Judges 13:11
So Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he asked, "Are you the man who spoke to my wife?" "I am," he said.
So Manoah got up
The phrase "got up" indicates a readiness and willingness to act. In Hebrew, the root word for "got up" is "קוּם" (qum), which often signifies rising to a challenge or taking decisive action. Manoah's response reflects a proactive faith, a readiness to engage with the divine message delivered to his wife. This action underscores the importance of responding to God's call with immediacy and purpose.

and followed his wife
The act of following his wife demonstrates humility and trust. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a patriarchal society, Manoah's decision to follow his wife signifies a recognition of her spiritual insight and the validity of her encounter. This phrase highlights the importance of partnership and mutual respect in marriage, especially in spiritual matters.

When he came to the man
The phrase "came to the man" suggests a deliberate approach to the divine messenger. The Hebrew word for "came" is "בּוֹא" (bo), which can imply entering into a presence or situation. Manoah's approach is intentional, seeking confirmation and understanding of the divine message. This reflects the believer's journey towards seeking God's truth and presence.

he said, 'Are You the man who spoke to my wife?'
Manoah's question is direct and seeks confirmation. The phrase "Are You the man" indicates a desire for clarity and assurance. In the context of divine encounters, this reflects the human need for certainty in understanding God's will. Manoah's inquiry shows a respectful yet earnest pursuit of truth, a model for believers seeking divine guidance.

'I am,' He said
The response "I am" is profound, echoing the divine self-identification found throughout Scripture. In Hebrew, "I am" is "אָנֹכִי" (anokhi), reminiscent of God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This affirmation not only confirms the messenger's identity but also subtly points to the divine nature of the encounter. It reassures Manoah of the authenticity of the message and the presence of God in their lives. This phrase encourages believers to trust in God's promises and His presence in their journey.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Manoah
Manoah is the father of Samson, a significant figure in the Book of Judges. He is from the tribe of Dan and is depicted as a man of faith who seeks to understand God's will for his son.

2. The Angel of the LORD
This is a divine messenger who appears to Manoah's wife and later to Manoah himself. The Angel of the LORD often represents God's direct intervention and communication with His people.

3. Zorah
This is the town where Manoah and his family live. It is located in the territory of Dan, near the Philistine border, which is significant given the Philistine oppression during this period.

4. Manoah's Wife
Although her name is not mentioned, she plays a crucial role in the account. She is the first to receive the message from the Angel of the LORD about the birth of Samson.

5. Samson
Although not directly mentioned in Judges 13:11, Samson is the promised child whose birth and life are foretold by the Angel of the LORD. He is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from birth.
Teaching Points
Seeking God's Guidance
Manoah's response to the angelic message demonstrates the importance of seeking further understanding and guidance from God. Believers should actively seek God's will in their lives through prayer and study.

Faith in God's Promises
Manoah and his wife show faith in the promise of a child despite their circumstances. This teaches us to trust in God's promises even when they seem impossible.

The Role of Divine Messengers
The Angel of the LORD's appearance underscores the importance of being attentive to God's messages, whether through Scripture, prayer, or other means.

Preparation for God's Work
Just as Samson was to be prepared from birth for his role, believers are called to prepare themselves for the work God has for them, living lives set apart for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Manoah's request for the Angel of the LORD to return reflect his desire for understanding and guidance? How can we apply this in our own prayer lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Samson's birth parallel other miraculous birth accounts in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's intervention in human history?

3. How does the concept of the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6 relate to the life of a Christian today? What does it mean to be set apart for God's purposes?

4. What can we learn from Manoah and his wife's faith in God's promise despite their initial barrenness? How can this encourage us in times of waiting?

5. How does the appearance of the Angel of the LORD in Judges 13:11 connect to other instances of divine messengers in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's communication with His people?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Judges 6
The appearance of the Angel of the LORD to Gideon parallels the encounter with Manoah and his wife, highlighting God's pattern of raising deliverers for Israel.

