Page 185 - Bible History

Samson's h
158 GOD'S CHOSEN PEOPLE ENTER THE PROMISED LAND
THE SOLDIERS OF GEDEQN SURP SE THE MADIANITES
3. SAMSON BAFFLES THE ENEMIES OF THE ISRAELITES BY Hrs DARING EXPLOITS
After the death of Gedeon, the Israelites again fell into idolatry. They neglected to go to Silo on the great feasts and worship at the Tabernacle. God punished them by adding the Philistines to their ene­ mies. For forty years the Philistines waged war upon them. They invaded the territory of the Israelites and took possession of the cities which belonged to the tribes of uda, Dan, and Benjamin.
Samson was born at Saraa at the time of the Philis­ tine troubles. An angel foretold his birth, and com­ manded the parents not to cut the hair of their child, nor permit him to drink wine or other strong drink.