Judges 13:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Manoah {H4495} took {H3947} a kid {H1423}{H5795} with a meat offering {H4503}, and offered {H5927} it upon a rock {H6697} unto the LORD {H3068}: and the angel did {H6213} wondrously {H6381}; and Manoah {H4495} and his wife {H802} looked on {H7200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Manoach took the kid and the grain offering and offered them on the rock to ADONAI. Then, with Manoach and his wife looking on, the angel did something wonderful -

Berean Standard Bible

Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered them on a rock to the LORD. And as Manoah and his wife looked on, the LORD did a marvelous thing.

American Standard Version

So Manoah took the kid with the meal-offering, and offered it upon the rock unto Jehovah: and the angel did wondrously, and Manoah and his wife looked on.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 13:19 marks the climactic moment of divine revelation to Manoah and his wife, the parents of the promised Samson. In response to Manoah's offering of a young goat and a grain offering upon a rock, the Angel of the LORD performs a supernatural act, consuming the sacrifice in a wondrous display of divine power and acceptance. This miraculous event serves to unequivocally confirm the divine identity of their visitor and the authenticity of God's promise regarding the birth and unique calling of their son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 13:19 is situated at the culmination of Manoah's interaction with the Angel of the LORD. Initially, the Angel appeared to Manoah's barren wife, promising a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines and specifying the Nazarite vow for him ([Judges 13:3-5](/judges/13-3 "Judges 13:3-5 - The Angel's First Appearance")). Manoah, upon hearing his wife's account, prayed for the "man of God" to return for further instruction ([Judges 13:8](/judges/13-8 "Judges 13:8 - Manoah's Prayer")). When the Angel reappeared, Manoah, still unaware of his divine nature, invited him to stay for a meal ([Judges 13:15](/judges/13-15 "Judges 13:15 - Manoah's Invitation")). The Angel, however, redirected Manoah to prepare a burnt offering to the LORD instead of a meal for him, setting the stage for the dramatic revelation in this verse and the subsequent ascension in [Judges 13:20](/judges/13-20 "Judges 13:20 - The Angel's Ascension"). This sequence builds suspense, leading to the profound realization of Manoah and his wife concerning their divine encounter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by spiritual apostasy, moral decay, and cycles of oppression by surrounding nations, particularly the Philistines in this instance. Offerings, both burnt offerings (for atonement and dedication) and grain offerings (for thanksgiving and sustenance), were central to Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with God, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings")). The consumption of a sacrifice by fire from heaven was a well-understood sign of divine acceptance and presence (e.g., [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the LORD consumes Aaron's offering")). The "rock" as an altar was common in early Israelite worship before the establishment of a central sanctuary, often serving as a makeshift altar for spontaneous sacrifices or divine encounters, as seen with Gideon in [Judges 6:20-21](/judges/6-20 "Judges 6:20-21 - Gideon's Offering"). The awe and fear displayed by Manoah and his wife upon recognizing the divine messenger were typical responses to theophanies or angelic appearances in the Old Testament.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent in the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Revelation and Confirmation** is paramount; the miraculous consumption of the sacrifice and the subsequent ascension of the Angel of the LORD (as detailed in [Judges 13:20](/judges/13-20 "Judges 13:20 - The Angel's Ascension")) serve as undeniable proof of the visitor's divine identity, moving Manoah and his wife from uncertainty to profound realization. Secondly, the theme of **God's Acceptance of Sacrifice** is highlighted, signifying not only the approval of their offering but also God's affirmation of His promise concerning Samson's birth and calling. This act echoes other instances where God visibly accepts offerings, such as [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Altar on Mount Carmel"). Finally, the verse profoundly illustrates **Awe and Wonder in the Presence of the Holy**, as Manoah and his wife are left speechless and deeply impacted by the supernatural event, underscoring the vast chasm between the human and the divine.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wondrously (Hebrew, _pālā'_):** This verb (פָּלָא) signifies something "to be wonderful," "to be extraordinary," or "to perform a miracle." It is consistently used in the Old Testament to describe acts that are beyond human comprehension or ability, specifically God's supernatural interventions. The use of this word emphasizes that the Angel's action was not ordinary or natural, but a divinely orchestrated, miraculous sign, designed to confirm the Angel's identity and God's power.
* **Meat offering (Hebrew, _minḥāh'_):** While KJV's "meat offering" might suggest animal flesh to a modern reader, the Hebrew term (מִנְחָה) specifically refers to a "grain offering" or "meal offering." This type of offering typically consisted of flour, oil, and frankincense, and often accompanied a burnt offering (like the "kid" or young goat mentioned). It was an offering of thanksgiving or dedication, distinct from the animal sacrifice which often carried connotations of atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering,"**: This clause details Manoah's obedient response to the Angel's instruction in [Judges 13:16](/judges/13-16 "Judges 13:16 - The Angel's Instruction to Manoah"). He prepares a young goat (a burnt offering) and a grain offering, demonstrating his faith and desire to honor the LORD as directed. The inclusion of both types of offerings indicates a complete and proper act of worship according to Israelite custom.
* **"and offered [it] upon a rock unto the LORD:"**: Manoah's action of offering the sacrifice "upon a rock" signifies a makeshift altar, common in the period of the Judges before a centralized temple. The crucial detail is that the offering is directed "unto the LORD," highlighting Manoah's intention to worship God, even though he still mistakes the Angel for a prophet or man of God at this point. This act of worship sets the stage for the divine revelation.
* **"and [the angel] did wondrously;"**: This is the pivotal moment of divine intervention. The bracketed "[the angel]" clarifies that it was the divine messenger, not Manoah, who performed the miraculous act. The verb "did wondrously" (from _pālā'_) indicates a supernatural, awe-inspiring, and miraculous event. As [Judges 13:20](/judges/13-20 "Judges 13:20 - The Angel's Ascension") reveals, this wondrous act was the Angel causing fire to consume the sacrifice and then ascending in the flame, a clear sign of divine presence and acceptance.
* **"and Manoah and his wife looked on."**: This final phrase captures the profound astonishment and silent observation of Manoah and his wife. Their "looking on" implies a state of stunned awe, speechless wonder, and perhaps dawning realization. It underscores the overwhelming nature of the divine manifestation and their inability to comprehend or react immediately to the supernatural event unfolding before their eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 13:19 masterfully employs **Dramatic Irony** and **Theophany** to heighten the narrative's impact. The dramatic irony lies in Manoah's initial ignorance of his visitor's true identity; he treats the Angel as a mere human, inviting him for a meal, only to be corrected and then witness a divine act. This contrast between Manoah's perception and the reality known to the reader (and soon to Manoah) builds suspense. The verse then culminates in a powerful **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God or a divine being. The Angel's "wondrous" act of consuming the sacrifice with fire and ascending in the flame (as elaborated in [Judges 13:20](/judges/13-20 "Judges 13:20 - The Angel's Ascension")) is a classic biblical depiction of God's presence and power, intended to evoke awe and confirm divine authority. The silent observation of Manoah and his wife emphasizes the overwhelming nature of this divine encounter, leaving them in a state of profound **Awe**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:19 serves as a profound testament to God's active involvement in human affairs, His faithfulness to His promises, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. The miraculous consumption of the sacrifice by fire from the Angel of the LORD is a clear sign of divine acceptance, echoing instances throughout the Old Testament where God visibly affirms His pleasure and presence. This act not only validates the Angel's identity as a divine messenger but also confirms God's approval of Manoah's offering and, by extension, His blessing upon the promised birth of Samson. It underscores the principle that God often reveals Himself and His plans in ways that transcend human understanding, demanding faith and eliciting profound reverence.