Luke 1
The announcement of Samson's birth to Manoah's wife is similar to the angelic announcement to Mary about the birth of Jesus, emphasizing divine intervention in miraculous births.

Numbers 6
The Nazirite vow, which Samson is to follow, is detailed here, providing context for the lifestyle and dedication expected of Samson.
Cheer for the Faint-HeartedSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJudges 13:1-25
Education of ChildrenW. A. Scott, D. D.Judges 13:1-25
Fears RemovedW. Jay.Judges 13:1-25
God and His PeopleThomas Kirk.Judges 13:1-25
God's Past Mercies a Ground of Hope for the FutureW. A. Scott, D. D.Judges 13:1-25
Manoah and His WifeHomilistJudges 13:1-25
Manoah and His WifeR. Halley, D. D.Judges 13:1-25
Manoah's WifeJ. Parker, D. D.Judges 13:1-25
Manoah's Wife and Her Excellent ArgumentSpurgeon, Charles HaddonJudges 13:1-25
Money Bequeathed by Parents to Their ChildrenW. Arnot.Judges 13:1-25
Mysteries of ProvidenceA. P. Peabody.Judges 13:1-25
Past Tokens of Divine Favour an Encouragement Against FearsJudges 13:1-25
Some Lessons of CatastrophesJohn Jamieson, M. A., Arthur Ritchie.Judges 13:1-25
The Angelic Appearances to Manoah and His WifeH. J. Bevis.Judges 13:1-25
The Spectacle of Life and the Opposite Conclusions Drawn from ItW. W. Newton.Judges 13:1-25
The Spirit WorldHomilistJudges 13:1-25
Unrecognised AngelsWm. Ewen, B. D.Judges 13:1-25
Repetition of Divine FavoursA.F. Muir Judges 13:8-11
People
Dan, Danites, Manoah, Samson
Places
Eshtaol, Mahaneh-dan, Pirathon, Zorah
Topics
Followed, Got, Manoah, Mano'ah, Riseth, Spake, Spakest, Speak, Spoke, Spokest, Talked, Talking, Wife
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 13:2-14

     4458   grape

Judges 13:2-23

     8474   seeing God

Judges 13:2-25

     5652   babies

Judges 13:3-22

     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     5976   visiting

Judges 13:9-16

     4478   meat

Library
The Wonderful.
Isaiah ix:6. HIS name shall be called "Wonderful" (Isaiah ix:6). And long before Isaiah had uttered this divine prediction the angel of the Lord had announced his name to be Wonderful. As such He appeared to Manoah. And Manoah said unto the angel of Jehovah, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honor. And the angel of Jehovah said unto Him "why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is Wonderful" (margin, Judges xiii:17-18). This angel of Jehovah, the Person who
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Of the Name of God
Exod. iii. 13, 14.--"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." We are now about this question, What God is. But who can answer it? Or, if answered, who can understand it? It should astonish us in
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Characters and Names of Messiah
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. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Incarnation.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that hath been made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not. There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He was
Marcus Dods—The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
SHOWING WHAT IT IS, AND HOW DISTINGUISHED FROM THAT WHICH IS NOT SO. ALSO, WHENCE IT COMES; WHO HAS IT; WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS; AND WHAT THE PRIVILEGES OF THOSE THAT HAVE IT IN THEIR HEARTS. London: Printed for N. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, over against the Stocks market: 1679. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," and "a fountain of life"--the foundation on which all wisdom rests, as well as the source from whence it emanates. Upon a principle
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Of the Power of Making Laws. The Cruelty of the Pope and his Adherents, in this Respect, in Tyrannically Oppressing and Destroying Souls.
1. The power of the Church in enacting laws. This made a source of human traditions. Impiety of these traditions. 2. Many of the Papistical traditions not only difficult, but impossible to be observed. 3. That the question may be more conveniently explained, nature of conscience must be defined. 4. Definition of conscience explained. Examples in illustration of the definition. 5. Paul's doctrine of submission to magistrates for conscience sake, gives no countenance to the Popish doctrine of the obligation
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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