cleansed and consecrated. The individual is marked to listen to God's word, not merely to surrounding voices. The right thumb represents action and work. Hands grasp tools, perform tasks, give, and receive. Blood and oil on the thumb declare that deeds now belong to God's service. The right big toe represents movement and direction. Feet choose paths. They either walk in God's ways or stray. The consecrated toe indicates that future journeys should align with holiness. By repeating this pattern over a once-unclean person, the text assigns a new quality to daily life. Every sound taken in, every act performed, and every path chosen stands under the sign of cleansing and dedication. Thus, the ritual does not simply restore social status. It reorients the entire life. Speech, sin, and leprosy: Miriam and Gehazi Several narrative passages explicitly associate leprosy with moral failures, especially in speech and covetousness. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses “because of the Cushite woman whom he had married” (Numbers 12:1 NASB95). God defends Moses and confronts them. After the cloud departs from over the tent, “Miriam was leprous, as white as snow” (Numbers 12:10). The judgment directly follows her misuse of the tongue. Moses intercedes, and Miriam endures seven days outside the camp before restoration (Numbers 12:13–15). Gehazi, servant of Elisha, covets and lies. After Naaman the Aramean receives healing from leprosy, Elisha refuses payment (2 Kings 5:15–16). Gehazi secretly pursues Naaman, invents a story to secure silver and garments, and hides them. Elisha exposes the deceit. Then he declares, “Therefore, the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever” (2Kings 5:27 NASB95). Gehazi “went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.” In both accounts, leprosy functions as visible confirmation of inner failure — slander and rebellion in Miriam's case, greed and deceit in Gehazi's. These histories do not cover every case of ṣāraʿat. They do, however, establish that Scripture sometimes presents leprosy as a direct, divinely appointed sign of moral and spiritual breakdown. The four lepers of 2Kings 7: Freedom and leadership from the margins 2Kings 6–7 presents another major leprosy-related narrative. Samaria faces siege from the king of Aram. Famine grows so intense that some resort to cannibalism (2Kings 6:28–29). The king of Israel blames Elisha and contemplates his death (2Kings 6:31). Outside the city gate sit four lepers (2Kings 7:3). They analyze their situation. Staying where they are means death. Entering the city also means death by famine. Approaching the Aramean camp may result in death by the sword but also carries a faint possibility of mercy and food. They decide, “Let us go over to the camp of the Arameans” (2 Kings 7:4 NASB95). When they arrive, the camp stands empty. The Lord has caused the Arameans to hear a great noise “like the sound of chariots… and of a great army,” so they flee, abandoning tents, horses, donkeys, and supplies (2Kings 7:6–7). The lepers eat and drink. They take silver, gold, and clothing and hide them (2Kings 7:8). After some time, conscience awakens. They say, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent” (2Kings 7:9 NASB95). They return to the city gate and report their findings. Ultimately, the people stream out, plunder the camp, and food prices drop dramatically, in fulfillment of Elisha's earlier word (2Kings 7:16–18). Here, unhealed lepers become pivotal agents in God's deliverance. Their social exclusion places them outside the besieged city. That marginal position gives them freedom of movement no one inside the walls possesses. Their desperate choice to walk toward supposed death leads to life for an entire population. Thus, people marked as unclean and expendable end up as the first recipients and then heralds of “good news.” Their path out to the enemy camp becomes the route others must follow to find provision. Leprosy in the Gospels: Healing, obedience and gratitude The Gospels include several accounts of lepers approaching Yeshua (Ἰησοῦς Iēsous – Jesus). In Mark 1:40–45, a leper kneels and says, “If You are willing, You can make me clean” (Mark 1:40 NASB95). Moved with compassion, Jesus touches him and says, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Mark 1:41). The leprosy leaves immediately. Jesus then “sternly warned him” and says, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them” (Mark 1:43–44). Nevertheless, the man goes out and “began to proclaim it freely,” with the result that Jesus can no longer openly enter a city (Mark 1:45). In Luke 17:11–19, ten lepers stand at a distance and cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:13 NASB95). He tells them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they go, they are cleansed (Luke 17:14). One, a Samaritan, returns, glorifies God, and falls at Jesus' feet in gratitude (Luke 17:15–16). Jesus observes that only this “foreigner” has returned to give glory to God and says, “Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:18–19). These passages add several layers. First, they confirm that Jesus honors Torah by directing cleansed lepers to priests and prescribed offerings. The rituals of Leviticus 14 retain their place as public testimony. Second, they distinguish between simple physical cleansing and deeper responses of obedience and worship. The man in Mark receives healing but disregards Jesus' explicit command to keep silent. The nine lepers in Luke receive cleansing but do not return in thanksgiving. Only the Samaritan combines obedience (going to the priest) with heartfelt gratitude and God-centered praise. Integrated pattern: Outward disease and inner reality Across Torah, Prophets, and Gospels, leprosy appears in a consistent pattern. In Leviticus, ṣāraʿat marks severe impurity and requires exclusion from the camp, yet it also opens the way to a profound ritual of atonement and consecration once healing occurs. In historical books, leprosy sometimes functions as a direct judgment on sins such as slander, rebellion, greed, and deception. In 2Kings 7, lepers become instruments of salvation for others while still bearing their disease. In the Gospels, lepers receive both healing and instructions that test obedience, gratitude, and witness. The physical condition therefore serves as a visible signpost. It reveals inner realities, exposes the seriousness of sin and uncleanness, and highlights God's power to cleanse and reassign identities. Leviticus 14, with its echoes of Passover, Yom Kippur, priesthood, and Nazarite vows, presents a restored leper not merely as a re-included citizen but as a person with intensified calling. Ear, hand, and foot are marked for God. The one who once cried “Unclean” now carries a distinctive imprint of cleansing and dedication. At the same time, narratives warn that if spiritual lessons remain unlearned, patterns repeat. Samaria experiences temporary relief in 2 Kings 7 but later falls due to ongoing idolatry (2Kings 17:7–23). Individuals like Miriam and Gehazi receive stark reminders that words and motives matter. The New Testament further indicates that some afflictions may remain even in faithful servants (2 Corinthians 12:7–10), not as punishment but as means of deepening dependence on God. Bottom line Biblical leprosy functions as a multilayered sign. It encompasses a wide range of physical conditions yet consistently points beyond the skin to the lēv (heart), rūaḥ (spirit), and community relationship with Adonai. Legal texts, historical narratives, and Gospel accounts converge on a central theme: God reveals, judges, cleanses, and reassigns those marked by uncleanness. In this framework, healing appears as both physical restoration and spiritual reorientation. The law of the leper in Leviticus 14 concludes with a fully reintegrated person whose hearing, actions, and walk are symbolically dedicated to God. Stories of lepers in Kings and the Gospels show that those once outside the camp can become bearers of good news and examples of faith. Thoughts to ponder Wilderness seasons / holy groundWhen you feel most isolated or stripped down, what might God be trying to show you that you can only see in this “wilderness” season? Treat both body and soulIn an area where you're seeking physical relief, what deeper heart issue, fear, or habit might God also be inviting you to address? Guard your tongueIf your recent words were made visible on your skin, what would they reveal—and where is God nudging you toward repentance or restraint? Ear, hand, and foot dedicated to GodWhat you hear, what you do, and where you go today—where is one small, concrete way you can consciously dedicate each of these to God? Healing deepens callingLooking back on a past wound or illness, how might your story now equip you to comfort, guide, or serve someone walking a similar path? God uses outsider experiencesWhere have you felt like an outsider or rejected, and how could that very experience become a bridge to people others are not reaching? Obedience and gratitude, not just reliefIn an area where God has recently helped you, what would it look like to “return” with specific gratitude and fresh obedience, rather than just moving on? The post Healing more than the body: What biblical lepers show about God's kindness (Leviticus 14; 2Kings 7; Luke 17; Mark 1) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.

