Judges 13:8

KJV

¶ Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Manoah {H4495} intreated {H6279} the LORD {H3068}, and said {H559}, O {H994} my Lord {H136}, let {H4994} the man {H376} of God {H430} which thou didst send {H7971} come again {H935} unto us, and teach {H3384} us what we shall do {H6213} unto the child {H5288} that shall be born {H3205}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Manoach prayed to ADONAI, "Please, Adonai, let the man of God you sent come again to us and teach us what we should do for the child who will be born."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, “Please, O Lord, let the man of God You sent us come to us again to teach us how to raise the boy who is to be born.”

American Standard Version

Then Manoah entreated Jehovah, and said, Oh, Lord, I pray thee, let the man of God whom thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening narrative of Judges 13, which introduces the miraculous birth of Samson, one of Israel's most enigmatic judges. Immediately preceding this verse, an angel of the LORD (often identified as the "man of God" in this chapter) appears to Manoah's barren wife, announcing that she will conceive a son who is to be a Nazirite from birth and will begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines. This annunciation includes specific dietary and lifestyle prohibitions for the mother during pregnancy and for the child throughout his life ([Judges 13:3-5](/judges/13-3-5 "Judges 13:3-5 - Angel's Annunciation to Manoah's Wife")). Manoah's wife then relays this extraordinary encounter and the specific instructions to her husband ([Judges 13:6-7](/judges/13-6-7 "Judges 13:6-7 - Manoah's Wife Relays the News")). Manoah's prayer in verse 8 is a direct, faith-filled response to this revelation, demonstrating his desire for direct divine confirmation and more detailed guidance, despite the clarity of the initial message. His earnest request leads to the angel's second appearance, this time to both Manoah and his wife, where the instructions are reiterated and further clarified, particularly regarding the Nazirite vow ([Judges 13:9-14](/judges/13-9-14 "Judges 13:9-14 - Angel Reappears to Manoah and Wife")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression by foreign powers, and subsequent deliverance through divinely raised judges. At this point, Israel is under the oppressive hand of the Philistines, a powerful and technologically advanced people who occupied the coastal plain and exerted significant control over Israelite territories. Barrenness in ancient Israelite society was often viewed as a profound personal sorrow, a source of social shame, and sometimes even as a sign of divine disfavor, making the miraculous conception of Samson a powerful testament to God's sovereign intervention. The Nazirite vow, detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite"), was a special act of dedication to God, involving specific prohibitions such as abstaining from wine and strong drink, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with dead bodies. Manoah's concern reflects the deeply ingrained cultural and religious understanding of parental responsibility to raise children, especially those set apart for God's service, in strict adherence to divine law and custom. His earnest prayer highlights the prevalent belief in direct divine communication and the expectation of God's active involvement in human affairs during this era.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 13:8 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Providence**, as God actively intervenes in human barrenness and orchestrates the birth of a deliverer, even before Israel cries out for help, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. Manoah's prayer underscores the theme of **Seeking Divine Guidance**, demonstrating a humble recognition that significant life responsibilities, especially those tied to God's purposes, require direct and specific instruction from the Almighty. This echoes the wisdom literature's emphasis on seeking God in all things, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"). Furthermore, the verse emphasizes **Parental Responsibility and Stewardship**, as Manoah understands that this child is not merely his own, but a sacred trust to be nurtured according to God's specific will. This foreshadows the detailed instructions given to parents throughout scripture, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children Diligently").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **intreated (Hebrew, _ʻâthar'_):** This verb (H6279) conveys a sense of earnest pleading, supplicating, or praying fervently. It implies a deep sincerity and persistence in seeking a favorable response from God. Manoah's prayer was not a casual request but a heartfelt appeal, demonstrating his profound earnestness in fulfilling God's will for his son and his family. This term suggests a posture of humility and dependence, indicating a desire for divine intervention and clarity.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This proper name of God (H3068) refers to the self-Existent or Eternal One, the covenant God of Israel. Manoah's addressing his prayer to "the LORD" signifies his recognition of God's supreme authority, His covenant faithfulness, and His ability to intervene miraculously. It is a direct appeal to the sovereign God who had already initiated this extraordinary event, underscoring the theological weight of his petition.
* **teach (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** The verb (H3384) means "to flow as water," "to lay or throw," but figuratively, "to point out" or "to instruct." It implies a desire for practical, actionable guidance, not just general theological principles. Manoah is not simply seeking abstract knowledge but concrete instructions on "what we shall do unto the child that shall be born," emphasizing his practical concern for the child's upbringing according to divine standards and his unique Nazirite calling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Manoah intreated the LORD,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes Manoah's spiritual posture and the nature of his response to the extraordinary news. Upon hearing the divine promise and instructions from his wife, his first and most natural reaction is to turn to God in earnest prayer. The verb "intreated" highlights the depth of his sincerity and his profound reliance on divine wisdom, rather than human reasoning or presumption, in navigating this momentous event.
* **"and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us,"**: Manoah addresses God directly, acknowledging His supreme authority and ownership ("O my Lord," using H136, _ʼĂdônây_). His specific request is for the reappearance of the "man of God," recognizing the divine messenger's authoritative role as God's representative. This demonstrates Manoah's desire for direct, unambiguous confirmation and further interaction with the source of the divine message, indicating his serious commitment to understanding and fulfilling God's will.
* **"and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born."**: This concluding clause reveals the core of Manoah's profound concern: practical guidance for the child's upbringing. He uses the plural "us," indicating a shared parental responsibility with his wife. The phrase "what we shall do" underscores his desire for specific, actionable instructions, recognizing the unique nature and destiny of this divinely promised son, who was to be a Nazirite from birth and destined to begin Israel's deliverance from the Philistines.

#### 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.

* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Matthew 7:7](/matthew/7-7 "Matthew 7:7 - Ask, Seek, Knock")

### 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
* **When faced with significant life decisions or new responsibilities, what is your immediate response? Do you, like Manoah, first "entreat the LORD" for guidance?**
* **How does Manoah's concern for "what we shall do unto the child" challenge your own approach to parenting or mentoring, especially in nurturing spiritual development?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking specific, practical instruction from God, and how earnestly are you pursuing that guidance through prayer and His Word?**

### 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). 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](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - A Child is Born")) who would fully and completely save His people from their sins ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")). 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](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher")). 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Job 34:32

[That which] I see not teach thou me: if I have done iniquity, I will do no more.

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.