This verse can be attached to the preceding section (13.1-24), making more specific what the blessing of the LORD is, or it can begin the next section, as the adult Samson begins his role as a deliverer in Israel. Another possibility is to put this verse in a paragraph by itself. The phrase Zorah and Eshta-ol forms an inclusio around the stories of Samson’s adventures since it also occurs in verse 16.31, so this would confirm that this verse belongs with the next section. It also links to the next section with its reference to the Spirit of the LORD (verse 14.6, 19; verse 15.14).

And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him: How the initial Hebrew waw conjunction is translated will depend on where this verse is placed. If it is connected with the previous section, the conjunction may be rendered And (Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, New International Version) or omitted (New Revised Standard Version). But if it begins a new section, a connector such as “So” or “Now” will be appropriate. For the Spirit of the LORD, see verse 3.10. Began renders the same Hebrew verb used in verse 13.5, so it seems to indicate a fulfillment of the promise there. As Samson is empowered by the spirit of Yahweh, he begins to carry out his mission as judge. Stir renders a rare Hebrew word meaning “force into action” or “arouse.” The LORD’s spirit is driving Samson and inspiring him to act. Good News Translation uses the verb “strengthen,” which does not quite express the idea. It would be better to use an expression that speaks of the way in which God motivates Samson to action. Contemporary English Version says “took control of him,” but a better rendering might be “pushed him to act.”

In Mahaneh-dan between Zorah and Eshta-ol: Mahaneh-dan is literally “the Camp of Dan” (Good News Translation). This is where Samson was when God’s spirit began to influence him. This location was apparently near of the town of Zorah, where Samson and his parents initially lived (see verse 13.2). Both Zorah and Eshta-ol were located in the Valley of Zorek, which ran east from the coastal plain up toward Jerusalem. In some languages this locative phrase may be more natural near the beginning of this verse (see second model below).

Suggested models for this verse are:

• Now the spirit of Yahweh began to take control of Samson and push him to act at the camp of the Danites, located between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol.

• So, while Samson was at Mahaneh-dan between the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol, the power of the LORD began to work in him.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .