Judges 13:20

KJV

For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on [it], and fell on their faces to the ground.

KJV (with Strong's)

For it came to pass, when the flame {H3851} went up {H5927} toward heaven {H8064} from off the altar {H4196}, that the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} ascended {H5927} in the flame {H3851} of the altar {H4196}. And Manoah {H4495} and his wife {H802} looked on {H7200} it, and fell on {H5307} their faces {H6440} to the ground {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as the flame went up toward the sky from the altar, the angel of ADONAI went up in the flame from the altar. When Manoach and his wife saw it, they fell to the ground on their faces.

Berean Standard Bible

When the flame went up from the altar to the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground.

American Standard Version

For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of Jehovah ascended in the flame of the altar: and Manoah and his wife looked on; and they fell on their faces to the ground.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 13:20 marks the dramatic climax of the divine encounter between Manoah, his barren wife, and the Angel of the LORD, who had previously announced the miraculous birth of Samson. As Manoah's sacrificial offering ascends in flame from the altar, the divine messenger is revealed in a spectacular theophany, ascending with the fire toward heaven. This awe-inspiring event serves as an undeniable confirmation of the divine origin of the message concerning Samson's unique Nazirite calling and future deliverance of Israel, prompting Manoah and his wife to fall prostrate in profound reverence and worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 13:20 concludes the initial, pivotal encounter between Manoah and his wife and the Angel of the LORD. The chapter begins with the repeated barrenness of Manoah's wife and the first appearance of the Angel, who promises a son, Samson, who will be a Nazirite from birth and begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Manoah, initially absent, prays for the "man of God" to return, desiring further instruction. The Angel reappears, reiterating the instructions for the Nazirite vow. Manoah, still unaware of his visitor's divine identity, insists on preparing a meal for him. The Angel, however, directs them to offer a burnt offering to the LORD. This verse details the moment of the offering's consumption and the Angel's supernatural departure, immediately preceding Manoah's realization and fear, and his wife's subsequent reassurance in [Judges 13:21-23](/judges/13-21 "Judges 13:21-23 - Manoah's Realization and Wife's Reassurance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a period in Israel's history characterized by cyclical apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, and deliverance through divinely raised "judges." This specific narrative is set during the Philistine oppression, highlighting Israel's need for a deliverer. Sacrificial offerings were a central component of Israelite worship, prescribed by the Mosaic Law, serving as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. The acceptance of a sacrifice by fire from heaven (or by the ascent of the messenger in the flame) was a powerful sign of divine approval and presence, as seen in the dedication of the tabernacle in [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Leviticus 9:24 - Fire from the LORD Consumes Offering") or Elijah's contest on Mount Carmel in [1 Kings 18:38](/1_kings/18-38 "1 Kings 18:38 - Elijah's Sacrifice Consumed by Fire"). The act of falling on one's face was a universal gesture of extreme reverence, submission, or fear in the presence of a superior, especially a divine being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes within Judges 13 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Theophany**, as the Angel of the LORD's true identity is spectacularly unveiled, confirming God's direct and personal intervention in human affairs, particularly in the raising of a deliverer for Israel. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Divine Acceptance of Sacrifice**, where the ascent in the flame signifies God's approval of the offering and, by extension, His validation of the message regarding Samson's birth and destiny, echoing earlier instances of divine acceptance like Abel's offering in [Genesis 4:4](/genesis/4-4 "Genesis 4:4 - God's Acceptance of Abel's Offering"). Lastly, the immediate response of Manoah and his wife—falling on their faces—illustrates **Awe, Reverence, and Humility** in the face of God's manifest glory and power, a common biblical response to encounters with the divine, as seen with Moses in [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - Moses Hides His Face from God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel of the LORD (Hebrew, _mal'akh Yahweh_):** This highly significant phrase denotes a specific divine messenger who often acts with divine authority, speaks as God, and receives worship, suggesting more than a mere angelic being. In many Old Testament contexts, including this one, theologians interpret these appearances as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ (a Christophany), highlighting His eternal nature and active role in God's redemptive plan even before His birth in Bethlehem. His ascension in the flame powerfully underscores His supernatural essence and divine connection.
* **Ascended (Hebrew, _alah_):** The verb "alah" means "to go up," "to ascend," or "to rise." Here, it describes the Angel's supernatural departure, not merely walking away, but rising with the very flame of the sacrifice. This miraculous ascent is a visual sign of the Angel's divine nature, demonstrating his ability to transcend the earthly realm and return to the heavenly. It confirms that he is not bound by human limitations and that his message is from the highest authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar":** This clause sets the stage for the miraculous revelation. The "flame going up toward heaven" is a natural phenomenon of a burnt offering, symbolizing the offering's acceptance and ascent to God. However, in this instance, it becomes the vehicle for a supernatural event, transcending the ordinary.
* **"that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar":** This is the pivotal moment of divine revelation. The Angel of the LORD, previously perceived as a "man of God," reveals his true, divine identity by supernaturally ascending within the very smoke and fire of the sacrifice. This act confirms his supernatural origin and the divine authority behind his message, signifying God's direct involvement and approval of the impending birth of Samson.
* **"And Manoah and his wife looked on [it], and fell on their faces to the ground":** The immediate and profound response of Manoah and his wife to this astonishing display of divine power. Their act of falling prostrate signifies overwhelming awe, reverence, humility, and fear in the presence of the divine. It is a posture of worship and submission, acknowledging the immense holiness and power of the being they had just encountered. This reaction is a common biblical motif when humans are confronted with a theophany.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 13:20 is rich in **Symbolism** and functions as a powerful **Theophany** (or **Christophany**). The **flame** of the altar symbolizes divine acceptance and consumption, but here it also becomes the literal vehicle for the divine messenger's departure, signifying the Angel's supernatural nature and connection to the heavenly realm. The **ascent** itself is symbolic of divine power and transcendence, a visual confirmation that the messenger is not of this world. The entire scene is a **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God, or more specifically, a **Christophany**, given the identity of the "Angel of the LORD." The dramatic nature of the revelation, occurring at the moment of sacrifice, heightens the sense of divine intervention and authority. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Manoah and his wife initially treat their visitor as a mere man, only to have his true, divine identity spectacularly revealed, underscoring their prior ignorance and the profound nature of their encounter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:20 serves as a powerful testament to God's active involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His redemptive plan. The spectacular ascension of the Angel of the LORD confirms the divine origin of the promise concerning Samson, underscoring that God is not a distant deity but one who personally intervenes, reveals His purposes, and provides undeniable signs to those He calls. This moment of revelation transforms Manoah and his wife's understanding, moving them from mere hospitality to profound worship, demonstrating the appropriate human response to encountering the living God. It highlights that divine encounters often come with a clear confirmation of God's word, strengthening faith and dispelling doubt, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances like barrenness.