Join Fr. Charles Vijay Kumar, C.Ss.R., for a profound and thought-provoking reflection in this episode of the 'Who's Who in the Bible' series. In this session, we delve into the life of Samson, the mighty judge of Israel. Moving beyond the Hollywood depictions, Fr. Charles explores the theological and spiritual lessons hidden within Samson's story—from his unique Nazarite consecration and extraordinary strength to his human flaws and ultimate moments of faith and surrender to God. This engaging study offers meaningful insights into how we can align our own lives with God's purpose, even amidst our personal struggles. We warmly invite you to watch this inspiring video and journey deeper into the Biblical narrative of Samson today.

This was a youth service so our speaker was a teen named Ezekiel Williams. Today, he discussed Nazarite vows, how they related to marriage vows, and how they were related to Yeshua's life. He explains the need for atonement before guilt and reconciliation as well.

This was a youth service so our speaker was a teen named Ezekiel Williams. Today, he discussed Nazarite vows, how they related to marriage vows, and how they were related to Yeshua's life. He explains the need for atonement before guilt and reconciliation as well.

In this week's episode Rabbi Kohn discusses the benefits of becoming a self made spiritual millionaire. He brings out from the mitzvah of the Nazarite how an indidvidual can reach great levels of holiness. He also teaches how the money you have in your bank account is not yours and how money you give away can be yours forever. Subscribe to The Practical Parsha Podcast. For questions or comments please email RabbiShlomoKohn@gmail.com. To listen to Rabbi Kohn's other podcast use this link- the-pirkei-avos-podcast.castos.com/    Chapters (00:00:00) - The Practical Parasha Podcast(00:00:42) - Parshas Naso(00:05:01) - All Things That Are Mine, Even My Own Property(00:14:31) - The Mitzvah of Naziros(00:19:56) - The Self-Made Millionaire

