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Commentary on Judges 13 verses 8–14
We have here an account of a second visit which the angel of God made to Manoah and his wife.
I. Manoah earnestly prayed for it, Jdg 13:8. He was not incredulous of the story his wife told him; he knew she was a virtuous woman, and therefore the heart of her husband did safely trust in her; he knew she would not go about to impose upon him, much less was he, as Josephus unworthily represents him, jealous of his wife's conversation with this stranger; but, 1. He takes it for granted that this child of promise shall in due time be given them, and speaks without hesitation of the child that shall be born. There was not found so great faith, no, not in Zechariah, a priest, then in waiting at the altar of the Lord, and to whom the angel himself appeared, as was in this honest Danite. Things hidden from the wise and prudent, who value themselves upon the niceness of their enquiries, are often revealed unto babes, who know how to prize God's gifts and to take God's word. Blessed are those that have not seen and yet, as Manoah here, have believed. 2. All his care is what they should do to the child that should be born. Note, Good men are more solicitous and desirous to know the duty that is to be done by them than to know the events that shall occur concerning them; for duty is ours, events are God's. Solomon enquires concerning the good men should do, not the good they should have, Ecc 2:3. 3. He therefore prays to God to send the same blessed messenger again, to give them further instructions concerning the management of this Nazarite, fearing lest his wife's joy for the promise might have made her forget some part of the precept, in which he was desirous to be fully informed, and lie under no mistake: "Lord, let the man of God come again unto us, for we desire to be better acquainted with him." Note, Those that have heard from heaven cannot but wish to hear more thence, again and again to meet with the man of God. Observe, He does not go or send his servants abroad, to find out this man of God, but seeks him upon his knees, prays to God to send him, and, thus seeking, finds him. Would we have God's messengers, the ministers of his gospel, to bring a word proper for us, and for our instruction? Entreat the Lord to send them to us, to teach us, Rom 15:30, Rom 15:32.
II. God graciously granted it: God hearkened to the voice of Manoah, Jdg 13:9. Note, God will not fail some way or other to guide those by his counsel that are sincerely desirous to know their duty, and apply themselves to him to teach them, Psa 25:8, Psa 25:9.
1.The angel appears the second time also to the wife, when she is sitting alone, probably tending the flocks, or otherwise well employed in the field where she has retired. Solitude is often a good opportunity of communion with God; good people have thought themselves never less alone than when alone, if God be with them.
2.She goes in all haste to call her husband, doubtless humbly beseeching the stay of this blessed messenger till she should return and her husband with her, Jdg 13:10, Jdg 13:11. She did not desire him to go with her to her husband, but would fetch her husband to him. Those that would meet with God must attend where he is pleased to manifest himself. "Oh," says she, overjoyed, "my dear love, thy prayers are answered - yonder is the man of God, come to make us another visit - he that came the other day," or, as some read it, this day, for other is not in the original, and it is probable enough that both these visits were on the same day, and at the same place, and that the second time she sat expecting him. The man of God is very willing she should call her husband, Joh 4:16. Those that have an acquaintance with the things of God themselves should invite others to the same acquaintance, Joh 1:45, Joh 1:46. Manoah is not disgusted that the angel did not this second time appear to him, but very willingly goes after his wife to the man of God. To atone (as it were) for the first fatal miscarriage, when Eve earnestly pressed Adam to that which was evil, and he too easily yielded to her, let yoke-fellows excite one another to love and good works; and, if the wife will lead, let not the husband think it any disparagement to him to follow her in that which is virtuous and praiseworthy.
3.Manoah having come to the angel, and being satisfied by him that he was the same that had appeared to his wife, does, with all humility, (1.) Welcome the promise (Jdg 13:12): Now let thy words come to pass; this was the language, not only of his desire, but of his faith, like that of the blessed Virgin, Luk 1:38. "Be it according to thy word. Lord, I lay hold on what thou hast said, and depend upon it; let it come to pass." (2.) Beg that the prescriptions given might be repeated: How shall we order the child? The directions were given to his wife, but he looks upon himself as concerned to assist her in the careful management of this promised seed, according to order; for the utmost care of both the parents, and their constant joint endeavour, are little enough to be engaged for the good ordering of children that are devoted to God and to be brought up for him. Let not one devolve it on the other, but both do their best. Observe from Manoah's enquiry, [1.] In general, that, when God is pleased to bestow any mercy upon us, our great care must be how to use it well, and as we ought, because it is then only a mercy indeed when it is rightly managed. God has given us bodies, souls, estates; how shall we order them, that we may answer the intent of the donor, and give a good account of them? [2.] In particular, those to whom God has given children must be very careful how they order them, and what they do unto them, that they may drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts, form their minds and manners well betimes, and train them in the way wherein they should go. Herein pious parents will beg divine assistance. "Lord, teach us how we may order our children, that they may be Nazarites, and living sacrifices to thee."
4.The angel repeats the directions he had before given (Jdg 13:13, Jdg 13:14): Of all that I forbad let her beware; and all that I commanded her let her observe. Note, There is need of a good deal both of caution and observation, for the right ordering both of ourselves and of our children. Beware and observe; take heed not only of drinking wine or strong drink, but of eating any thing that cometh of the vine. Those that would preserve themselves pure must keep at a distance from that which borders upon sin or leads to it. When she was with child of a Nazarite, she must not eat any unclean thing; so those in whom Christ is formed must carefully cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and do nothing to the prejudice of that new man.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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)—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), 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 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. 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) to His atoning death on the cross (Isaiah 53:5) and triumphant resurrection (Acts 2:24), 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).