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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Judges 13:15–23. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account,
I.Of what further passed between Manoah and the angel at this interview.
It was in kindness to him that while the angel was with him it was concealed from him that he was an angel; for, had he known it, it would have been such a terror to him that he durst not have conversed with him as he did (Jdg 13:16): He knew not that he was an angel. So Christ was in the world, and the world knew him not. Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself. We could not bear the sight of the divine glory unveiled. God having determined to speak to us by men like ourselves, prophets and ministers, even when he spoke by his angels, or by his Son, they appeared in the likeness of men, and were taken but for men of God. Now,
1.The angel declined to accept his treat, and appointed him to turn it into a sacrifice. Manoah, being desirous to show some token of respect and gratitude to this venerable stranger who had brought them these glad tidings, begged he would take some refreshment with him (Jdg 13:15): We will soon make ready a kid for thee. Those that welcome the message will be kind to the messengers for his sake that sends them, Th1 5:13. But the angel told him (Jdg 13:16) he would not eat of his bread, any more than he would of Gideon's, but, as there, directed him to offer it to God, Jdg 6:20, Jdg 6:21. Angels need not meat nor drink; but the glorifying of God is their meat and drink, and it was Christ's, Joh 4:34. And we in some measure do the will of God as they do it if, though we cannot live without meat and drink, yet we eat and drink to the glory of God, and so turn even our common meals into sacrifices.
2.The angel declined telling him his name, and would not so far gratify his curiosity. Manoah desired to know his name (Jdg 13:17), and of what tribe he was, not as if he doubted the truth of his message, but that they might return his visit, and be better acquainted with him (it is good to increase and improve our acquaintance with good men and good ministers); and he has a further design: "That when thy sayings come to pass, we may do thee honour, celebrate thee as a true prophet, and recommend others to thee for divine instructions, - that we may call the child that shall be born after thy name, and so do thee honour, - or that we may send thee a present, honouring one whom God has honoured." But the angel denies his request with something of a check to his curiosity (Jdg 13:18): Why askest thou thus after my name? Jacob himself could not prevail for this favour, Gen 32:29. Note, We have not what we ask when we ask we know not what. Manoah's request was honestly meant and yet was denied. God told Moses his name (Exo 3:13, Exo 3:14), because there was a particular occasion for his knowing it, but here there was no occasion. What Manoah asked for instruction in his duty he was readily told (Jdg 13:12, Jdg 13:13), but what he asked to gratify his curiosity was denied. God has in his word given us full directions concerning our duty, but never designed to answer all the enquiries of a speculative head. He gives him a reason for his refusal: It is secret. The names of angels were not as yet revealed, to prevent the idolizing of them. After the captivity, when the church was cured of idolatry, angels made themselves known to Daniel by their names, Michael and Gabriel; and to Zacharias the angel told his name unasked (Luk 1:19): I am Gabriel. But here it is secret, or it is wonderful, too wonderful for us. One of Christ's names is Wonderful, Isa 9:6. His name was long a secret, but by the gospel it is brought to light: Jesus a Saviour. Manoah must not ask because he must not know. Note,
(1.)There are secret things which belong not to us, and which we must content ourselves to be in the dark about while we are here in this world.
(2.)We must therefore never indulge a vain curiosity in our enquiries concerning these things, Col 2:18. Nescire velle quae Magister maximus docere non vult erudita inscitia est - To be willingly ignorant of those things which our great Master refuses to teach us is to be at once ignorant and wise.
3.The angel assisted and owned their sacrifice, and, at parting, gave them to understand who he was. He had directed them to offer their burnt-offering to the Lord, Jdg 13:16. Praises offered up to God are the most acceptable entertainment of the angels; see Rev 22:9, worship God. And Manoah, having so good a warrant, though he was no priest and had no altar, turned his meat into a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock to the Lord (Jdg 13:19), that is, he brought and laid it to be offered. "Lord, here it is, do what thou pleasest with it." Thus we must bring our hearts to God as living sacrifices, and submit them to the operation of his Spirit. All things being now ready,
(1.)The angel did wondrously, for his name was Wonderful. Probably the wonder he did was the same with what he had done for Gideon, he made fire to come either down from heaven or up out of the rock to consume the sacrifice.
