TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
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.
Continue studying Judges 13:9 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Judges 13:9 meticulously records God's immediate and gracious response to Manoah's earnest prayer for further divine instruction regarding the raising of the promised son, Samson. This pivotal moment underscores God's profound attentiveness to sincere human requests, demonstrating His willingness to engage personally and directly with His people's deepest concerns. The reappearance of the angel of the Lord, specifically to Manoah's wife while her husband was absent, powerfully highlights God's sovereign timing and His often unexpected methods, which consistently transcend human expectations to accomplish His precise redemptive purposes.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several highly effective literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Divine Irony or Narrative Juxtaposition is strikingly evident in the angel's decision to appear to the woman first, despite Manoah being the one who specifically prayed for the angel's return. This subtle yet powerful irony underscores God's sovereign prerogative to choose His instruments and methods, often deliberately subverting human expectations and conventional wisdom. It also serves to significantly elevate the woman's role in the unfolding narrative, confirming her initial, potentially doubted, encounter and requiring her active and indispensable participation in bringing Manoah to the divine messenger. The Repetition of the angel's appearance—first to the woman alone, then again to the woman, and finally to both Manoah and his wife—functions as a potent device for Emphasis and Confirmation, powerfully reinforcing the divine origin, certainty, and extraordinary nature of the message concerning Samson's miraculous birth and his crucial mission. This repeated divine intervention highlights the profound significance of the upcoming birth and the pivotal role Samson is destined to play as a deliverer for Israel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 13:9 profoundly illustrates God's active, intimate, and compassionate involvement in the lives of His people, particularly His unwavering responsiveness to prayer and His meticulous sovereign guidance. It underscores the foundational truth that God is not a distant, disengaged deity but is intimately concerned with the intricate details of human life, especially when His overarching redemptive purposes are at stake. The immediate and specific answer to Manoah's prayer for detailed instruction demonstrates God's profound desire to equip His servants with the necessary wisdom, clarity, and assurance to faithfully fulfill their divine callings. This divine attentiveness is a consistent and comforting theme woven throughout the tapestry of Scripture, affirming that God hears and responds to the sincere cries of His people, often in ways that powerfully confirm His active presence and validate His meticulously crafted plans. The angel's reappearance, as a direct divine messenger, also points to the broader, enduring theme of divine revelation, where God graciously communicates His will directly to humanity, guiding them through challenging times and meticulously preparing them for future deliverance.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 13:9 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to faith for believers today, serving as a timeless reminder of God's compassionate, active, and personal involvement in our lives. Just as God "hearkened" to Manoah's earnest plea, He listens to our prayers, not passively, but with an attentive ear that leads to responsive, purposeful action. This comforting assurance should embolden us to approach Him with unwavering confidence, knowing that He is deeply concerned with our deepest concerns and desires to provide guidance, especially when we are sincerely seeking to understand His specific will and purpose for our lives, our families, or our ministries. Manoah's specific prayer for how to raise the promised child teaches us the profound value of clarity, intentionality, and humility in our petitions. God delights in providing specific wisdom and clarity when we genuinely seek it, even if His methods or timing don't always align with our preconceived expectations. We are therefore called to cultivate a deeper trust in His sovereign process, even when we don't fully comprehend it, knowing with certainty that His ways are perfect and always meticulously designed to accomplish His good and redemptive purposes. This verse beautifully portrays a God who is personally engaged, faithfully guiding, and actively preparing the way for His chosen instruments of deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the angel appear to the woman again, and not directly to Manoah, who had specifically prayed for the angel's return?
Answer: The narrative detail that the angel appeared to the woman first, even though Manoah was the one who prayed for the angel's return, powerfully highlights God's sovereign control over the circumstances of divine revelation and His chosen methods. It emphatically underscores that God's ways are often profoundly different from human ways, and His timing and approach are always perfectly aligned with His sovereign plan (Isaiah 55:8-9). This specific choice also serves several crucial purposes: it unequivocally validates the woman's initial extraordinary encounter and her credibility in Manoah's eyes, as she is now instrumental in bringing Manoah to the angel. It underscores her significant and ongoing role in the unfolding divine plan, demonstrating that God can and often does use anyone, at any time, to accomplish His purposes. Furthermore, it teaches us a vital lesson in humility and trust: to trust God's process, even when it doesn't align with our expectations or seems counterintuitive from a human perspective.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 13:9, with its vivid depiction of God's direct and responsive engagement with humanity through the "angel of God" and the miraculous preparation for a deliverer, finds its ultimate, most profound, and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "angel of God" is widely understood by biblical scholars as a pre-incarnate manifestation of the Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Thus, in a very real and eternal sense, it was Christ Himself who "hearkened" to Manoah's voice, demonstrating His eternal nature as the One who actively, intimately, and compassionately engages with humanity from before the foundation of the world. Just as Samson was uniquely set apart from birth by a Nazarite vow to begin Israel's deliverance from the oppressive Philistines, Jesus Christ was uniquely and divinely set apart, conceived by the Holy Spirit, to be the ultimate, perfect, and eternal Deliverer, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The divine attentiveness to Manoah's specific prayer powerfully foreshadows Christ's own teachings on prayer, assuring all believers that our Heavenly Father hears and faithfully answers those who ask, seek, and knock. Ultimately, the entire narrative arc of God raising up temporary deliverers culminates in Jesus, the true and final Judge, Savior, and King, who not only began but fully and eternally accomplished our deliverance from the bondage of sin and the dominion of death, establishing an everlasting kingdom that far surpasses any temporary rescue provided by human judges like Samson. Through Christ, we now have direct, unhindered access to the Father, and He is our great High Priest who ever lives to intercede for us, ensuring that God always "hearkens" to the voice of His redeemed people.