And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.
And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.
Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:
But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
Then Manoah intreated the Lord, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.
And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.
And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.
And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?
And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.
She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.
And Manoah said unto the angel of the Lord, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.
And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the Lord. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the Lord.
And Manoah said unto the angel of the Lord, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?
And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?
So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the Lord: and the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.
For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground.
But the angel of the Lord did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the Lord.
And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.
But his wife said unto him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.
And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him.
And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Judges 13 marks a significant turning point in the book, transitioning from the cycle of sin and deliverance led by various judges to the story of a single, uniquely consecrated individual: Samson. This chapter, set after Jephthah's leadership (Judges 11-12), opens with the familiar refrain: "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (Judges 13:1). As a consequence, God hands them over to the Philistines for forty years, a period of extended oppression. However, this time, God's response is proactive and extraordinary, setting the stage for a deliverer even before one is requested.
A Barren Woman and a Divine Announcement
The narrative introduces Manoah, a man from Zorah, in the territory of Dan, bordering Philistine territory. His wife is barren, a situation often highlighting divine intervention in the Old Testament (Genesis 11:30; 25:21; 29:31). The "angel of the Lord," understood as Yahweh Himself in a pre-incarnate form, appears to Manoah's wife with astonishing news: she will conceive and bear a son (Judges 13:3). This miraculous intervention underscores God's sovereignty and his ability to work through seemingly impossible circumstances.
This visitation isn’t just about a birth; it’s about a divine purpose. The angel instructs her to abstain from wine, strong drink, and any unclean food (Judges 13:4). This is because her son is to be a Nazirite from birth, consecrated to God (Judges 13:5, Numbers 6:1-21). The angel declares that this son will "begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines" (Judges 13:5). This specific role comes with specific requirements, highlighting the importance of obedience and dedication to God's calling. Remarkably, the angel's instructions begin even before Samson's birth, indicating that his consecration starts in the womb. This detail offers powerful affirmation of personhood from conception, emphasizing the sanctity of life. Every moral issue, including abortion, carries a spiritual dimension, representing the destruction of a person created in God's image. Throughout Scripture, God condemns the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17), and no blood is more innocent than that of a child in the womb.
Manoah's Prayer and the Angel's Return
The woman, showing respect for her husband, shares the news with Manoah (Judges 13:6). Manoah, demonstrating faith and a desire for clarity, prays that God would send the "man of God" back to instruct them on how to raise the child (Judges 13:8). God graciously answers his prayer, and the angel reappears. The angel reiterates the instructions regarding the mother's abstinence, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Nazarite vow (Judges 13:13-14).
An Offering and a Revelation
Still not fully comprehending the visitor's divine nature, Manoah offers hospitality, inviting him to stay while they prepare a meal (Judges 13:15). The angel declines, suggesting instead a burnt offering to the Lord (Judges 13:16). Manoah then inquires about the angel's name, but the angel replies that it is "wonderful" or "beyond understanding" (Judges 13:18). This echoes God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14 and reflects the incomprehensible nature of God described elsewhere in Scripture (Isaiah 55:8-9). God often surprises us with his marvelous ways, exceeding our preconceived notions.
Manoah offers a young goat and a grain offering on a rock (Judges 13:19). As the flame ascends to heaven, the angel of the Lord ascends with it, disappearing in the fire (Judges 13:20). This miraculous event removes all doubt: Manoah and his wife realize they have encountered the "angel of the Lord," Yahweh Himself. Overcome with awe and fear, Manoah exclaims, "We are doomed to die! We have seen God!" (Judges 13:22). This encounter is another Old Testament Christophany, a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ (see Judges 2:1-2). Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, is the manifestation of God in history.
His wife, however, offers a more reasoned perspective, suggesting that if God intended to kill them, He would not have accepted their offering or revealed these things to them (Judges 13:23). Her insight provides reassurance and highlights the purpose of God's revelation: not to condemn, but to prepare them for the birth of their son.
The Birth of Samson and the Stirring of the Spirit
The woman gives birth to a son and names him Samson (Judges 13:24). The Lord blesses him, and "the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was at Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol" (Judges 13:25). This marks the beginning of Samson's journey, preparing him for the task ahead.
This chapter presents a stark contrast: a holy and sanctified beginning juxtaposed with the flawed character Samson would later become. While Samson's life is marked by questionable choices and scandals, God uses him for His purposes. Even when we are discouraged and struggling to understand difficult times, we can seek God and ask Him what He is doing behind the scenes. He may not remove the source of our discouragement, but He always has a reason for what He does. Our challenging circumstances may be opportunities for God to work remarkably in our lives and conform us to the likeness of Christ.
And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.
And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.
Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.
Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name:
But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
Then Manoah intreated the Lord, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.
And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.
And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.
