Judges 13:23

But his wife replied, "If the LORD had intended to kill us, He would not have accepted the burnt offering and the grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things or spoken to us this way."

Study Bible

But his wife replied
This phrase introduces the wisdom and faith of Manoah's wife, who remains unnamed in the text. Her response is a testament to her spiritual insight and understanding of God's character. In the Hebrew context, women often played pivotal roles in the narrative, and here, her discernment is crucial. Her reply is a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire.

If the LORD had meant to kill us
The use of "LORD" here, translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," emphasizes the covenantal name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and mercy. Manoah's wife recognizes that God's intentions are not to harm but to fulfill His promises. This reflects a deep understanding of God's nature, as one who is just and merciful, and it encourages believers to trust in God's plans, even when they are not fully understood.

He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands
The mention of "burnt offering" and "grain offering" refers to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, which was a means of worship and atonement. The acceptance of these offerings by God signifies His favor and presence. In the historical context, offerings were a way to maintain a relationship with God, and their acceptance was a sign of divine approval. This phrase reassures believers that God is with them and that their acts of worship are meaningful and significant.

nor shown us all these things
The phrase "shown us all these things" indicates the divine revelation and the miraculous signs that Manoah and his wife had witnessed. In the biblical narrative, God often reveals His plans through signs and wonders, which serve to strengthen faith and provide assurance. This highlights the importance of being attentive to God's revelations in our lives and trusting in His guidance.

or told us this
The word "told" underscores the communication from God, which in this context, was through the angel of the LORD. This divine message was a promise of the birth of Samson, who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The historical and scriptural context emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word and trusting in His promises. It serves as an encouragement to believers to hold fast to God's word, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill what He has spoken.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manoah
The father of Samson, a Danite, who is initially fearful after encountering the Angel of the LORD.

2. Manoah's Wife
Unnamed in the text, she demonstrates faith and understanding of God's intentions, providing reassurance to her husband.

3. The Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who appears to Manoah and his wife, announcing the birth of Samson.

4. Zorah
The town in the territory of Dan where Manoah and his wife lived.

5. Burnt Offering and Grain Offering
Sacrifices made to God, symbolizing worship and dedication.

Teaching Points

Faith in God's Promises
Manoah's wife exemplifies faith by trusting in God's promise despite her husband's fear. Believers are encouraged to trust God's plans even when circumstances seem daunting.

Understanding God's Character
Her response reflects an understanding of God's character—He does not act capriciously. This teaches us to interpret our circumstances in light of God's nature and promises.

Reassurance in Times of Fear
Just as Manoah's wife reassures her husband, believers can find comfort in God's past faithfulness and His revealed word during times of fear and uncertainty.

The Role of Sacrifices
The acceptance of their offerings signifies God's favor and presence. This points to the importance of sincere worship and dedication in our relationship with God.

Divine Encounters
The appearance of the Angel of the LORD signifies God's direct involvement in His people's lives, reminding us of His ongoing presence and guidance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Manoah's wife's response to her husband's fear demonstrate her faith in God's promises, and how can we apply this in our own lives when faced with fear?

2. In what ways does understanding God's character help us interpret our circumstances, and how can this understanding be deepened through Scripture?

3. How can we reassure others in their faith journey, drawing from the example of Manoah's wife, and what Scriptures can guide us in this ministry of encouragement?

4. What is the significance of sacrifices and offerings in the Old Testament, and how does this relate to the New Testament understanding of worship and dedication?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "divine encounter" or felt God's presence in a significant way. How did this impact your faith, and what Scriptures can you connect to this experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 18
Similar to Manoah's encounter, Abraham and Sarah receive a divine promise of a son, demonstrating God's intervention in human barrenness.

Hebrews 11
The faith of Manoah's wife can be connected to the faith of other biblical figures who trusted God's promises despite uncertainty.

Psalm 50
Highlights the importance of sacrifices and offerings, emphasizing that God desires a heart of obedience and trust.