(2.)He ascended up towards heaven in the flame of the sacrifice, Jdg 13:20. By this it appeared that he was not, as they thought, a mere man, but a messenger immediately from heaven. Thence certainly he descended, for thither he ascended, Joh 3:13; Joh 6:62. This signified God's acceptance of the offering and intimates to what we owe the acceptance of all our offerings, even to the mediation of the angel of the covenant, that other angel, who puts much incense to the prayers of saints and so offers them before the throne, Rev 8:3. Prayer is the ascent of the soul to God. But it is Christ in the heart by faith that makes it an offering of a sweet-smelling savour: without him our services are offensive smoke, but, in him, acceptable flame. We may apply it to Christ's sacrifice of himself for us; he ascended in the flame of his own offering, for by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, Heb 9:12. While the angel did this, it is twice said (Jdg 13:19, Jdg 13:20) that Manoah and his wife looked on. This is a proof of the miracle: the matter of fact was true, for out of the mouth of these two eye-witnesses the report of it is established. The angel did all that was done in the sacrifice; they did but look on; yet doubtless, when the angel ascended towards heaven, their hearts ascended with him in thanksgiving for the promise which came thence and in expectation of the performance to come thence too. Yet, when the angel has ascended, they dared not, as those that were the witnesses of Christ's ascension, stand gazing up into heaven, but in holy fear and reverence they fell on their faces to the ground. And now,
[1.]They knew that it was an angel, Jdg 13:21. It was plain it was not the body of a man they saw, since it was not chained to the earth, nor prejudiced by fire; but ascended, and ascended in flame, and therefore with good reason they conclude it was an angel; for he maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
[2.]But he did not any more appear to them; it was for a particular occasion, now over, that he was sent, not to settle a constant correspondence, as with prophets. They must remember and observe what the angel had said and not expect to hear more.
II.We have an account of the impressions which this vision made upon Manoah and his wife.
While the angel did wondrously, they looked on, and said nothing (so it becomes us carefully to observe the wondrous works of God, and to be silent before him); but when he had gone, having finished his work, they had time to make their reflections.
1.In Manoah's reflection upon it there is great fear, Jdg 13:22. He had spoken with great assurance of the son they should shortly be the joyful parents of (Jdg 13:8, Jdg 13:12), and yet is now put into such a confusion by that very thing which should have strengthened and encouraged his faith that he counts upon nothing but their being both cut off immediately: We shall surely die. It was a vulgar opinion generally received among the ancient Jews that it was present death to see God or an angel; and this notion quite overcome his faith for the present, as it did Gideon's, Jdg 6:22.
2.In his wife's reflection upon it there is great faith, Jdg 13:23. Here the weaker vessel was the stronger believer, which perhaps was the reason why the angel chose once and again to appear to her. Manoah's heart began to fail him, but his wife, as a help meet for him, encouraged him. Two are better than one, for, if one fall into dejections and despondencies, the other will help to raise him up. Yoke-fellows should piously assist each other's faith and joy as there is occasion. None could argue better than Manoah's wife does here: We shall surely die, said her husband; "Nay," said she, "we need not fear that; let us never turn that against us which is really for us. We shall not die unless God be pleased to kill us: our death must come from his hand and his pleasure. Now the tokens of his favour which we have received forbid us to think that he designs our destruction. Had he thought fit to kill us,
(1.)He would not have accepted our sacrifice, and signified to us his acceptance of it by turning it to ashes, Psa 20:3, margin. The sacrifice was the ransom of our lives, and the fire fastening upon that was a plain indication of the turning away of his wrath from us. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, but you see ours is not so.
