The Hebrew word Mânôwach, represented by H4495, is the proper name of an Israelite man, Manoah. The name itself carries the meaning of rest. It appears 18 times across 14 unique verses, all within the book of Judges, establishing a focused and significant narrative role.
The biblical narrative introduces Manoah H4495 as a man H376 from Zorah H6881, whose wife H802 was barren H6135 and had no children Judges 13:2. The story revolves around his interaction with an angel H4397 of the LORD H3068 who foretells the birth of his son. Manoah H4495 prays for the divine messenger to return and teach H3384 them how to raise the promised child Judges 13:8. After the angel reappears, Manoah H4495 prepares an offering, and it is only when the angel ascends in the flame H3851 from the altar H4196 that he fully knows the visitor's identity Judges 13:20-21. His story concludes with the mention of his buryingplace H6913, where his son Samson was later buried H6912 Judges 16:31.
Several related words are central to understanding the story of Manoah H4495:
- H4397 mălʼâk (messenger; angel): This is the divine being who interacts with Manoah H4495 and his wife, delivering the message about their future son Judges 13:21.
- H6135 ʻâqâr (barren): This term describes the initial state of Manoah's wife, which is the catalyst for the divine intervention in their lives Judges 13:2.
- H5930 ʻôlâh (burnt offering): The angel instructs Manoah H4495 that if he prepares an offering, it must be a burnt offering H5930 to the LORD, signifying a complete dedication Judges 13:16.
- H430 ʼĕlôhîym (God): Upon realizing they had seen an angel of the LORD, Manoah H4495 exclaims that they have seen H7200 God H430 and would surely die Judges 13:22.
The story of Manoah H4495 carries significant theological weight, illustrating key principles of faith and divine interaction.
- Sincere Prayer: Faced with a miraculous promise, Manoah H4495 intreated H6279 the LORD for further guidance, demonstrating a heart that seeks divine wisdom Judges 13:8. God hearkened H8085 to his voice H6963, showing his attentiveness to the prayers of his people Judges 13:9.
- Awe in the Divine Presence: The encounter with the angel fills Manoah H4495 with reverent fear. His conclusion that they would die H4191 because they had seen H7200 God H430 reflects a profound understanding of God's holiness Judges 13:22.
- Worship as a Response: The climax of the visitation is an act of worship, where Manoah H4495 offers a kid H1423 upon a rock H6697 to the LORD H3068. The miraculous acceptance of this offering confirms the divine nature of the event Judges 13:19-20.
In summary, Manoah H4495 is a figure of sincere and humble faith in the Old Testament. His story is not merely a prelude to the life of Samson but a powerful narrative in its own right, illustrating how an ordinary man H376 responds to a divine promise with prayer, seeks instruction, and ultimately offers worship in awe and reverence.
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