Samson is undoubtedly the most famous person in Judges. After the previous kings and what seemed like a period of reasonable peace and prosperity the Israelites did evil again, and so were handed to the control of the Philistines. When we sin we become slaves to something. Sin never brings freedom, it always brings captivity.
As with several key figures in the Bible (Eg Isaac, Samuel, John the Baptist), Samson was born to parents who were unable to have children. The child would be a gift from God, and he was to be dedicated to the Lord. There were also conditions that were to be observed. The parents were not to drink alcohol, and Samson, famously, was not to cut his hair. The full conditions of the Nazirite vow are given in Numbers 6:1-21.
The promise was delivered by a man who looked like an angel of the Lord. Manoah, the husband wanted to know more details of how to bring the boy up. Manoah and his wife offered a sacrifice to the Lord as the angle of the Lord appeared in the flames. Manoah thought they were doomed to die, but his wife saw things more clearly. Sometimes women are more logical and clear thinking than men!
In time Samson was born and the Spirit of the Lord was working in his life.
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