Dr. Lori Denning turns to two of Israel's most complicated judges, Gideon and Samson, and shows how gifted, Spirit-empowered men and women can unravel under the weight of pride and broken covenants, and why their stories are less a museum exhibit than a mirror.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/dOm_VzXsybcFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 - Part 2 - Dr. Lori Denning02:29 Gideon tears down his father's idol at night03:31 Joash steps into the gap to defend his son and a twin story06:36 The significance of Joash and Jael as additional helpers07:11 Signs that confirm faith vs. create it–The Fleece10:44 Applying the fleece12:09 Gideon's downfall–pride, the ephod, and the parallels15:32 Absolute power corrupts absolutely17:02 Sampson's introduction and the repeating cycle18:42 Monoah's unnamed wife–the elements of birth type scene22:28 The Nazarite vow and Samson as symbol of covenant Israel25:23 Samson's mother lives the Nazarite vow and Minoah's slowness27:38 Parataxis–Minoah's reaction vs his wife's recognition of the angel33:28 Anonymity in scripture as universality35:09 Sampson as cautionary tale and failure to repent36:41 Samson's first words, “I saw, I took.”40:32 The Philistine wife story: The riddle, the betrayal, and the burning42:57 Transition to Delilah, Samson is already corrupt44:02 “Fell in love” as covenant language and Delilah as anti-mother45:48 The 4 rounds with Delilah and secret of his hair48:10 Samson chained, blinded, only prayer for personal vengeance50:12 “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes”51:00 Closing reflection: Hope, warning signs, Jesus as true king53:42 Women in Judges as covenant markers, and final testimony of Jesus Christ58:14 End of Part 2 - Dr. Lori DenningThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

This message takes us deep into the story of Samson from the book of Judges, revealing profound truths about surrender, failure, and divine calling. We encounter a man chosen from the womb, set apart as a Nazarite with supernatural strength, yet repeatedly stumbling through violation after violation of his sacred vow. The sermon challenges our cultural narratives about strength and success, flipping them on their head with a counter-cultural truth: real strength comes through surrender, not self-reliance. What makes this message so compelling is its honest confrontation with our own failures. We all have those moments that haunt us, those decisions we wish we could undo, those times when we had everything set up for success but still fell short. The distinction between remorse and repentance becomes crucial here. Remorse keeps us looking backward through a deceptive rearview mirror, making excuses and blaming circumstances. Repentance moves us forward, acknowledging our responsibility while trusting in God's redemptive power. Samson's final prayer, blind and chained, becomes a template for our own surrender: naming our pillars of pride, anger, lust, or fear, and asking God for strength to push them down, even if it costs us our comfort and control. The truth we're invited to embrace is transformative: we are not defined by our failures but by our calling and by Christ's righteousness.

An angel tells the barren wife of Manoach, that she will mother a child who will be Nazarite, and will begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.

In this Bible Story, Samson battles with a lion, breaks his vow as a Nazarite, and marries a Philistine woman. His foolishness costs him greatly, and his wife marries another man. This story is inspired by Judges 14. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Judges 14:14 from the King James Version.Episode 67: Samson, now a grown man, was walking around in the city of Timnah one day. He caught sight of a beautiful woman and immediately went back to his home to ask his parents to fetch her for him as a wife. On the way there a lion attacked Samson, but the Spirit of the Lord was upon him and he defeated the lion with his bare hands. In his pride, this became the perfect excuse to set up a riddle to place a bet and win himself 30 new garments at his wedding party. But we should be careful with what we say or do in moments of pride because just like Samson we might end up losing more than we imagine instead.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Judges 13–16, 2 Corinthians 2 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible on this April 2nd, day 93 of our journey through the Scriptures. I'm your host, Speaker A, inviting you to spend a little time together as we explore the remarkable stories of Judges 13–16 and the powerful words of 2 Corinthians chapter 2. Today, we'll witness the birth and dramatic life of Samson, a man set apart from before birth as a Nazarite, whose feats—and flaws—shaped the history of Israel during their oppression by the Philistines. We'll hear of God's faithfulness, radical forgiveness, and the fragrance of a life lived in Christ, as Speaker C and Speaker B lead us in reflection and prayer. Wherever you are, join us as we open our hearts to the Word, reflect on Christ's sacrifice this Good Friday, and discover the life-giving perfume that is poured out on all who believe. TODAY'S DEVOTION: A life giving perfume. Paul says that's what our lives are to be. Perfume is beautiful. It's treasured. It fills the senses, it revives us, it beautifies us. This perfume Paul is talking about goes even further—it gives life. This life giving perfume doesn't evaporate or dissipate over time. Once poured out, it grows and multiplies. It fills the room, it fills the world. Its fragrance spreads through time and gives life to each new generation, each new civilization. This is eternal, life giving perfume. It has been poured out on us, and we are to pour it out on others. On this Good Friday, we remember that God's life giving perfume was poured out in the life of our Lord Jesus upon the whole earth as he hung from the cross. He gave Himself so that he might offer radical forgiveness for all, that he might suffer on behalf of all, that that fragrant life would beautify all. So this day, may the Spirit of Christ—the fragrance of his life—emanate from our souls into this world. May others be awakened to the fragrant life, the self-giving, radically forgiving, co-suffering life of our Lord. May we all be awakened to this life that is ours in him today. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Sometimes, the very lowest point of our life is a wake-up call. This week, Pastor Connor continues our series in Judges with the conclusion of Samson's life. Samson was given great strength, but often treated this gift like it didn't matter, or used it just for his own benefit. He also disobeyed God in significant ways. Finally, Samson lost his girl, his hair, his strength, his sight, and his freedom all in a single day. He was brought lower than he'd ever been, but God was still at work in unseen ways. From Samson's life, we can learn to steward our strength for God, let rock bottom refocus us, and remember that God never stops caring for and working on us.This week, our hosts continue their discussion on the book of Judges, some of the talking points were, how should we categorize Samson, what is the Nazarite vow, and how symbolic was Samsons hair. Oh and tune into the beginning to hear our hosts talk about something hairy...If you would like to watch the video podcast, find us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhDfGn0zfzi6XjcKkSVcFAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertbcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekabiblechurchWebsite: https://www.discovertbc.com/