* [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the LORD consumes Aaron's offering")
* [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Altar on Mount Carmel")
* [Exodus 3:2-6](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2-6 - The Burning Bush")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound encounter in Judges 13:19 invites us to consider our own posture before the divine. Like Manoah and his wife, we are often called to trust in God's promises even when their fulfillment seems improbable or the means mysterious. The "wondrous" act of the Angel reminds us that God operates beyond our natural limitations and expectations, often revealing His power in ways that inspire awe and humble us. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of attentiveness to God's workings in our lives, recognizing that His presence can manifest in unexpected ways, confirming His faithfulness and preparing us for His purposes. Our response, like Manoah and his wife's silent wonder, should be one of reverence and trust in the God who "does wondrously."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Manoah's initial misunderstanding of the Angel's identity challenge our own assumptions about how God might reveal Himself?**
* **What does God's acceptance of the sacrifice, symbolized by the consuming fire, teach us about His desire for genuine worship and obedience?**
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for God to "do wondrously," and how can this passage encourage your faith in His supernatural power?**
* **How do you typically respond when God reveals Himself or His plans in ways that are unexpected or beyond your comprehension?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the Angel of the LORD consuming the sacrifice by fire and ascending in the flame?**

Answer: The consumption of the sacrifice by fire from the Angel of the LORD, as described in [Judges 13:19-20](/judges/13-19 "Judges 13:19-20 - The Angel's Wondrous Act and Ascension"), carried profound significance in ancient Israel. Firstly, it was a clear sign of divine acceptance. In the Old Testament, fire from heaven consuming a sacrifice was God's visible way of indicating His approval and presence (e.g., [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the LORD consumes Aaron's offering") and [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Altar on Mount Carmel")). Secondly, the Angel's ascent in the flame unequivocally revealed his divine nature. Manoah and his wife had initially thought he was merely a prophet or "man of God" ([Judges 13:8](/judges/13-8 "Judges 13:8 - Manoah's Prayer")). His miraculous disappearance in the fire, however, confirmed that he was no ordinary human but a divine messenger, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This dramatic act served to solidify their faith in the promise of Samson's birth and God's sovereign plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "wondrous" act of the Angel of the LORD in Judges 13:19, consuming the sacrifice and ascending in the flame, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention and accepted sacrifice found in Jesus Christ. The Angel, often identified as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, demonstrates God's power to accept an offering and reveal His presence. This points forward to Christ as the perfect Lamb of God, whose single, definitive sacrifice on the cross was fully accepted by God, once for all, to take away the sin of the world ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Just as the Angel's ascent signified his divine nature and departure, Christ's resurrection and ascension into heaven ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")) confirm His deity and the completion of His redemptive work, securing our access to God. The awe and wonder experienced by Manoah and his wife mirror the profound reverence due to Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God, the one through whom all things were made and in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")).

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

Judges 6:19

And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought [it] out unto him under the oak, and presented [it].

Judges 6:21

Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that [was] in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

1 Kings 18:30

And Elijah said unto all the people, Come near unto me. And all the people came near unto him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD [that was] broken down.

1 Kings 18:38

Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that [was] in the trench.