1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean [thing]:
5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor 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.
6 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:
7 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.
8 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.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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].
12 And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and [how] shall we do unto him?
13 And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.
14 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.
15 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.
16 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.
17 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?
18 And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it [is] secret?
19 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.
20 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.
21 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.
22 And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.
23 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.
24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him.
25 And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Context and Background
Judges 13 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Judges, which documents the cyclical pattern of Israel’s disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This chapter marks the beginning of the story of Samson, one of the most famous judges of Israel. It sets the stage for his miraculous birth and the divine purpose that he is destined to fulfill.
Summary of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Israel’s Oppression (Judges 13:1)
- The Announcement of Samson’s Birth (Judges 13:2-5)
- Manoah and His Wife’s Encounter with the Angel (Judges 13:6-14)
- Manoah’s Offering and the Angel’s Revelation (Judges 13:15-23)
- Samson’s Birth and Divine Purpose (Judges 13:24-25)
Detailed Analysis
1. Israel’s Oppression (Judges 13:1)
This verse introduces the context of Israel’s suffering under the Philistines, emphasizing the cyclical nature of their disobedience to God. The Israelites did evil in the sight of the Lord, which led to their subjugation for forty years.
2. The Announcement of Samson’s Birth (Judges 13:2-5)
Manoah and his wife, who is unnamed, are introduced. The angel of the Lord appears to Manoah’s wife, announcing that she will conceive a son. This announcement is significant for several reasons:
- Miraculous Conception: Similar to other biblical figures, such as Isaac and John the Baptist, Samson’s birth is foretold, indicating a divine plan.
- Nazarite Vow: The angel instructs that the child will be a Nazarite from birth, which includes abstaining from wine and unclean foods, and not cutting his hair.
- Purpose: Samson is destined to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines, highlighting his role as a judge and savior.
3. Manoah and His Wife’s Encounter with the Angel (Judges 13:6-14)
Manoah’s wife shares the angel’s message with him, leading to Manoah’s prayer for further revelation. The angel returns, and Manoah questions him about the child’s future. The angel emphasizes the importance of adhering to the Nazarite vow, reinforcing the divine instructions given to Manoah’s wife.
4. Manoah’s Offering and the Angel’s Revelation (Judges 13:15-23)
Manoah prepares a sacrifice to honor the angel. In a remarkable moment, the angel ascends in the flame of the altar, revealing his divine nature. Manoah realizes he has encountered a heavenly being, which leads to fear and reverence. His wife reassures him, emphasizing God’s mercy and the significance of their son.
5. Samson’s Birth and Divine Purpose (Judges 13:24-25)
The chapter concludes with the birth of Samson, who grows and is blessed by the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord begins to stir him, indicating the empowerment he will receive for his future role as a judge of Israel.
Theological Themes
- Divine Intervention: The chapter illustrates God’s active role in Israel’s history, particularly in raising a deliverer during times of oppression.
- Vows and Separation: The Nazarite vow represents a life dedicated to God, emphasizing holiness and separation from worldly influences.
- Hope and Deliverance: The announcement of Samson’s birth serves as a beacon of hope for the Israelites, promising deliverance from their oppressors.
Conclusion
Judges 13 is a foundational chapter that sets the stage for the life and mission of Samson. It highlights themes of divine intervention, the importance of obedience to God, and the hope of deliverance amidst oppression. The miraculous nature of Samson’s birth signifies God’s ongoing commitment to His people and His plans for their redemption.
