Posted on by Ian Binns

10/2 Reading (Judges 13-15; 1 Corinthians 7)

NOTE: I had a lot to say about this reading.

Judges 13: Now we get to the Israelites again doing bad things. Dang, you’d think they learn from their mistakes. Although when I said that to a friend of mine, he said it kinda reminds him of society now. I’m not going to go there today, but that’s an interesting perspective. I digress. This time the Israelites are ruled for 40 years by the Philistines.

Now we get to the story of Samson from the Danite tribe. His mother, who couldn’t conceive, was told she was pregnant by God’s messenger. The messenger tells her he will be a nazarite (reminder: this means an Israelite who is consecrated to the service of God). After further discussion with God’s messenger (the parents asked for guidance on how to raise the boy), Samson is born.

Judges 14: Samson married a Philistine woman (from Timnah) in this chapter. At first his parents were hesitant with Samson’s desire to marry this woman. The text indicates that they “didn’t know that the Lord was behind this. He was looking for an opening with the Philistines, because they were ruling over Israel at that time” (CEB Study Bible; Judges 14.4). Pretty tricky!!

On his way back to Timnah, Samson kills an attacking lion with his bare hands (with God’s help). He eventually marries the woman and on one of his trips back to Timnah he noticed a swarm of bees with honey in the lion’s skeleton. He eats the honey and gives some to his family.

Next is this story about how Samson challenges the people to a riddle. If they solve it in seven days, he has to give them 30 linen robes and 30 sets of clothes. If they don’t solve it, then they have to give him the same amount. They can’t solve it, so they get his wife to seduce him. He finally relents, they share the solution, he kills 30 Philistines from another town and gives their clothes to the people, then leaves his wife in disgust. She ends up marrying someone else.

I gotta be honest, I don’t entirely get the point of this riddle story. I guess it is setting up the start of his campaign against the Philistines.

Judges 15: Samson returns at a later date expecting to reunite with his wife. Her father says he thought Samson was gone forever, so he gave her to one of his companions. The father offers up his younger daughter, but Samson gets angry and says that he is now allowed to “bring down trouble on the Philistines” (CEB Study Bible; Judges 15.3). So clearly a situation is being set up to get Samson to lead the defeat of the Philistines.

First, he ties foxes tails together, puts a torch between their tails, and sets them loose in their grain fields, destroying everything. The people in turn burned his wife and her father to death. Next, Samson retaliates by striking the people severely. He flees to a cave in Etam. The Philistines respond by attacking Lehi in Judah. The Philistines tell them they are being attacked because of Samson. The people from Judah travel to Samson and take him prisoner, but promise not to harm him. This leads to the next skirmish. This time when Samson is presented to the Philistines, his ropes are removed by the Lord’s spirit and Samson kills 1000 men with a donkey’s jawbone. Samson then complains about being thirsty, so God makes water emerge from a rock and he regains his strength. Samson rules for 20 years after this.

Samson was one powerful guy. It’s interesting that in his little song about his victory he doesn’t reference God.

1 Corinthians 7: Chapter starts with sex again, but this time in a marriage. Here’s what Paul tells the people:

“The husband should meet his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should do the same for her husband. The wife doesn’t have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband doesn’t have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Don’t refuse to meet each other’s needs unless you both agree for a short period of time to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come back together again so that Satan might not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I’m saying this to give you permission; it’s not a command.” (1 Cor. 7.3-6)

In other words, if you’re married, you gotta meet each other’s sexual needs. This reminds me of something I read several years ago where an evangelical minister and his wife challenged married couples to have sex every night for a week. And not just for the act of sex, but for the intimacy. Now I see where this may have come from. 

He tells single people and widows to remain single like him unless they can’t control themselves sexually. Then they should get married. He also addresses what happens when a believer marries a non-believer. And finally, he tells the people to “stay in the situation they were in when they were called” by God (1 Cor. 7.20). A lot of examples are given.

Based on some notes from the NRSV study bible, it seems like these topics were addressed because the people directly asked Paul about these topics. Well, if you gotta ask something important, might as well ask the question.

98 Replies to “10/2 Reading (Judges 13-15; 1 Corinthians 7)”

  2. This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused.

    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost
    moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job.
    I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.

    Too cool!

    Also visit my web-site: http://www.lubertsi.net

    Reply

  4. Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to know a lot about this,
    such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I think that you just can do with
    some % to pressure the message house a bit, but other
    than that, that is great blog. A great read. I will definitely be
    back.

    Feel free to surf to my page – http://www.mhes.tyc.edu.tw

    Reply

  5. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article
    or vice-versa? My blog goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

    Here is my web site: tjml.top

    Reply

  6. Thank you for every other fantastic article. The place else may just anybody get that kind
    of information in such an ideal approach of writing?
    I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the look for such information.

    Here is my web site :: motofon.net

    Reply

  7. I beloved as much as you’ll receive carried out proper here.

    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    however, you command get bought an edginess over that you
    want be turning in the following. ill no doubt come further previously
    once more as precisely the same nearly a lot often inside case you protect this increase.

    Also visit my web-site; mpc-install.com

    Reply

  8. Its like you read my mind! You appear to grasp a lot about
    this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something.

    I feel that you just could do with a few p.c. to power the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog.
    An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

    my webpage: kebe.top

    Reply

  9. I?m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a
    blog that?s both educative and engaging, and without a
    doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough people are speaking
    intelligently about. I am very happy I came across this in my search for something concerning this.

    Here is my web blog: clubriders.men

    Reply

  12. I was recommended this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether or not this publish is written by way of him as nobody else understand such unique about my problem.
    You are amazing! Thanks!

    My web-site haojiafu.net

    Reply

  13. I used to be suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not positive
    whether this submit is written by him as nobody else realize such
    unique about my problem. You’re incredible! Thank you!