Explore the fascinating story of Samson in this episode of Bible Discovery. Delve into the biblical account from Judges chapter 13, focusing on Samson's miraculous birth, his role as a Nazarite, and his tumultuous life as one of Israel's judges. Hosts Rod Hembree, Janice, Corie, and Ryan guide you through the historical and spiritual significance of Samson's life and the lessons it offers today.

What is the kingdom of God?; Crusades?; Studying history; Persuasion vs force; "Stoning"; "Corban"; Idolatry?; Cities of blood - Systems; Cutting hair/skin; Rituals and ceremonies; Making the word of God to none effect; Unmooring words from their meaning; Heredity; Spiritual DNA?; Extra-terrestrials?; Evil appearing as angels of light; Guidance from Holy Spirit; Altars of sacrifice?; Lev 6:2 in that which was delivered - "paqqadown" = to deposit, store, supply (in trust); biet+pi-kuf-dalet-vav-nun; Gen 31:46; Pledges to Pharaoh; Praying at the "Well of Beersheba"?; Jacob going to Egypt; Learning to be Israel; Quicksand; Man having dominion - unalienable rights; "Dress and keep it"; God's trust in men; Angels in Sodom and Gomorrah?; Avoiding repeating historical mistakes; Vanity vs Humility; Recompense; Prodigal son; Lk 15:11; Checking your spirit; False swearing; Setting priorities like God; Atonement?; Replacement and offering to world; Lev 6:8 - law (Towrah); Ex 13:9 tav-vav-resh-tav; Leaven?; "Put to death"?; Nazarite?; Mal 2:6, Mal 4:4; Law of faith; Aaron and his sons; "Burnt offering"; Altars?; Fire?; Aleph-tav untranslated?; Man's faith in God; Social safety net; Linen garment; Breeches?; Ashes?; Baldness?; Reserve fund of the kingdom of God; Daily sacrifice for the (true) needy; Wise giving - witness; Fraud; Going the way of Christ; Uncorrupted social welfare; Freewill offerings; Christ's lineage includes Parthia; Pharisees today; Biting your neighbor; Eating with unleavened bread; Walking in the spirit; Trusting others; No right to social security; Being filled with Holy Spirit; "Court"?; Crooks and crookedness; Strong congregations; "Sabbath" is about debt; half = mem-chet-tzedek-yod-tav-hey; "morning"? Biet-biet-kuf-resh - without delay, right away; "Sweet savor"?; Passover lamb to eat in one night; Sprinkling?; Separate Israelites; v28: Earthen vessel; Using up; "broken" shabar; Judgement-repentance- deliverance; Pride!; Gather faithfully; Tribalism; Doing the will of the Father; Stay humble, my friends.

Today on The Bible is Funny Podcast, our journey through the Bible takes us to Numbers 1-6, where we discuss whether or not the Levites count, the intricacies of the Nazarite vow, and what they're not telling us about grapes. Follow on Instagram and TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thebibleisfunny⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.BRAND NEW The Bible is Funny Podcast Hats & The Bible is Funny Card Game Volumes 1 and 2 available here - https://thebibleisfunny.etsy.com/#Numbers #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #TheBibleIsFunny #OldTestament

Ever thought you were strong enough to 'handle' that habit, relationship, or secret? That's Samson's story, and maybe it's yours, too. We usually focus on his muscles and his hair, but the real story of Samson isn't about physical strength—it's about the devastating, invisible power of small compromises.Today Pastor Charlie looks into the story of a "flawed" hero of Judges: Samson.We're examining why Samson, a man set apart from birth, ended up blinded and bound, and what it tells us about our own 'strongest weaknesses.'In this message, we cover:The Nazarite calling vs. the self-focused cravings: Why Samson thought his gifting made him exempt from the rules.The Slow Drift of Compromise: The three-step 'dance' with Delilah where he lost his fear of being burned.The Fatal Mistake: Why Samson's collapse wasn't sudden; it was the quiet leak of a lost connection to God.The Gospel Solution (The Better Deliverer): Why Samson's blind, final prayer is a pre-figuring of the voluntary, triumphant sacrifice of Jesus.The Bottom Line: You can't control a sin that you refuse to confront.Stop your drift. Stop trying to 'muscle' your way out of a cycle that only grace can break. This sermon is a final call to stop the transactional hustle and find the true strength that comes only through surrender.

