Judges 13:12

KJV

And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and [how] shall we do unto him?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Manoah {H4495} said {H559}, Now let thy words {H1697} come to pass {H935}. How shall we order {H4941} the child {H5288}, and how shall we do {H4639} unto him?

Complete Jewish Bible

Manoach asked, "Now, when what you said comes true, what are the guidelines for raising the child? What should be done for him?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Manoah asked, “When your words come to pass, what will be the boy’s rule of life and mission?”

American Standard Version

And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass: what shall be the ordering of the child, and how shall we do unto him?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 13:12 captures Manoah's earnest and immediate response to the Angel of the Lord's astonishing prophecy regarding the birth of Samson. Having received the divine assurance of a son who would initiate Israel's deliverance from Philistine oppression, Manoah's focus shifts from the miraculous announcement to the profound responsibility of raising this divinely appointed child. His urgent questions, "How shall we order the child, and [how] shall we do unto him?", reflect a deep desire for specific, practical guidance on nurturing a son destined for such a unique and sacred purpose, demonstrating his commitment to aligning with God's perfect will for Samson's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 13:12 directly follows the Angel of the Lord's second appearance to Manoah and his wife, confirming the miraculous birth of a son who would be a Nazirite from birth. The Angel had previously appeared only to Manoah's barren wife, instructing her on the Nazirite vow's dietary restrictions and the child's future role as a deliverer, as detailed in [Judges 13:3-5](/judges/13-3-5 "Judges 13:3-5 - Angel's First Appearance and Nazirite Vow"). Manoah, upon hearing his wife's account and desiring direct confirmation and further instruction, prayed for the Angel to return, a prayer explicitly recorded in [Judges 13:8](/judges/13-8 "Judges 13:8 - Manoah's Prayer for More Instruction"). This verse, therefore, represents Manoah's eager and responsible engagement with the divine revelation, seeking clarity on how to properly steward this extraordinary gift and calling, building upon the initial instructions and preparing for the child's unique life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This period in Israel's history, as depicted in the Book of Judges, was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, foreign oppression, and divine deliverance through judges. At this specific juncture, Israel was under the oppressive rule of the Philistines for forty years, a fact highlighted in [Judges 13:1](/judges/13-1 "Judges 13:1 - Israel Oppressed by Philistines"). The announcement of Samson's birth to a barren couple was a powerful sign of God's sovereign intervention, echoing similar miraculous births in biblical history (e.g., Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, Samuel to Hannah). The Nazirite vow, a special dedication to God involving abstinence from certain foods and drink, and the non-cutting of hair, as outlined in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1-21 "Numbers 6:1-21 - The Law of the Nazirite"), was typically voluntary and for a limited period. Samson's lifelong Nazirite status, ordained before his conception, underscored his unique, divinely appointed role and set him apart from birth as consecrated to the Lord for a specific redemptive mission.
* **Key Themes:** Manoah's questions in this verse highlight several crucial themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Purpose and Parental Responsibility**, as Manoah immediately grasps that this child is not ordinary but designated for a special, God-ordained mission, prompting him to seek divine guidance on his parental duties. Secondly, there is a strong emphasis on **Seeking Specific Instruction**; Manoah desires precise directives beyond general parenting principles, particularly concerning the Nazirite vow and God's plan for Samson, reflecting a commendable desire to honor God's will in every detail. Lastly, Manoah's opening phrase, "Now let thy words come to pass," signifies his **Anticipation and Faith**, demonstrating his full acceptance and eager expectation of the prophecy's fulfillment, despite its extraordinary nature, and his readiness to prepare for the promised miracle. This proactive seeking of wisdom aligns with biblical principles of seeking God's counsel in all matters, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to a "word," "matter," or "thing." In Manoah's plea, "Now let thy words come to pass," it signifies the divine pronouncements and promises made by the Angel of the Lord. It encompasses not just the spoken utterances but also the entire divine plan and purpose for the child's life, implying a desire for the full realization of God's revealed will.
* **order (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, this word is rich in meaning, encompassing "verdict," "judgment," "law," "custom," "manner," or "due order." Manoah's question, "How shall we order the child," is not merely about general upbringing but about the specific, divinely prescribed manner or rule for raising a child consecrated to God. It implies a desire for clarity on the proper legal, spiritual, and customary framework that must govern Samson's life in accordance with God's unique purpose for him.
* **do (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** From H4639, this term denotes an "action," "deed," "work," or "operation." Complementing _mishpâṭ_, Manoah's query, "and how shall we do unto him?", emphasizes the practical, concrete actions and responsibilities required of him and his wife. It moves beyond theoretical understanding to the daily implementation of God's instructions, revealing Manoah's concern for the active participation necessary to fulfill God's will for Samson.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass."**: This opening phrase reveals Manoah's immediate and earnest acceptance of the Angel's prophecy. "Now let thy words come to pass" (literally, "let your word come") signifies his faith and eager anticipation for the fulfillment of the divine promise. It's an affirmation of belief, not a request for proof, but a desire for the promised reality to unfold, demonstrating a heart ready to receive and respond to God's revelation.
* **"How shall we order the child,"**: This is Manoah's first, crucial question, reflecting his profound sense of responsibility as a parent to a divinely appointed son. Using the term _mishpâṭ_ (order/rule), he is inquiring about the specific manner, custom, or prescribed way in which they are to raise this child. Given Samson's unique Nazirite status from birth, Manoah understands that conventional parenting might not suffice; he seeks divine instruction for a divine calling, recognizing the extraordinary nature of their stewardship.
* **"and [how] shall we do unto him?"**: This second question, using _maʻăseh_ (do/perform), complements the first by focusing on the practical actions and methods involved in their parental role. It emphasizes the active responsibilities and the day-to-day duties they must undertake to ensure Samson's upbringing aligns perfectly with God's will and the implications of his lifelong Nazirite vow. Together, these questions demonstrate Manoah's comprehensive concern for both the principles and the practicalities of raising Samson in a manner pleasing to God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Speech**, allowing Manoah's earnestness, humility, and responsible character to be conveyed immediately and powerfully. His use of **Interrogative Rhetoric** ("How shall we order... and how shall we do...") is not born of doubt or skepticism, but rather of a sincere desire for specific divine instruction, highlighting his commitment to obedience and faithful stewardship. This direct questioning also creates a sense of **Anticipation**, both for the Angel's precise response and for the unfolding of Samson's unique life and mission. The subtle **Repetition** of the implied "how shall we" emphasizes the depth of his concern and the practical nature of his inquiry, underscoring his desire for comprehensive divine guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Manoah's immediate and practical response to the divine announcement in Judges 13:12 profoundly illustrates the principle of human responsibility in partnership with divine sovereignty. While God initiates and guarantees the fulfillment of His purposes, He often calls His people to active participation and diligent stewardship. Manoah's questions are not a sign of unbelief, but rather a commendable desire to align his actions with God's will, recognizing that a child with a divine destiny requires a divinely guided upbringing. This reflects a broader theological truth: when God reveals His plans or bestows gifts, He also expects a corresponding commitment to understanding and implementing His instructions. This commitment is particularly vital in the raising of children, who are seen as a heritage from the Lord, to be nurtured in His ways, preparing them for their God-given purposes.