(2.)He would not have shown us all these things, these strange sights, now at a time when there is little or no open vision (Sa1 3:1), nor would he have given these exceedingly great and precious promises of a son that shall be a Nazarite and a deliverer of Israel - he would not have told us such things as these if he had been pleased to kill us. We need not fear the withering of those roots out of which such a branch is yet to spring." Note, Hereby it appears that God designs not the death of sinners that he has accepted the great sacrifice which Christ offered up for their salvation, has put them in a way of obtaining his favour, and has assured them of it upon their repentance. Had he been pleased to kill them, he would not have done so. And let those good Christians who have had communion with God in the word and prayer, to whom he has graciously manifested himself, and who have had reason to think God has accepted their works, take encouragement thence in a cloudy and dark day. "God would not have done what he has done for my soul if he had designed to forsake me, and leave me to perish at last; for his work is perfect, nor will he mock his people with his favours." Learn to reason as Manoah's wife did, "If God had designed me to perish under his wrath, he would not have given me such distinguishing tokens of his favour." O woman! great is thy faith.
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Summary
Judges 13:19 presents the climactic moment of divine revelation to Manoah and his barren wife, the future parents of Samson. In an act of obedient worship, Manoah prepares a young goat and a grain offering upon a rock. The narrative then shifts dramatically as the Angel of the LORD performs an extraordinary, supernatural act, causing the sacrifice to be consumed in a wondrous display of divine power and acceptance. This miraculous event serves as the unequivocal confirmation of the visitor's divine identity, dispelling Manoah's lingering doubts and solidifying the authenticity of God's promise regarding their son's miraculous birth and unique calling as a Nazirite deliverer for Israel.
Context
Literary Context
Judges 13:19 stands as the dramatic apex of the Angel of the LORD's interaction with Manoah and his wife. The narrative begins with the Angel's initial appearance to Manoah's wife, announcing the birth of a son who would initiate Israel's deliverance from the Philistines and outlining the strict conditions of his Nazirite vow from birth (Judges 13:3-5). Manoah, upon hearing his wife's account, earnestly prays for the "man of God" to return, seeking further instruction regarding the child (Judges 13:8). When the Angel reappears, Manoah, still unaware of his divine nature, repeatedly attempts to discern his identity and offers hospitality, inviting him to stay for a meal (Judges 13:15). The Angel, however, subtly redirects Manoah's intention from a meal for a human guest to a burnt offering specifically "unto the LORD" (Judges 13:16), setting the stage for the profound and undeniable revelation of his true nature in this verse and his subsequent ascension in Judges 13:20. This carefully constructed sequence builds narrative tension, culminating in the awestruck realization of Manoah and his wife concerning the divine being in their midst.
Historical & Cultural Context
The period of the Judges, characterized by the recurring cycle of Israel's apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, and subsequent deliverance by divinely appointed judges, forms the backdrop for this encounter. Specifically, Israel was under the oppressive hand of the Philistines. Within this context, offerings were foundational to Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with Yahweh, meticulously prescribed in the Mosaic Law. Burnt offerings (Hebrew: olah) symbolized complete dedication and atonement, while grain offerings (Hebrew: minchah) were typically expressions of thanksgiving or devotion, often accompanying animal sacrifices (see Leviticus 1-7). The consumption of a sacrifice by fire from heaven was a powerful and universally understood sign of divine acceptance, approval, and manifest presence, as vividly illustrated in the consecration of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:24) and Elijah's dramatic confrontation on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38). The use of a "rock" as an altar was not uncommon in early Israelite worship, particularly before the establishment of a centralized sanctuary, often serving as a makeshift altar for spontaneous sacrifices or significant divine encounters, as seen with Gideon's offering in Judges 6:20-21. The profound awe and fear displayed by Manoah and his wife upon recognizing the divine messenger were typical and appropriate responses to theophanies or angelic appearances throughout the Old Testament.
