An angel and a baby

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Judges 13:8–21

Here we witness God answering prayer and giving the promise of a son to a childless couple from the tribe of Dan. Manoah’s wife had been visited by an angel of the Lord and been told that she would have a son; she had also been given instructions concerning that child. 

When she informed her husband of the visitation he entered into prayer and entreated the Lord for a further visit so that they could be given advice on the upbringing of that son.

We notice that Manoah was a man of faith. He had total confidence in the word of his wife and never doubted that the child would be born. He knew that God had given her the message and that God’s word would soon be fulfilled. He no doubt felt the enormous responsibility of impending parenthood and so wisely sought the help of God. It is always true that no parents can adequately discharge their responsibilities without the help of the Lord.

God answered his prayer and the angel visited the woman a second time. This time she called her husband and it was confirmed that the son would be a Nazarite and must conform to the regulations for Nazarites, Num. 6. This meant that Manoah’s wife must not be defiled during pregnancy by indulging in wine or strong drink, and must not eat unclean food, 11:4. Similarly, the son must abstain from these things, must never shave or cut his hair, and should never be defiled by contact with dead bodies. The word ‘Nazarite’ means consecrated or dedicated. Thus the son was to get apart for the service of God, and his lifestyle would clearly emphasize such a calling to the people of Israel.

We can imagine Manoah reeling from the impact of the angel’s words, and yet at the same time, he would be full of gratitude to God. That thankfulness was expressed by bringing a young goat, together with a cereal offering, to the angel. Manoah laid it upon the rock as a sacrifice, and as the flames rose from the offering the angel ascended up with them into the presence of God. The angel never again appeared to Manoah and his wife. He had kept his name a strict secret, for it was too wonderful to be truly understood by men, 13:18, but they realized that they had been in contact with the Lord Himself.



Young, P.

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