Judges 13:13

KJV

And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Manoah {H4495}, Of all that I said {H559} unto the woman {H802} let her beware {H8104}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel of ADONAI said to Manoach, "The woman should take care to do everything I said to her.

Berean Standard Bible

So the angel of the LORD answered Manoah, “Your wife is to do everything I told her.

American Standard Version

And the angel of Jehovah said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Angel of the LORD reiterates to Manoah the precise instructions previously given to his wife concerning the prenatal care and future consecration of their promised son, Samson. This divine communication underscores the critical importance of strict adherence to the Nazarite vow from the womb, emphasizing God's meticulous plan for Samson's life as Israel's deliverer and the shared parental responsibility in upholding this sacred mandate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 13:13 is situated within the miraculous birth narrative of Samson, serving as a pivotal moment of divine confirmation and clarification. The chapter opens with Israel's oppression by the Philistines and their cry to the LORD, leading to the initial appearance of the Angel of the LORD to Manoah's barren wife (Judges 13:1-5). She reports the encounter and the promise of a son who would be a Nazarite from birth to Manoah (Judges 13:6-7). Seeking further assurance and specific guidance, Manoah prays for the divine messenger to return (Judges 13:8). The Angel reappears, first to the wife, who then fetches Manoah (Judges 13:9-10). Manoah questions the Angel about the child's upbringing and work (Judges 13:11-12). Judges 13:13 is the Angel's direct response, affirming the exact instructions already given to the woman, thus reinforcing their divine origin and unchangeable nature, before the narrative continues with Manoah's offering and the Angel's miraculous ascension (Judges 13:15-20).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This period in the Book of Judges (Judges 13:1) describes Israel's forty-year oppression by the Philistines, reflecting a recurring cycle of apostasy, oppression, and divine deliverance. The concept of the Nazarite vow was well-established in ancient Israelite culture, detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow"). It was a special form of consecration to God, either temporary or lifelong, involving specific prohibitions such as abstaining from grape products, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. For Samson, this vow was unique as it was imposed from birth, making his mother's adherence to the dietary and lifestyle restrictions during pregnancy crucial for his prenatal consecration. Barrenness was a significant social stigma in ancient Israel, making the miraculous birth of Samson a powerful sign of God's intervention and favor, echoing similar narratives of divinely appointed births for key figures like Isaac, Samuel, and John the Baptist.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Intervention** in human affairs, as God actively responds to Israel's distress by raising a deliverer, even when His people are unfaithful. The Angel's reiteration underscores the theme of **Divine Instruction and Obedience**, emphasizing that God's plans are meticulous and require human cooperation and vigilance for their fulfillment. The specific commands regarding the mother's diet and the child's hair point to the theme of **Consecration and Dedication**, particularly through the Nazarite vow, which sets Samson apart for God's purposes from the womb (as mentioned in [Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow and Mission")). Finally, the interaction between the Angel and Manoah, following the initial revelation to his wife, brings to the forefront the theme of **Parental Responsibility** in nurturing a child according to God's specific calling and commands, laying the groundwork for the child's destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of the LORD (Hebrew, _mal'akh Yahweh'_):** This significant phrase often denotes a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ or a divine messenger who speaks with the full authority of God Himself, sometimes even being identified with God (e.g., [Genesis 16:7-13](/genesis/16-7 "Genesis 16:7-13 - Hagar and the Angel of the LORD"); [Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2-6 - Moses and the Burning Bush")). In this context, it underscores the absolute divine origin and authoritative nature of the instructions given to Manoah and his wife, elevating them beyond mere human counsel to direct commands from the Almighty. The Angel's patient and clear communication reinforces the gravity of the divine mandate.
* **beware (Hebrew, _hishshamer'_):** Derived from the verb שׁמר (_shamar_), meaning "to guard, keep, observe, watch, preserve." This imperative carries a strong connotation of vigilance, careful attention, and strict adherence. It is not a mere suggestion but a serious warning to diligently observe the given conditions, implying the potential for negative consequences if neglected. For Manoah's wife, it meant a solemn obligation to protect the consecrated status of her unborn child through her own disciplined lifestyle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah":** This opening clause establishes the divine speaker and the direct recipient of the message. Manoah had specifically prayed for the "man of God" to return to provide further guidance regarding the child's upbringing ([Judges 13:8](/judges/13-8 "Judges 13:8 - Manoah's Prayer for the Angel's Return")). This statement is God's direct and gracious answer to Manoah's request, demonstrating divine responsiveness and a willingness to provide clarity for His servants.
* **"Of all that I said unto the woman":** This phrase serves as a direct reference back to the detailed instructions previously given to Manoah's wife in [Judges 13:4-5](/judges/13-4 "Judges 13:4-5 - The Angel's Initial Instructions to Samson's Mother"). These instructions included abstaining from wine, strong drink, and any unclean thing, as the child was to be a Nazarite from birth. The Angel's reiteration confirms the consistency and immutability of God's commands, emphasizing that the initial message was complete and authoritative.
* **"let her beware":** This concluding imperative is a powerful command for diligent observance. The Hebrew term implies a strong warning to be watchful, to take heed, and to guard carefully against any deviation from the prescribed lifestyle. It highlights the mother's crucial and active role in the prenatal consecration of Samson, underscoring that her obedience directly impacted the child's unique status, supernatural strength, and future calling as Israel's divinely appointed deliverer.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is prominent, as the Angel of the LORD reiterates the instructions first given to Manoah's wife, now directly to Manoah. This repetition emphasizes the critical importance and divine authority of the commands concerning Samson's Nazarite vow, ensuring both parents fully grasp their responsibility. The very presence of the "Angel of the LORD" functions as a powerful symbol of **Divine Authority** and intervention, elevating the conversation from a mere human dialogue to a direct encounter with the divine will. Furthermore, the meticulous instructions concerning the mother's conduct and the child's future status serve as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Samson's unique, consecrated, and often turbulent life as a Nazarite dedicated to God's service, and the direct link between his strength and his adherence to the vow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:13 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign initiative in raising up deliverers for His people, even in their periods of spiritual decline and oppression. It underscores the theological principle that God's plans are meticulous and require human obedience for their unfolding. The specific instructions concerning Samson's prenatal consecration highlight the sanctity of life from the womb and the profound impact of parental choices on a child's destiny and divine calling. The Angel's reiteration to Manoah emphasizes shared responsibility in upholding God's commands, ensuring that both parents are fully aware and committed to the divine mandate for their son. This divine concern for specific details reveals God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen instruments and the importance of human faithfulness in response to divine revelation.