And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou the man that spakest unto the woman? And he said, I am.
And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?
And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.
She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.
And Manoah said unto the angel of the Lord, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.
And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the Lord. For Manoah knew not that he was an angel of the Lord.
And Manoah said unto the angel of the Lord, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?
And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?
So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the Lord: and the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.
For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground.
But the angel of the Lord did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the Lord.
And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.
But his wife said unto him, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering and a meat offering at our hands, neither would he have shewed us all these things, nor would as at this time have told us such things as these.
And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the Lord blessed him.
And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Judges 13 marks a significant turning point in the book, transitioning from the cycle of sin and deliverance led by various judges to the story of a single, uniquely consecrated individual: Samson. This chapter, set after Jephthah's leadership (Judges 11-12), opens with the familiar refrain: "Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord" (Judges 13:1). As a consequence, God hands them over to the Philistines for forty years, a period of extended oppression. However, this time, God's response is proactive and extraordinary, setting the stage for a deliverer even before one is requested.
A Barren Woman and a Divine Announcement
The narrative introduces Manoah, a man from Zorah, in the territory of Dan, bordering Philistine territory. His wife is barren, a situation often highlighting divine intervention in the Old Testament (Genesis 11:30; 25:21; 29:31). The "angel of the Lord," understood as Yahweh Himself in a pre-incarnate form, appears to Manoah's wife with astonishing news: she will conceive and bear a son (Judges 13:3). This miraculous intervention underscores God's sovereignty and his ability to work through seemingly impossible circumstances.
This visitation isn’t just about a birth; it’s about a divine purpose. The angel instructs her to abstain from wine, strong drink, and any unclean food (Judges 13:4). This is because her son is to be a Nazirite from birth, consecrated to God (Judges 13:5, Numbers 6:1-21). The angel declares that this son will "begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines" (Judges 13:5). This specific role comes with specific requirements, highlighting the importance of obedience and dedication to God's calling. Remarkably, the angel's instructions begin even before Samson's birth, indicating that his consecration starts in the womb. This detail offers powerful affirmation of personhood from conception, emphasizing the sanctity of life. Every moral issue, including abortion, carries a spiritual dimension, representing the destruction of a person created in God's image. Throughout Scripture, God condemns the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16-17), and no blood is more innocent than that of a child in the womb.
Manoah's Prayer and the Angel's Return
The woman, showing respect for her husband, shares the news with Manoah (Judges 13:6). Manoah, demonstrating faith and a desire for clarity, prays that God would send the "man of God" back to instruct them on how to raise the child (Judges 13:8). God graciously answers his prayer, and the angel reappears. The angel reiterates the instructions regarding the mother's abstinence, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Nazarite vow (Judges 13:13-14).
An Offering and a Revelation
Still not fully comprehending the visitor's divine nature, Manoah offers hospitality, inviting him to stay while they prepare a meal (Judges 13:15). The angel declines, suggesting instead a burnt offering to the Lord (Judges 13:16). Manoah then inquires about the angel's name, but the angel replies that it is "wonderful" or "beyond understanding" (Judges 13:18). This echoes God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14 and reflects the incomprehensible nature of God described elsewhere in Scripture (Isaiah 55:8-9). God often surprises us with his marvelous ways, exceeding our preconceived notions.
Manoah offers a young goat and a grain offering on a rock (Judges 13:19). As the flame ascends to heaven, the angel of the Lord ascends with it, disappearing in the fire (Judges 13:20). This miraculous event removes all doubt: Manoah and his wife realize they have encountered the "angel of the Lord," Yahweh Himself. Overcome with awe and fear, Manoah exclaims, "We are doomed to die! We have seen God!" (Judges 13:22). This encounter is another Old Testament Christophany, a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ (see Judges 2:1-2). Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Trinity, is the manifestation of God in history.
His wife, however, offers a more reasoned perspective, suggesting that if God intended to kill them, He would not have accepted their offering or revealed these things to them (Judges 13:23). Her insight provides reassurance and highlights the purpose of God's revelation: not to condemn, but to prepare them for the birth of their son.
The Birth of Samson and the Stirring of the Spirit
The woman gives birth to a son and names him Samson (Judges 13:24). The Lord blesses him, and "the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was at Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol" (Judges 13:25). This marks the beginning of Samson's journey, preparing him for the task ahead.
This chapter presents a stark contrast: a holy and sanctified beginning juxtaposed with the flawed character Samson would later become. While Samson's life is marked by questionable choices and scandals, God uses him for His purposes. Even when we are discouraged and struggling to understand difficult times, we can seek God and ask Him what He is doing behind the scenes. He may not remove the source of our discouragement, but He always has a reason for what He does. Our challenging circumstances may be opportunities for God to work remarkably in our lives and conform us to the likeness of Christ.