Leviticus = hard book due to misunderstanding; Limitations by "church"; Damnable heresies; "Melchizedek"; Freewill offerings; "corban"; Drawing near to God; Burning bush?; Ashes?; aleph-pey-resh; Altars of clay and stone; Kidneys or reins of control; "The Nazarite"; Chores; Teaching responsibility; Did Jesus do your chores?; God's social welfare system; Tax collectors; "Shambles"; Bread stamping?; Pork?Bible in the context of history; God is the same; Moses and Christ in agreement; Jerusalem Temple; Fraud; Leviticus 5 laws for guilt offerings; "Unclean"; Council of men; Wood on alter?; Reality check on animal sacrifice; American Creed; Democracy vs Republic; Scattered flock of people; Benefits from the altars; Making the word of God to none effect; How the system of God works; Voluntary giving; Setting wood on fire on the altar?; Choice of minister; Rightly dividing the bread (resources) to strengthen the poor; Church "service"; Loving neighbor through charity; Killing care?; Satan's truth; Repentance; Mt 20:25, Mk 10:42, Lk 22:25; Listening to Holy Spirit; Does God want you to covet?; "Honor" father and mother; Social safety nets; Lev 6:1 hearing from Yahweh; soul = nephesh; "Golem"?; Upside-down-upside-down; Delusion; "Legal?"; Electing rulers; Treating neighbor righteously; Are you? Or forcing them?; Stealing from God; Freedom of speech - finding the fools; Confession; Can't make God owe you salvation; Discernment; Lev 6:5 Restoring what's been taken; Addiction to benefits; Bondage of Egypt?; Living by faith, hope and charity; biet+resh-aleph-shin+vav; aleph-tav-vav added; Restorative justice; "give" in faith; Coming to the aid of your neighbor; Cheating; Hiding from the light; Kingdom of God is a different system; Loving the light; "Tithing"; Turning up the light; Prodigal son; Trust; "fifth part"; Symptoms of delusion; Be priests and kings.

The passage in Numbers 5 and 6 presents a comprehensive vision of God's people as a holy, consecrated community reflecting both the original creation and the heavenly order, with the tabernacle at its center as a restored Eden. It addresses the necessity of purity through the removal of ritual defilements—such as leprosy, bodily discharges, and corpse contamination—as well as the moral responsibility to confront hidden sins through confession and restitution, even years after the act, emphasizing the ongoing call to holiness. The section on marital jealousy, though complex, underscores the importance of restoring relational integrity and trust within the family, reflecting the broader need for purity in all relationships. In contrast, chapter 6 introduces the Nazarite vow as a voluntary, temporary consecration to God, marked by abstinence from wine and uncut hair, symbolizing a life fully devoted to the Lord, which the entire nation, during their wilderness journey, was effectively living out as a people in covenant with God. This culminates in the priestly blessing—The Lord bless you and keep you—where God's presence, grace, and peace are invoked upon His people, restoring the fullness of creation's blessing and calling the community to live in continual communion with Him, walking before His face in holiness and joy.

Fr. Mike explains the significance behind the Nazarite vow and the priestly blessing in Numbers 6. We also learn why the Great Command revealed in Deuteronomy 6 is the foundation of all other commandments. Today we pray Psalm 91. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this message, James explores the ancient Nazarite vow and how it relates to Paul's decision to walk directly into the danger and "chains" awaiting him in Jerusalem. Using the context of the Lenten season, James highlights that a commitment to personal growth and faith often requires stepping out of our comfort zones rather than avoiding difficult circumstances. He emphasizes that while practices like fasting or solitude are voluntary tools for preparation, true transformation comes from a daily mindset shift toward serving others regardless of the cost.Subscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Download a copy of the Exodus JournalVisit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.comSubscribe to AfterWords on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Visit us online: rivchurch.comFollow us on InstagramSend us feedback: podcast@rivchurch.com