* [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children are a Heritage from the Lord")
* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a Child in the Way He Should Go")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manoah's earnest inquiry in Judges 13:12 serves as a timeless model for believers today, particularly for parents and those entrusted with nurturing potential. His response moves beyond mere gratitude for a blessing to a proactive pursuit of wisdom regarding the stewardship of that blessing. In a world that often emphasizes personal autonomy and self-reliance, Manoah reminds us that true wisdom lies in seeking God's specific guidance for every area of life, especially when faced with extraordinary callings or significant responsibilities. For parents, this means not relying solely on cultural norms, popular trends, or personal intuition, but diligently seeking God's Word, prayer, and godly counsel for how to "order" and "do unto" their children, recognizing them as precious gifts with unique, God-given purposes. For all believers, Manoah's example underscores the importance of intentional discipleship—nurturing the spiritual gifts and callings within ourselves and others in accordance with God's revealed will, always asking, "How shall we live? How shall we serve?" in light of His divine purposes, ensuring our actions align with His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When God reveals a plan or bestows a gift in your life, how often is your first response to seek specific instructions on how to steward it faithfully?**
* **In what areas of your life (e.g., parenting, career, ministry, relationships) are you currently seeking God's "ordering" and "doing unto" for clarity and direction?**
* **How does Manoah's example challenge you to move beyond general faith to a more detailed and practical pursuit of God's specific will and wisdom?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally seek God's specific guidance for a responsibility or calling that feels significant or overwhelming?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Manoah's questions, "How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him?"**