Key Themes
Judges 13:19 powerfully encapsulates several pervasive themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, Divine Revelation and Confirmation is paramount; the miraculous consumption of the sacrifice and the Angel's subsequent ascension (as detailed in Judges 13:20) serve as undeniable, supernatural proof of the visitor's divine identity, transforming Manoah and his wife's uncertainty into profound and fearful realization. Secondly, the theme of God's Acceptance of Sacrifice is vividly highlighted, signifying not only the divine approval of their specific offering but, more significantly, God's affirmation of His promise concerning Samson's miraculous birth and extraordinary calling. This act resonates with other biblical instances where God visibly accepts offerings, such as the dedication of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:24). 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, unbridgeable chasm between the finite human and the infinite divine.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (H6381) 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 unique and supernatural interventions. The use of this word here emphasizes that the Angel's action was not an ordinary or natural occurrence, but a divinely orchestrated, miraculous sign, designed to confirm the Angel's identity and God's sovereign power. It points to an event that evokes awe and defies natural explanation.
While the King James Version's "meat offering" might suggest animal flesh to a modern reader, the Hebrew term (H4503) specifically refers to a "grain offering" or "meal offering." This type of offering typically consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, and often accompanied a burnt offering (like the "kid" or young goat mentioned). It was an offering of thanksgiving, dedication, or homage, distinct from the animal sacrifice which often carried connotations of atonement or propitiation. Its inclusion alongside the burnt offering indicates a complete and proper act of worship.
Verse Breakdown
"So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering,"
This clause describes Manoah's obedient and reverent response to the Angel's instruction in Judges 13:16. He prepares a young goat, intended as a burnt offering (an olah), and a grain offering (a minchah), demonstrating his earnest desire to honor the LORD as directed. The pairing of these two types of offerings signifies a comprehensive and acceptable act of worship according to Israelite custom, reflecting both dedication and thanksgiving.
"and offered [it] upon a rock unto the LORD:"
Manoah's action of offering the sacrifice "upon a rock" signifies the use of a natural, makeshift altar, a common practice during the period of the Judges before the establishment of a centralized temple. The crucial detail is that the offering is explicitly directed "unto the LORD," highlighting Manoah's sincere 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, born of faith and obedience, sets the stage for the dramatic divine revelation that follows.
"and [the angel] did wondrously;"
This is the pivotal moment of divine intervention and miraculous revelation. The bracketed "[the angel]" clarifies that it was the divine messenger, not Manoah, who performed the extraordinary act. The verb "did wondrously" (from pālā') indicates a supernatural, awe-inspiring, and miraculous event. As Judges 13:20 reveals, this wondrous act was the Angel causing fire to consume the sacrifice and then ascending in the flame, a clear and unmistakable sign of divine presence, acceptance, and identity. It is a moment of profound theophany.
"and Manoah and his wife looked on."
This final phrase captures the profound astonishment, silent observation, and dawning realization of Manoah and his wife. Their "looking on" implies a state of stunned awe, speechless wonder, and perhaps a growing sense of fear as the true nature of their visitor becomes apparent. It underscores the overwhelming and incomprehensible nature of the divine manifestation, leaving them unable to react immediately to the supernatural event unfolding before their eyes.