Judges – Session 6 | Strength from God, Failure through Compromise, and Restoration through Repentance This session centers on Judges chapters 14–16, exploring the life of Samson — a man chosen by God, empowered by the Spirit, yet vulnerable to compromise and temptation. The message opens by emphasizing Samson's unique calling. His birth was foretold by God, and he was set apart as a Nazarite from birth. Unlike other judges, Samson often fought alone, relying directly on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than armies — a picture pointing forward to Christ, who would accomplish salvation alone. As Samson begins his conflict with the Philistines, God uses unexpected circumstances — including Samson's marriage, the lion encounter, and the riddle at the wedding feast — to stir confrontation with Israel's enemies. Repeatedly, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Samson, enabling supernatural victories that could never be achieved by human strength. Yet alongside divine power runs human weakness. Samson continually places himself in dangerous situations, forming relationships that draw him closer to temptation. His involvement with Delilah becomes the clearest picture of how compromise works slowly — one small step at a time — until spiritual strength is drained away. One of the most sobering moments in Scripture is highlighted: Samson does not realize that the Spirit of the Lord has departed from him. This reveals the danger of persistent disobedience — a gradual drifting from God that can happen without immediate awareness. Despite Samson's fall, God's mercy is not finished with him. As his hair begins to grow again, it symbolizes repentance, renewal, and restored relationship. In his blindness and suffering, Samson finally cries out to God with complete dependence. In his final act, Samson brings greater defeat to Israel's enemies in his death than in his entire life — powerfully foreshadowing Christ, who destroyed Satan's power fully through His sacrifice on the cross. The session concludes with hope: God does not discard flawed people. Though sin carries consequences, repentance opens the door to restoration. Even after failure, God can still use a surrendered life for His glory. Key Takeaway True strength comes from God alone. Compromise weakens spiritual power, but repentance restores it — and God's mercy is always greater than human failure.

Join Rod and Janice Hembree on Bible Discovery TV as they delve into the biblical concept of the Nazarite vow. This episode focuses on Numbers 6, examining the significance of the vow, its historical context, and its relevance today. Discover insights into the priestly blessing and learn how the Nazarite vow connects to archaeological findings. Perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible and its teachings.

* This originally aired as a video episode on YouTube HERE. Can we ask some hard questions? Commonplace, dispensational Christianity hits some major hurdles when one slowly and contextually reads the accounts of the post-resurrection Assembly. Here we see Paul instructed by the elders of the Assembly to join alongside others in a Nazarite vow, which the Book of Numbers tells us included purification rituals and... animal sacrifices. And why was he to do this? To expose the *false accusations* that he was teaching people to "forsake Moses." What are we to make of this? Is this merely Paul "being all things to all men" or is it something much deeper that most have missed? Let's find out!

Send us a textAn angel tells Manoah's wife that her baby, Samson, will be a Nazarite—set apart for God. Samson grows super strong, but his choices are not always wise: he plays with danger, makes enemies, and finally tells Delilah the secret of his strength. Captured and blinded, Samson prays for God's help one last time. God answers, and Samson pushes down the temple pillars, defeating Israel's enemies and beginning their freedom. This powerful story shows that our strength comes from God, and that He still hears us when we turn back to Him. Talk about it:What does it mean that Samson was a Nazarite “set apart” for God?How did Samson's choices get him into trouble?What changed when Samson prayed at the end of the story?What's one way you can use your strengths to honor God this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe'd love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.Or write to us by mail:Kathy's Kids StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Daily Dose of Hope December 19, 2025   Scripture - Acts 21:1-26   Prayer:  Holy God, We sing your praises today... For to us a child is born,     to us a son is given,     and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace     there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne     and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it     with justice and righteousness     from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty     will accomplish this.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are getting close to finishing this reading plan after going through the Gospels and now the book of Acts.  Today, we walk through the first portion of Acts 21.   I have to admit, I've always struggled with this passage. Paul is being warned repeatedly by believers, those who have the gift of prophecy, that he should not go on to Jerusalem because it is dangerous for him. Paul has experienced persecution and danger, but what is waiting for him in Jerusalem could certainly be the worst yet. And yet, he insists upon going. Was he ignoring warnings from the Holy Spirit or simply determined to courageously carry out what God called him to do?   Now, most of us will never, ever encounter the kind of resistance and persecution that Paul is experiencing. But how often have we felt the strong call of God in a particular area and then felt dissuaded by our Christians brothers and sisters to carry it out? So often, I think people react to our plans more out of fear for us and/or how our lives might be disrupted than from clear guidance from God. (There are certainly exceptions but I wonder how people's reactions might be different if we asked them to go home and pray about it specifically and diligently for a week.) Paul clearly felt God had called him to return to Jerusalem, minister to the Jews and Gentiles there, and face the authorities, so that God's Word could be preached to the powers that be no matter the consequences. The part of the chapter about Paul purifying himself with the four other men was kind of interesting and worth mentioning.  Why did he do this?  He wanted to show the other Jewish believers that, while the law was not necessary for salvation, he still wanted to honor Jewish traditions. Though these Jews had become Christians, they had not come to the realization that salvation through Jesus made the law of Moses inoperative as a redemptive system. Accordingly, these new Christians still circumcised their children (as a covenant sign), and they observed many of the "customs" of Mosaic law.   There were plenty of Jews who were disparaging Paul, saying he didn't want anything to do with the Jewish law.  Paul is still Jewish.  He has never preached or taught that.  Think about how Paul circumcised Timothy to show respect for the Jewish Christians in the churches for which they were working.  But rumors happen and they can be hard to break.    There were four Hebrew men who had placed themselves under a vow, probably a Nazarite vow. It was about time for their ritual to be concluded by a purification ceremony in the temple. It was suggested that Paul identify with them, paying their temple fees, and, "purifying" himself along with them. This would be done so that the Jews might see that Paul was being obedient to the law. We know that Gentiles, of course, were under no such constraints.  Paul isn't required to do this but he is trying to calm tempers.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

This was a special "Friday Night Live" followup to finish our questions for this week that we did not complete on Tuesday. Questions and Timestamps:Does God love everyone? 14:52What is the best way to respond to Jehovah Witnesses? 20:30Two Questions about tithing 33:00Who died first, Jesus or the thief? 1:03:12Is it wrong to use the “Sacred Name” of God? 1:07:20Is the doctrine of Kenosis heresy? 1:28:00Question about Moving to Full-Time Ministry 1:37:40What if someone rejected a book in the canon? 1:47:15I spoke out during a sermon, should I apologize? 1:55:00Can you explain the Nazarite vow? 2:03:00Understanding Justification and Sanctification 2:07:50Support the Show: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/Yourcalvinisthttps://www.TinyBibles.comYou can get the smallest Bible available on the market, which can be used for all kinds of purposes, by visiting TinyBibles.com and when you buy, use the coupon code KEITH for a discount.Love Coffee? Want the Best? Get a free bag of Squirrelly Joe's Coffee by clicking on this link: https://www.Squirrellyjoes.com/yourcalvinistor use coupon code "Keith" for 20% off anything in the storeDominion Wealth Strategies Visit them at https://www.dominionwealthstrategists.comhttp://www.Reformed.Moneyand let them know we sent you! Spiraling Impressions — Custom Stickers — Facebook: Spiraling Impressions Website: spiralingimpressions.com.COUPON CODE: YourCalvinist (gets 10% 0ff)https://www.HighCallingFitness.comHealth, training, and nutrition coaching all delivered to you online by confessionally reformed bodybuilders and strength athletes.Visit us at https://www.KeithFoskey.comIf you need a great website, check out https://www.fellowshipstudios.com

Today, we'll discuss the requirements of a Nazarite vow. We'll talk about the rules for dedicating people and things to the Lord. And we'll also look at the rules for making oaths. Numbers 6:1-21; Lev 27:1-25, 26-34; Deut 23:23-25. Gen 15:1-20; Deut 21:1-9; Book of Ruth #everydaychristians

1) What is meant by "I do not change" in Malachi 3:6-10?2) What is your position on the use of guns for self defense?3) When the Israelites offered sacrifices, did they do it looking forward to Jesus?4) What is your scriptural support for God answering prayers with a "no"?5) Are listening and watching religious broadcasts and attending a home Bible study enough to satisfy the mandate in Hebrews to not forsake the assembling together?6) Can you discuss the vow of the Nazarite?

After 70 years of exile in Babylon Cyrus, the king of Persia, who had recently conquered the city of Babylon, decreed that the exiled Jews be allowed to return to Judea and to rebuild Jerusalem. The decree was made in BC 537. Read it aloud in verses 2-4 of Ezra 1. Two thousand five hundred and twenty years later the Embassy of the USA is relocated from Tel Aviv of Jerusalem and a coin is minted showing Cyrus on one side and the then American president, Donald Trump. The uncirculated coin - meaning the coin is not legal tender - is inscribed with the words from Ezra 1verses2. The gold and silver vessels of the former temple at Jerusalem which had been stored in the treasure house in Babylon are returned to the new temple that is to be built in Jerusalem. Chapter 2 of Ezra gives us an inventory of the vessels and speaks the faithful remnant who with Ezra the scribe. King Cyrus makes a generous donation towards the cost of rebuilding Jerusalem. The vessels represent the saintsverses Isaiah 22verses24; 2 Timothy 2verses20-21.Hosea 5 deals with the judgment to come upon faithless Israel and Judah. Yahweh would, like a lion, tear His people because of their rebellious ways firstly through the Assyrian lion who would carry Israel captive; and then Judah would experience a similar fate 120 years later at the hands of the Babylonians.Acts 21 records Paul's journey to Jerusalem. The Apostle comforts and encourages many groups of disciples as he heads to Jerusalem. An old prophet, named Agabus, attempts to persuade Paul to go no further. Paul will not, like his lord, be dissuaded from going. The first thing Paul does on his arrival is to see James who advises him of the best course of action to be taken so as to avoid trouble. The Apostle is advised to complete his Nazarite vow and to cover the expenses of four other brothers who are completing their vows. James reiterates to Paul that the only binding requirements on Gentile believers are the keeping of the four matters agreed upon at the Jerusalem Conference. However, Paul cannot peacefully complete his vow since he is arrested in the temple by Asian Jews. These hostile Jews mistakenly believe that Paul has profaned the temple by bringing Trophimus, a Gentile Ephesian into the temple. A Tribune from the Roman fort of Antonia rescues Paul and commands that he be chained. The crowd clamours for the Apostle's blood, just as they had for his Lord's some three and a half decades earlier. In the barracks Paul speaks with the Tribune dismissing many of the fanciful thoughts as to who Paul might be. Paul asks for permission to address the crowd from the steps of the fort and his speech is recorded in chapter 22. Paul gives his defence in Hebrew and initially the crowd pays close attention. The aged Apostle describes his own education in the Pharisaic tradition under Gamaliel and his zeal for the Law. After this he tells of his experiences on the Damascus road, his conversion to a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says that he is warned by Jesus his Lord to immediately leave Jerusalem since his testimony will not be accepted. The Jews attentively listen until Paul speaks of being sent to the Gentiles. Once again uproar follows and the Tribune commands that Paul be scourged that the Tribune might understand why the multitude were so angry with the Apostle. Paul, on this occasion, uses his Roman citizenship to avoid a pointless flogging. The chapter concludes with the Tribune intending to have Paul examined by the Jewish Sanhedrin on the next day.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Samson gets a bad wrap from many pastors and commentators. He is often credited with breaking his Nazarite vows. He is portrayed as a drunkard with no care for the uncleanness of corpses. The only part of the vow that Samson is said to have obeyed was the bit about cutting his hair, that is until his hair was cut. But when we read the story of Samson and pay attention, we will discover that Samson is never once recorded as having a drink or eating a grape. And the concern about corpses of often misunderstood and misapplied. Samson does have a weakness, but it is not wine. It is a much more fundamental weakness that causes him to make the terrible decisions that he makes. His weakness is women. And not just any women. Philistine women.