    Feel free to surf to my homepage: lubertsi.net

    Reply

  15. I’ve recently started a blog, the info you provide on this website has helped me tremendously.
    Thanks for all of your time & work.

    My web page: Lila

    Reply

  16. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew
    of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet
    my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was
    hoping maybe you would have some experience with something
    like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I
    truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    my page … clubriders.men

    Reply

  17. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your helpful info.
    Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

    Here is my blog :: kebe.top

    Reply

  20. This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my
    own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you
    presented it. Too cool!

    Here is my blog post: mpc-install.com

    Reply

  21. With every little thing that seems to be developing throughout this particular subject material,
    your perspectives happen to be rather exciting. Nevertheless, I am sorry,
    but I do not give credence to your whole idea, all be it stimullating none the less.
    It appears to me that your opinions are actually not totally validated and in actualiyy you arre your self not entirtely certain of
    thhe argument. In any event I did appreciate reading it.

    Reply

  22. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is excellent, as well as the content!

    Also visit my homepage … Suzette

    Reply

  24. We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
    Your web site offered us with useful info to work on. You have
    done a formidable process and our whole group
    will likely be grateful to you.

    Also visit my blog post: kebe.top

    Reply

  30. I don’t еven know how I ended ᥙp heгe, however I believed this submit
    used to be good. I ԁo not understɑnd who ʏou miɡht bе however certainly you ɑre going to a famous blogger in the event youu aren’t already.

    Cheers!

    Reply

  31. I simply wanted to thank you one more time for your amazing blog you have built here.
    It is full of useful tips for those who are definitely interested in this specific
    subject, particularly this very post. You’re really all
    really sweet as well as thoughtful of others as well as
    reading your blog posts is a wonderful delight to me.

    And thats a generous gift! Dan and I will have pleasure making use of your points in what we should instead do in the near future.
    Our list is a kilometer long so your tips is going to be put to beneficial use.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage :: haojiafu.net

    Reply

  40. Howdy! This article couldn’t be written any better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!

    He always kept talking about this. I’ll send this post to him.
    Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!

    Here is my blog clubriders.men

    Reply

  42. Admiring the commitment you put into your site and in depth information you offer.
    It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t
    the same outdated rehashed information. Great read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my
    Google account.

    Feel free to surf to my website :: clubriders.men

    Reply

  44. My spouse and I stumbled over here different website and thought
    I might as well check things out. I like what
    I see so i am just following you. Look forward
    to looking into your web page yet again.

    my web site; khoquet.com

    Reply

  47. I not to mention my friends happened to be taking note of the best points
    found on your website while unexpectedly
    developed a horrible feeling I had not expressed respect to the site owner for those techniques.

    Those boys happened to be consequently joyful to
    read them and have now truly been taking advantage
    of them. We appreciate you being simply kind and then for deciding on certain superior guides millions of individuals are really eager to discover.
    My personal honest apologies for not expressing gratitude to you sooner.

    Feel free to visit my web site – atomy123.com

    Reply

  49. hello there and thank you for your info ? I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise some technical issues using this site, as I experienced to reload
    the site lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly.

    I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google
    and could damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out
    for much more of your respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again very soon.

    Here is my website :: goldenanapa.ru

    Reply

  50. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for
    your weblog. You have some really good articles and I believe I
    would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write
    some material for your blog in exchange for a link back
    to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Cheers!

    Feel free to visit my webpage … pansionat.com.ru

    Reply

  51. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
    Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?

    My page … Ethel

    Reply

  58. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit
    and sources back to your weblog? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users
    would certainly benefit from some of the information you present
    here. Please let me know if this okay with you.
    Thanks!

    Also visit my blog post: anapa-alrosa.com.ru

    Reply

  60. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?

    Plz answer back as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.

    kudos

    My blog post: Margery

    Reply

  63. I wish to show thanks to this writer just for rescuing me
    from this type of problem. Just after searching through the internet and finding techniques which were not pleasant, I was thinking my
    life was gone. Existing devoid of the approaches to the problems you have solved by way
    of your review is a crucial case, as well as the ones that might have adversely affected my entire
    career if I had not come across your website.
    Your good skills and kindness in maneuvering all the stuff was vital.
    I am not sure what I would’ve done if I had not come upon such a step
    like this. I am able to now look ahead to my future.
    Thank you so much for the expert and amazing guide.
    I will not be reluctant to suggest your blog post
    to any individual who should have recommendations about this
    subject.

    my web blog – mpc-install.com

    Reply

  67. I’m pretty pleased to discover this great site.
    I want to to thank you for ones time just for this fantastic read!!
    I definitely liked every bit of it and I have you book-marked to see new information in your blog.

    Look into my webpage kebe.top

    Reply

  71. I am only commenting to make you understand of the incredible experience our princess obtained viewing
    your web site. She discovered too many pieces, including what it’s like to possess an excellent giving nature to let the rest with ease understand some tortuous things.

    You truly surpassed readers’ expected results. I appreciate you for giving these helpful, dependable,
    revealing as well as fun thoughts on that topic to
    Ethel.

    Look at my blog; Kristopher

    Reply

  74. Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website.
    I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well
    as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access.
    I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all.
    Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who
    add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your
    customer to communicate. Excellent task.

    Feel free to surf to my web site; clubriders.men

    Reply

  75. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know
    a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.

    I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a little bit, but
    other than that, this is fantastic blog. A great read.
    I will definitely be back.

    Feel free to visit my web site; w123ce.ru

    Reply

  90. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back
    to your weblog? My website is in the exact same area of interest as yours
    and my visitors would truly benefit from some of the information you present here.
    Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks a lot!

    Here is my website; http://www.fles.hlc.edu.tw

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *