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Commentary on Judges 13 verses 8–14
We have here an account of a second visit which the angel of God made to Manoah and his wife.
I. Manoah earnestly prayed for it, Jdg 13:8. He was not incredulous of the story his wife told him; he knew she was a virtuous woman, and therefore the heart of her husband did safely trust in her; he knew she would not go about to impose upon him, much less was he, as Josephus unworthily represents him, jealous of his wife's conversation with this stranger; but, 1. He takes it for granted that this child of promise shall in due time be given them, and speaks without hesitation of the child that shall be born. There was not found so great faith, no, not in Zechariah, a priest, then in waiting at the altar of the Lord, and to whom the angel himself appeared, as was in this honest Danite. Things hidden from the wise and prudent, who value themselves upon the niceness of their enquiries, are often revealed unto babes, who know how to prize God's gifts and to take God's word. Blessed are those that have not seen and yet, as Manoah here, have believed. 2. All his care is what they should do to the child that should be born. Note, Good men are more solicitous and desirous to know the duty that is to be done by them than to know the events that shall occur concerning them; for duty is ours, events are God's. Solomon enquires concerning the good men should do, not the good they should have, Ecc 2:3. 3. He therefore prays to God to send the same blessed messenger again, to give them further instructions concerning the management of this Nazarite, fearing lest his wife's joy for the promise might have made her forget some part of the precept, in which he was desirous to be fully informed, and lie under no mistake: "Lord, let the man of God come again unto us, for we desire to be better acquainted with him." Note, Those that have heard from heaven cannot but wish to hear more thence, again and again to meet with the man of God. Observe, He does not go or send his servants abroad, to find out this man of God, but seeks him upon his knees, prays to God to send him, and, thus seeking, finds him. Would we have God's messengers, the ministers of his gospel, to bring a word proper for us, and for our instruction? Entreat the Lord to send them to us, to teach us, Rom 15:30, Rom 15:32.
II. God graciously granted it: God hearkened to the voice of Manoah, Jdg 13:9. Note, God will not fail some way or other to guide those by his counsel that are sincerely desirous to know their duty, and apply themselves to him to teach them, Psa 25:8, Psa 25:9.
1.The angel appears the second time also to the wife, when she is sitting alone, probably tending the flocks, or otherwise well employed in the field where she has retired. Solitude is often a good opportunity of communion with God; good people have thought themselves never less alone than when alone, if God be with them.
2.She goes in all haste to call her husband, doubtless humbly beseeching the stay of this blessed messenger till she should return and her husband with her, Jdg 13:10, Jdg 13:11. She did not desire him to go with her to her husband, but would fetch her husband to him. Those that would meet with God must attend where he is pleased to manifest himself. "Oh," says she, overjoyed, "my dear love, thy prayers are answered - yonder is the man of God, come to make us another visit - he that came the other day," or, as some read it, this day, for other is not in the original, and it is probable enough that both these visits were on the same day, and at the same place, and that the second time she sat expecting him. The man of God is very willing she should call her husband, Joh 4:16. Those that have an acquaintance with the things of God themselves should invite others to the same acquaintance, Joh 1:45, Joh 1:46. Manoah is not disgusted that the angel did not this second time appear to him, but very willingly goes after his wife to the man of God. To atone (as it were) for the first fatal miscarriage, when Eve earnestly pressed Adam to that which was evil, and he too easily yielded to her, let yoke-fellows excite one another to love and good works; and, if the wife will lead, let not the husband think it any disparagement to him to follow her in that which is virtuous and praiseworthy.
3.Manoah having come to the angel, and being satisfied by him that he was the same that had appeared to his wife, does, with all humility, (1.) Welcome the promise (Jdg 13:12): Now let thy words come to pass; this was the language, not only of his desire, but of his faith, like that of the blessed Virgin, Luk 1:38. "Be it according to thy word. Lord, I lay hold on what thou hast said, and depend upon it; let it come to pass." (2.) Beg that the prescriptions given might be repeated: How shall we order the child? The directions were given to his wife, but he looks upon himself as concerned to assist her in the careful management of this promised seed, according to order; for the utmost care of both the parents, and their constant joint endeavour, are little enough to be engaged for the good ordering of children that are devoted to God and to be brought up for him. Let not one devolve it on the other, but both do their best. Observe from Manoah's enquiry, [1.] In general, that, when God is pleased to bestow any mercy upon us, our great care must be how to use it well, and as we ought, because it is then only a mercy indeed when it is rightly managed. God has given us bodies, souls, estates; how shall we order them, that we may answer the intent of the donor, and give a good account of them? [2.] In particular, those to whom God has given children must be very careful how they order them, and what they do unto them, that they may drive out the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts, form their minds and manners well betimes, and train them in the way wherein they should go. Herein pious parents will beg divine assistance. "Lord, teach us how we may order our children, that they may be Nazarites, and living sacrifices to thee."
4.The angel repeats the directions he had before given (Jdg 13:13, Jdg 13:14): Of all that I forbad let her beware; and all that I commanded her let her observe. Note, There is need of a good deal both of caution and observation, for the right ordering both of ourselves and of our children. Beware and observe; take heed not only of drinking wine or strong drink, but of eating any thing that cometh of the vine. Those that would preserve themselves pure must keep at a distance from that which borders upon sin or leads to it. When she was with child of a Nazarite, she must not eat any unclean thing; so those in whom Christ is formed must carefully cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and do nothing to the prejudice of that new man.
But he, informed of this, devoutly offered his prayers to God, that the grace of this vision might be conferred on him also, saying, "To me, Lord, let Thine Angel come."
I am of opinion therefore that it was not from jealousy of his wife, because she was remarkable for her beauty that he acted thus, as one writer has supposed, but rather that he was filled with desire of the Divine grace, and sought to participate in the benefit of the heavenly vision. For one whose mind was depraved could not have found such favour with the Lord, as that an Angel should return to his house, who, having given those monitions which the Divine announcement made requisite, was suddenly carried away in the form of a smoking flame. This sight, which terrified the man, the woman interpreted more auspiciously, and so removed his solicitude, in that to see God is a sign of good not evil.
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SUMMARY
Judges 13:8 records Manoah's fervent and humble prayer to the LORD, requesting the return of the divine messenger to provide further, specific instruction regarding the upbringing of the son miraculously promised to him and his barren wife. This pivotal moment underscores Manoah's deep sense of parental responsibility and his profound reliance on God's guidance for nurturing a child destined for a unique, divinely appointed purpose in Israel's deliverance.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Judges 13:8 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Supplication is central, as Manoah's earnest prayer forms the core of the verse, demonstrating a model of seeking divine guidance and dependence on God. The use of the title "man of God" for the angel serves as a form of designation, emphasizing the divine authority and prophetic nature of the messenger, which Manoah clearly recognizes and respects. The phrase "come again unto us" and "teach us what we shall do" exhibits repetition of the theme of seeking instruction, underscoring Manoah's persistent and humble desire for clarity and practical guidance. This request also serves as foreshadowing, hinting at the extraordinary and specific requirements that will govern Samson's life as a Nazirite and a deliverer, setting the stage for the detailed instructions that follow in the subsequent verses. The entire interaction highlights divine intervention and theophany, as God responds directly to Manoah's prayer by sending His messenger again.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Manoah's heartfelt prayer in Judges 13:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the necessity of divine guidance in fulfilling God's purposes. It illustrates that even when God has clearly spoken, a humble and earnest desire for further clarity and practical instruction is commendable and often met with divine favor. This passage reminds us that God is not distant but is intimately involved in the details of our lives, especially when we seek to align ourselves with His will. Manoah's sense of stewardship over the child, recognizing him as a gift and a trust from God, highlights the biblical principle of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, preparing them for their unique callings. His prayer is a testament to the power of persistent, faith-filled intercession that God honors.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Manoah's prayer in Judges 13:8 offers a timeless and powerful model for believers today, particularly in moments of significant responsibility or uncertainty. His immediate response to the extraordinary news of a divinely appointed child was not presumption or self-reliance, but a humble turning to the LORD for specific instruction. This teaches us the vital importance of prioritizing divine wisdom above all else, especially when facing monumental life decisions or entrusted with sacred trusts like raising children. We are reminded that children are not merely extensions of ourselves but unique individuals with divine potential, requiring intentional, God-centered nurturing. Manoah's example encourages us to be diligent in prayer, seeking God's specific guidance for our families, our callings, and every aspect of our lives, trusting that He is faithful to provide clarity and empower us to fulfill His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Manoah need more instruction if the angel had already spoken to his wife?
Answer: While the angel had indeed given specific instructions to Manoah's wife regarding the child's Nazirite vow and his destiny to begin Israel's deliverance, Manoah's request for further instruction was likely driven by several factors. First, he had not personally heard the angel's message, and a direct encounter would provide confirmation and instill greater confidence in the divine origin of the promise. Second, the responsibility of raising a child set apart for such a significant divine purpose was immense, and Manoah, as the patriarch, likely desired to fully understand the implications and ensure he and his wife meticulously adhered to God's will. His prayer reflects a humble and earnest desire for comprehensive, practical guidance, not a lack of faith in his wife's report, but a profound sense of stewardship and a desire to leave no room for error in fulfilling God's specific plan for Samson. He wanted to know "what we shall do," implying a need for actionable steps and a shared understanding between both parents.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Manoah's earnest prayer for the "man of God" to return and "teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born" finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Samson was a temporary deliverer, born for a specific purpose, he ultimately fell short of the full glory of God, demonstrating the limitations of human judges. Jesus, however, is the true and ultimate "man of God," not merely a messenger but God incarnate, the very Word made flesh who "dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory" (John 1:14). He is the one sent by the Father, not just to give instructions, but to perfectly reveal God's will and to embody it. Where Manoah sought guidance for a child who would begin to save Israel, God Himself, in Christ, provided the ultimate "child born" (Isaiah 9:6) who would fully and completely save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus is the perfect teacher, the one who truly "teaches us what we shall do" through His life, His commands, and His Holy Spirit, leading us into all truth and righteousness (John 14:26). Manoah's longing for divine instruction is met definitively in Christ, who is not only the message but the Way, the Truth, and the Life, through whom we truly know how to live according to God's perfect plan and enter into eternal life (John 14:6).