Literary Devices
Judges 13:19 masterfully employs several literary techniques to amplify its narrative and theological impact. Foremost is Dramatic Irony, which permeates the scene as Manoah, despite his earnest prayers and desire for divine instruction, remains oblivious to the true identity of his visitor. He treats the Angel as a mere human, inviting him to share a meal, only to be corrected and then witness an undeniable divine act. This contrast between Manoah's limited perception and the reality known to the reader (and soon to Manoah) builds significant narrative tension and suspense. The verse then culminates in a powerful Theophany, a visible manifestation of God or a divine being. The Angel's "wondrous" act of causing fire to consume the sacrifice and ascending in the flame (as further elaborated in Judges 13:20) is a classic biblical depiction of God's manifest presence and power, designed to evoke profound reverence and confirm divine authority. The silent, stunned observation of Manoah and his wife underscores the overwhelming nature of this divine encounter, leaving them in a state of profound Awe and recognition of the sacred.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Judges 13:19 serves as a profound testament to God's active, miraculous involvement in human affairs, His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, and the awe-inspiring nature of His manifest presence. The miraculous consumption of the sacrifice by fire from the Angel of the LORD is an unmistakable sign of divine acceptance, echoing numerous instances throughout the Old Testament where God visibly affirms His pleasure, presence, and covenant fidelity. This dramatic act not only validates the Angel's identity as a divine messenger, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, but also confirms God's full approval of Manoah's obedient offering and, by extension, His blessing upon the promised birth and unique calling of Samson. It powerfully underscores the theological principle that God often reveals Himself and His sovereign plans in ways that transcend human understanding and natural expectation, demanding faith, eliciting profound reverence, and solidifying the divine origin of His word.
Reflection and Application
The profound encounter in Judges 13:19 invites contemporary believers to deeply consider their own posture before the divine. Like Manoah and his wife, we are frequently called to trust in God's promises even when their fulfillment seems improbable, the circumstances mysterious, or the path unclear. The "wondrous" act of the Angel serves as a powerful reminder that God operates far beyond our natural limitations and human expectations, often revealing His power and presence in ways that inspire deep awe and humble us. This passage encourages us to cultivate a spirit of heightened attentiveness to God's workings in our lives, recognizing that His presence can manifest in unexpected, even supernatural, ways, consistently confirming His faithfulness and preparing us for His unfolding purposes. Our appropriate response, mirroring Manoah and his wife's silent wonder, should be one of profound reverence, humble submission, and unwavering trust in the God who "does wondrously" in every generation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the Angel of the LORD consuming the sacrifice by fire and ascending in the flame?
The consumption of the sacrifice by fire from the Angel of the LORD, as dramatically described in Judges 13:19-20, carried profound and multi-layered significance in ancient Israel. Firstly, and most immediately, it was an unmistakable sign of divine acceptance and approval. Throughout the Old Testament, fire from heaven consuming a sacrifice was God's visible and undeniable way of indicating His pleasure, presence, and validation of the offering (e.g., Leviticus 9:24 at the tabernacle's dedication, and 1 Kings 18:38 during Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal). Secondly, and perhaps most crucially for Manoah and his wife, the Angel's ascent in the flame unequivocally revealed his divine nature. Manoah had initially believed him to be merely a prophet or "man of God" (Judges 13:8). However, the miraculous disappearance of the Angel in the fire, ascending heavenward, confirmed that he was no ordinary human but a divine messenger, often understood by theologians as a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God. This dramatic and awe-inspiring act served to solidify Manoah and his wife's faith in the extraordinary promise of Samson's birth and God's sovereign, miraculous plan for Israel's deliverance.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The "wondrous" act of the Angel of the LORD in Judges 13:19, consuming the sacrifice with fire and ascending in its flame, serves as a powerful and profound foreshadowing of the ultimate divine intervention and the perfectly accepted sacrifice found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Angel, often identified as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ (a "Christophany"), demonstrates God's inherent power to accept an offering and reveal His glorious presence. This points forward to Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God, whose single, definitive, and unblemished sacrifice on the cross was fully and eternally accepted by God the Father, once for all, to definitively take away the sin of the world (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:26-28). Just as the Angel's ascent signified his divine nature and departure to the heavenly realm, Christ's literal resurrection from the dead and His glorious ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11) confirm His absolute deity, the complete triumph of His redemptive work, and His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God, securing our access to the Father. The awe and profound wonder experienced by Manoah and his wife in the face of this divine manifestation mirror the eternal reverence and worship due to Christ, who is the ultimate and complete revelation of God, the one through whom all things were made, and in whom all of God's magnificent promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).