* [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow") - Provides the comprehensive legal framework for the Nazarite vow, which Samson was to observe from birth.
* [Luke 1:13-17](/luke/1-13 "Luke 1:13-17 - The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold") - Presents a striking parallel in the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, who was also set apart from birth and dedicated to God's service, with specific dietary restrictions.
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah Called from the Womb") - Illustrates God's foreknowledge and setting apart of individuals for His divine purposes even before their birth.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 13:13 serves as a powerful reminder of the profound significance of divine instructions in our lives and the seriousness with which we are called to approach them. Just as Samson's unique calling and strength were intrinsically linked to the careful adherence to the Nazarite vow, so too are our spiritual effectiveness and the unfolding of God's purpose for us often tied to our diligent obedience. This passage challenges us to recognize that God's plans are often detailed, requiring our active participation, vigilance, and commitment. It encourages us to consider how our personal choices, particularly in areas of consecration, discipline, and ethical living, can profoundly impact not only our own spiritual journey but also the spiritual legacy we pass on to future generations. We are called to "beware"—to be watchful, discerning, and obedient stewards of the divine mandates given to us, understanding that even seemingly small acts of obedience contribute to God's grand and redemptive design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life might God be calling you to a higher level of consecration or particular obedience, mirroring the spirit of the Nazarite vow?**
* **How does the Angel's reiteration of the instructions to Manoah highlight the importance of shared responsibility in spiritual matters within your family, church, or community?**
* **What does the imperative "let her beware" imply about the diligence and seriousness required in responding to God's commands? How can you cultivate this level of vigilance in your own walk of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Angel of the LORD repeat the instructions to Manoah?**

Answer: The Angel of the LORD repeated the instructions to Manoah primarily to confirm and reinforce the divine mandate concerning the prenatal care and future dedication of Samson. Manoah had specifically prayed for the "man of God" to return, asking, "what shall be the manner of the child, and how shall we do unto him?" ([Judges 13:12](/judges/13-12 "Judges 13:12 - Manoah's Question to the Angel")). The repetition served several purposes: to assure Manoah of the consistency and authority of the divine message, to emphasize the critical importance of the instructions for Samson's unique calling, and to ensure that both parents understood their shared responsibility in upholding the Nazarite vow for their son. It underscores God's patience and desire for clarity in communicating His will.

**What was the significance of Samson being a Nazarite from birth?**

Answer: The significance of Samson being a Nazarite from birth was profound, setting him apart as uniquely consecrated to God for a special purpose. The Nazarite vow, outlined in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow"), involved specific abstentions (from grape products, not cutting hair, avoiding contact with the dead) as a sign of dedication. For Samson, this lifelong vow was directly linked to his supernatural strength and his role as a deliverer of Israel from the Philistines ([Judges 13:5](/judges/13-5 "Judges 13:5 - Samson's Nazarite Vow and Mission")). His mother's adherence to the vow during pregnancy was crucial for his prenatal consecration, signifying that his life and mission were divinely ordained and set apart from the very beginning, a testament to God's sovereign plan.

**How does the mother's role in this passage relate to parental responsibility today?**

Answer: The mother's role in Judges 13:13, specifically her adherence to the Nazarite restrictions during pregnancy, underscores the profound and enduring principle of parental responsibility in nurturing a child's spiritual path. Just as Manoah's wife was instructed to "beware" and diligently observe the divine commands for Samson's sake, parents today have a sacred duty to create an environment that fosters spiritual growth and aligns with God's design for their children. This involves not only teaching biblical truths but also modeling faith, making choices that honor God, and praying for their children's unique callings. The passage highlights that parental choices, even before a child's birth, can have a significant impact on their future and their ability to fulfill God's purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:13, with its emphasis on a divinely appointed birth and a life set apart by specific consecration, powerfully foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ. Like Samson, Jesus's birth was miraculous, announced by an angel, and His life was uniquely consecrated to God from the womb ([Luke 1:31-35](/luke/1-31 "Luke 1:31-35 - The Annunciation to Mary")). While Samson's Nazarite vow involved external restrictions and was often imperfectly kept, Christ's consecration was intrinsic, a perfect and sinless dedication to His Father's will ([Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")). Samson was called to begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines, but Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), delivering humanity not from physical oppression but from the eternal bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). The meticulous instructions given to Samson's parents highlight God's sovereign plan for His chosen instruments, culminating in the perfect Son, who fulfilled all righteousness and perfectly accomplished the Father's redemptive purpose through His obedient life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection ([Philippians 2:8](/philip/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")).

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.