* [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2 - The Angel of the LORD in the Burning Bush")
* [Genesis 4:4](/genesis/4-4 "God's Acceptance of Abel's Offering")
* [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Fire from the LORD Consumes the Offering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 13:20 invites us to consider the profound reality of God's active presence in our lives and the appropriate posture of our hearts when confronted with His truth. Just as Manoah and his wife were given an undeniable sign of God's direct involvement and the divine origin of His promise, we too are called to discern God's hand in our circumstances and His voice in His Word. This passage challenges us to move beyond a casual understanding of God to a deep, reverent awe that acknowledges His sovereignty and holiness. When God reveals Himself or confirms His promises, our response should mirror that of Manoah and his wife: humility, worship, and a renewed commitment to trust in His unfailing word, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or miraculous intervention is required. It reminds us that God's plans are often initiated in unexpected ways and confirmed through extraordinary means, building our faith and calling us to a deeper relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the dramatic nature of the Angel's departure impact Manoah and his wife's understanding of God's promise for Samson?**
* **In what ways do you seek confirmation of God's will or promises in your own life?**
* **What does "falling on their faces" teach us about true reverence and worship in the presence of God's glory?**
* **How might recognizing God's active involvement in seemingly ordinary events transform our perspective and faith?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "Angel of the LORD" that appeared to Manoah and his wife?**

Answer: The "Angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: _mal'akh Yahweh_) is a unique and significant figure in the Old Testament. While sometimes referring to a created angelic being, in many instances, as in Judges 13, this figure acts with divine authority, speaks as God, and even receives worship. This has led many biblical scholars and theologians to interpret these appearances as a Christophany—a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. This understanding highlights Christ's eternal nature and His active involvement in God's redemptive plan throughout salvation history, even before His incarnation in Bethlehem. His supernatural ascent in the flame further underscores His divine identity and connection to the heavenly realm, distinct from any ordinary created being.

**Why did the Angel of the LORD ascend in the flame of the altar?**

Answer: The Angel's ascent in the flame served multiple critical purposes. Firstly, it was an undeniable sign of divine acceptance of the sacrifice. In ancient Israelite worship, fire from the LORD consuming an offering was a clear indicator of God's approval and presence (e.g., [Leviticus 9:24](/leviticus/9-24 "Fire from the LORD Consumes Offering")). Secondly, it was a dramatic and conclusive revelation of the Angel's true, divine identity. Manoah and his wife had previously thought him a mere "man of God" (a prophet), but his supernatural departure in the flame proved he was far more—a divine being. This spectacular exit confirmed the divine origin and absolute certainty of the message concerning Samson's birth and destiny, leaving no room for doubt about the promise God had given. It was a powerful, visual affirmation of God's direct and miraculous intervention.

**What is the significance of Manoah and his wife falling on their faces to the ground?**

Answer: The act of falling on one's face to the ground is a profound and common biblical gesture signifying deep reverence, awe, humility, and worship in the presence of a divine being. It expresses overwhelming respect and submission, acknowledging the immense power, holiness, and majesty of God. In this context, it demonstrates Manoah and his wife's immediate and appropriate response to the terrifying and glorious revelation of the Angel of the LORD's true identity. It reflects a posture of profound humility and fear of the Lord, recognizing that they had encountered the living God. This reaction is consistent with other biblical encounters with the divine, such as Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Moses Hides His Face from God")) or the disciples at the Transfiguration ([Matthew 17:6](/matthew/17-6 "Disciples Fall on Their Faces")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:20, with its dramatic Christophany of the Angel of the LORD ascending in the flame, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate revelation and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "Angel of the LORD," understood as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, demonstrates His eternal nature and active involvement in God's plan of salvation long before Bethlehem. His supernatural ascent from the altar in Judges 13:20 points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which was perfectly accepted by God, and His subsequent glorious ascension into heaven. Just as the flame signified divine acceptance of the offering and the Angel's return to the heavenly realm, so too Christ's death was the perfect sacrifice, accepted by God, and His bodily ascension in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9 "The Ascension of Jesus") marked His triumphant return to the Father's right hand. This Old Testament encounter, where God reveals Himself to initiate a deliverer for Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who not only delivered Israel but all humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The awe and worship of Manoah and his wife in the presence of this divine manifestation anticipate the universal worship due to the risen and ascended Christ, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All Authority Given to Jesus")).

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

Leviticus 9:24

And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: [which] when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

1 Chronicles 21:16

And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders [of Israel, who were] clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

2 Kings 2:11

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, [there appeared] a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Ezekiel 1:28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Matthew 17:6

And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

1 Chronicles 21:26

And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called upon the LORD; and he answered him from heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt offering.

Genesis 17:3

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,