Answer: Manoah's questions were highly significant, demonstrating his faith, responsibility, and profound desire for specific divine guidance. They were not born of doubt about the Angel's prophecy but rather from a deep understanding that this child, Samson, was not ordinary. As a Nazirite from birth, consecrated to God for a specific purpose—to begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Purpose as Deliverer"))—Samson's upbringing required unique parameters. Manoah sought to understand the "rule" or "manner" (_mishpâṭ_) by which they should raise him and the practical "actions" (_maʻăseh_) they needed to perform as parents to ensure his life aligned perfectly with God's divine will and the requirements of his Nazirite vow. It highlights a commendable desire to be obedient and a good steward of God's extraordinary gift, seeking to fulfill his parental duties in a way that honored God's specific plan.

**Why did Manoah need to ask these questions if the Angel had already given instructions to his wife?**

Answer: While the Angel had indeed given instructions to Manoah's wife regarding the Nazirite vow's dietary restrictions for her during pregnancy and the child's lifelong Nazirite status ([Judges 13:4-5](/judges/13-4-5 "Judges 13:4-5 - Angel's Instructions to Manoah's Wife")), Manoah's questions likely stemmed from a desire for further clarity and a deeper understanding of his own role as the father in this unique situation. The initial instructions focused primarily on the mother's conduct and the child's future status. Manoah, as the head of the household and a responsible father, sought specific guidance on the day-to-day practicalities of *parenting* a Nazirite child. His prayer in [Judges 13:8](/judges/13-8 "Judges 13:8 - Manoah's Prayer for More Instruction") explicitly asks the "man of God" to return and "teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born." This indicates his earnest desire for detailed, actionable instructions for *their* joint parental responsibilities in raising a child with such a profound divine calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Manoah's earnest questions about how to "order" and "do unto" the divinely promised child, Samson, find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Samson, though a deliverer, was imperfect and ultimately failed to fully deliver Israel, pointing to the need for a greater, perfect Deliverer. Jesus, the true Son of God, was also divinely announced and uniquely set apart from birth, not by a temporary Nazirite vow, but by His very nature as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as Manoah sought specific instructions for Samson's upbringing, God the Father perfectly "ordered" and "did unto" His Son, Jesus, guiding His life from conception to resurrection. Jesus' entire life was lived in perfect obedience to the Father's will, fulfilling every divine instruction and purpose, unlike Samson who often succumbed to his own desires. The very "ordering" of Jesus' life, from His miraculous birth in Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem's Ruler")) to His atoning death on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering and Atonement")) and triumphant resurrection ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")), was meticulously orchestrated by God to accomplish the ultimate deliverance—salvation from sin and death. Thus, Manoah's concern for a partial, earthly deliverer foreshadows the Father's perfect provision and guidance for the life of Jesus, our complete and eternal Deliverer, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and established the new covenant for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 6:4

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Genesis 18:19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Proverbs 4:4

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

Proverbs 22:6

¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.