Judges 13:7

Judges 13:7 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Samson's birth, revealing the divine plan for his life even before conception. It records the second appearance of the Angel of the Lord to Manoah's previously barren wife, reiterating and expanding upon the instructions regarding the child she is to bear.

Context

This verse is set during a time when the Israelites were under the oppressive rule of the Philistines for forty years, a period detailed in the book of Judges (Judges 13:1). God, in His mercy, prepared to raise up a deliverer. Manoah and his wife were unable to have children, making the divine announcement of a son a miraculous intervention. The "he" in this verse refers to the Angel of the Lord, who first appeared to Manoah's wife in Judges 13:3, promising a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

Key Themes

• Divine Intervention and Miraculous Birth: The annunciation of Samson's birth, much like that of Isaac, Samuel, and later John the Baptist, highlights God's power to open barren wombs and initiate His redemptive plan through extraordinary means.
• The Lifelong Nazarite Vow: The core instruction is that the child "shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death." This sets Samson apart from birth for a consecrated purpose. The Nazarite vow, outlined in Numbers 6:2-21, typically involved abstaining from wine and strong drink, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. For Samson, this was a lifelong, divinely imposed vow.
• Parental Responsibility and Obedience: The instructions given to Manoah's wife regarding her diet—"drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean [thing]"—underscore the importance of the mother's conduct in preparing for a child dedicated to God. Her obedience directly impacted the child's consecration.
• Preparation for a Special Calling: Samson's unique status as a lifelong Nazarite was directly tied to his calling as a deliverer for Israel. This preparation began in the womb, emphasizing the divine foreknowledge and purpose for his life, as reiterated in Judges 13:5.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "Nazarite," from the Hebrew word nazir (נָזִיר), which means "separated" or "consecrated." It implies one who is set apart for a special purpose, usually through a vow of abstinence and devotion to God. For Samson, this separation was not self-imposed but divinely ordained, signifying his unique role in God's plan.

Practical Application

Judges 13:7 offers several timeless lessons:

• God's Sovereign Plan: It reminds us that God often has a plan for individuals even before their birth, preparing them for specific purposes within His larger narrative.
• The Principle of Consecration: While the literal Nazarite vow is not practiced today, the underlying principle of being "separated" or "consecrated" to God remains vital for believers. This involves living a life set apart from worldly influences for God's glory and service (Romans 12:2).
• Parental Influence: The instructions to Manoah's wife highlight the profound impact parents have on their children, even before birth. It encourages parents to consider how their lifestyle and choices can create an environment conducive to their children walking in God's will.
• Obedience to Divine Directives: The specific prohibitions given to the mother emphasize the importance of obedience to God's commands, especially when preparing for a significant divine calling.

This verse serves as a powerful introduction to Samson's story, setting the stage for a life marked by divine purpose, unique strength, and the challenges of living under a lifelong vow.