The weekly adult Sunday School class at OAG taught by Mr. Johnnie Powell.** Edited to remove personal information shared in the class and extended pauses **Title: Samson: Strength, Weakness, and the Call to Speak LifeSummary: Using Samson's story, this message contrasts outward strength with inner spiritual weakness, explains the Nazarite vow and Israel's apostasy, and urges believers to guard their weak points, seek God's purpose, and speak life-giving words.Approximate Outline:00:00 - The Power of Positive and Negative Words03:10 - God's Faithfulness: The Meaning of Ḥesed06:00 - Israel's Apostasy and Philistine Rule09:00 - The Nazarite Vow and Samson's Calling13:00 - Samson's Birth and Early Missteps17:00 - The Lion, the Riddle, and Betrayal21:30 - Samson's Strength and Spiritual Weakness25:30 - Delilah's Deception and Samson's Fall30:00 - Samson's Final Prayer and God's Mercy33:00 - Our Calling: Guard Your Heart and Speak Life

In this chapter we begin the story of the final and the most popular judge of Israel. Samson, the strong man who we know to have been a man of great strength. But the story of Samson does not begin with Samson. Instead, Samson's story begins with his parents. Specifically with an angelic visitation of Samson's mother. In the angel's instructions we discover some things are not quite as kosher in Samson's family as we might expect for a man whose birth was foretold of by and angel and who would live under a Nazarite vow. But as we consider the implications of the angel's words, we have to stop and ask ourselves. Who made us judge?

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (09/19/25), Hank answers the following questions:What are your thoughts on the Spiritual Warfare Bible from Charisma Media? David - St. Louis, MO (1:05)How can I explain to my pastor that astrology is unbiblical? Which passages of Scripture teach against this? Ed - Jefferson City, MO (6:23)Was Jesus a Nazarite? Manga - San Francisco, CA (16:02)Is the Assemblies of God church legalistic? Manga - San Francisco, CA (18:38)If Joseph was not Jesus' biological father, how can they be related? Tonya - St. Louis, MO (21:02)

We continue exploring the life of Samson, the Philistine destroyer. We delve into his pattern of disobedience, his encounters with Philistine women, and his downfall at the hands of Delilah. Despite Samson's repeated failures to uphold his Nazarite vow, God uses him to subdue the Philistines. Samson's final act of strength, pulling down the pillars of the Philistine temple, highlights the tragic end to his story of general disobedience.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

We explore the early life and exploits of Samson, the Nazarite dedicated to God from birth. We discuss his miraculous birth to a barren woman and his vow as a Nazarite, which included abstaining from alcohol, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and not cutting his hair. Despite these vows, Samson's actions were often driven by personal desires rather than divine commandments. From pursuing a Philistine woman for marriage to posing a riddle at his wedding feast, Samson's life was marked by impulsive decisions and defiance. Yet, God used even his flaws to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @biblelitTwitter: @bible_litFacebook: @biblelitEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.org Want to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out ou...

Fr. Mike explains the significance behind the Nazarite vow and the priestly blessing in Numbers 6. We also learn why the Great Command revealed in Deuteronomy 6 is the foundation of all other commandments. Today we pray Psalm 91. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.