Judges 13:18

And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it [is] secret?

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Why askest {H7592} thou thus after my name {H8034}, seeing it is secret {H6383}{H6383}?

The angel of ADONAI answered him, "Why are you asking about my name? It is wonderful."

โ€œWhy do you ask my name,โ€ said the angel of the LORD, โ€œsince it is beyond comprehension?โ€

And the angel of Jehovah said unto him, Wherefore askest thou after my name, seeing it is wonderful?

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 13:18

Judges 13:18 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative leading up to the birth of Samson, where Manoah, Samson's father, interacts with the mysterious "angel of the LORD." This verse highlights the divine nature of the messenger and the incomprehensibility of God.

Context

This verse is part of the introductory narrative to the story of Samson, a Nazirite called by God to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. The Angel of the LORD had first appeared to Manoah's barren wife, announcing she would conceive a son (Judges 13:3). Manoah, wanting to confirm the message and provide a proper offering, prayed for the man of God to return. Upon his return, Manoah asks for his name, stating in Judges 13:17, "Tell us, what is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?" This question sets the stage for the Angel's profound response in verse 18.

Key Themes

  • The Divine Identity of the Angel of the LORD: The Angel's reluctance to reveal his name and his subsequent declaration strongly imply a divine identity. Many theologians interpret the "Angel of the LORD" in the Old Testament as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ, often referred to as a Christophany. His refusal to give a name, stating it is "secret," points to a nature that transcends human understanding.
  • God's Incomprehensibility: The verse emphasizes that God's nature and ways are beyond full human comprehension. His name, representing His character and essence, is too profound to be fully grasped or categorized by human inquiry. This reinforces the idea that God reveals Himself on His own terms.
  • Reverence and Awe: The Angel's response instills a sense of reverence and awe in Manoah, preparing him for the miraculous birth of Samson and the divine work God was about to do through their family.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in Judges 13:18 is the Hebrew term ืคึถึผืœึดืื™ (pele'i), translated as "secret" in the King James Version. However, this word more commonly means "wonderful," "marvelous," or "incomprehensible." It is the same root word used in Isaiah 9:6, where one of the names given to the Messiah is "Wonderful Counselor" (Pele Yo'etz). This linguistic connection further strengthens the interpretation that the Angel of the LORD is indeed a divine being, whose nature is wondrous and beyond human definition. The name is not merely unknown, but rather unknowable in its fullness, being inherent to the divine essence.

Practical Application

Judges 13:18 reminds us of the profound mystery and majesty of God. In an age where we seek to understand and categorize everything, this verse calls us to embrace the truth that God's nature is infinitely greater than our capacity to fully grasp it. It encourages:

  • Humility: We should approach God with humility, recognizing our limited understanding in the face of His infinite wisdom and power.
  • Trust: Even when God's plans or ways seem mysterious or "secret" to us, we are called to trust in His good and wonderful character.
  • Worship: The "wonderfulness" of God's name should inspire deeper worship and adoration, acknowledging that He is truly set apart and sovereign.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 32:29 (7 votes)

    And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

  • Isaiah 9:6 (6 votes)

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

  • Judges 13:6 (3 votes)

    Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance [was] like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he [was], neither told he me his name: