Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. Now please be carefulThe phrase "Now please be careful" is a gentle yet firm admonition. In Hebrew, the word for "be careful" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, keep, or observe. This indicates the importance of vigilance and obedience to God's commands. The angel of the Lord is emphasizing the necessity of strict adherence to the instructions given, highlighting the sacred nature of the mission and the divine purpose behind it. This call to carefulness is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience is a form of worship and reverence. not to drink wine or strong drink
The prohibition against "wine or strong drink" is significant in the context of a Nazirite vow, which Samson was to be under from conception. The Hebrew word for "wine" is "יַיִן" (yayin), and "strong drink" is "שֵׁכָר" (shekar), referring to fermented beverages. This abstention symbolizes purity and separation unto God. In ancient Israel, wine was a common part of daily life, but for a Nazirite, abstaining was a sign of dedication and holiness. This command underscores the importance of self-control and the setting apart of oneself for divine purposes, reflecting a life that is consecrated and distinct from worldly indulgences. and not to eat anything unclean
The instruction "not to eat anything unclean" ties back to the dietary laws given in Leviticus, where certain foods were deemed unclean for the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "unclean" is "טָמֵא" (tamei), which means impure or defiled. This command is not just about physical cleanliness but spiritual purity. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God's people are called to be distinct and set apart from the surrounding nations. This requirement for Samson's mother, and by extension Samson himself, emphasizes the need for spiritual discipline and the avoidance of anything that could defile or compromise one's relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Manoah's WifeThe unnamed wife of Manoah, who receives the angelic message about the birth of Samson. She is instructed to follow specific guidelines during her pregnancy. 2. Angel of the LORDA divine messenger who appears to Manoah's wife, delivering God's instructions and foretelling the birth of Samson, who will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. 3. SamsonThe future son of Manoah and his wife, who is to be a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God with specific lifestyle restrictions. 4. Nazirite VowA special vow of consecration to God, which includes abstaining from wine, strong drink, and unclean foods, as well as not cutting one's hair. 5. PhilistinesThe oppressive rulers of Israel during this period, from whom Samson is destined to begin delivering Israel. Teaching Points Holiness and SeparationThe call to abstain from wine, strong drink, and unclean foods signifies a life set apart for God. Believers are encouraged to live distinctively, avoiding influences that can hinder their spiritual walk. Obedience to God's InstructionsManoah's wife's adherence to the angel's instructions demonstrates the importance of obedience in fulfilling God's purposes. Christians are reminded to follow God's guidance even when it requires personal sacrifice. Preparation for God's WorkThe restrictions placed on Manoah's wife were not just for her benefit but for the preparation of Samson's future role. Believers are called to prepare themselves and their families for God's work through disciplined living. Faith in God's PromisesThe angel's message required faith in God's promise of a son who would deliver Israel. Christians are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when the fulfillment seems distant or impossible. Impact of Parental FaithfulnessThe faithfulness of Manoah's wife in following God's instructions had a direct impact on Samson's life and mission. Parents are reminded of their role in shaping their children's spiritual destinies through obedience and faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6 relate to the instructions given to Manoah's wife in Judges 13:4, and what does this teach us about living a life set apart for God? 2. In what ways can believers today practice holiness and separation in their daily lives, similar to the restrictions given to Manoah's wife? 3. How does the account of Manoah's wife and the angel's message encourage us to trust in God's promises, even when they require personal sacrifice or seem unlikely? 4. What role does parental faithfulness play in the spiritual development of children, as seen in the life of Manoah's wife and Samson? 5. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's instructions in our own lives, and what are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are following His guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 6:1-21This passage outlines the Nazirite vow, providing context for the restrictions given to Manoah's wife. It highlights the call to holiness and separation for God's purposes. 1 Samuel 1:11Hannah's vow for her son Samuel mirrors the Nazirite dedication, showing a pattern of consecration for those set apart for God's work. Luke 1:15The angel's message to Zechariah about John the Baptist echoes the Nazirite-like dedication, emphasizing a life set apart for divine mission. People Dan, Danites, Manoah, SamsonPlaces Eshtaol, Mahaneh-dan, Pirathon, ZorahTopics Anything, Beware, Care, Careful, Drink, Eat, Fermented, Heed, Nothing, Please, Strong, Unclean, WineDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 13:4 5773 abstinence, discipline Judges 13:2-5 4436 drinking, abstention
5658 boys
5741 vows Judges 13:2-7 4544 wine Judges 13:2-14 4458 grape Judges 13:2-23 8474 seeing God Judges 13:2-25 5652 babies Judges 13:3-4 5061 sanctity of life Judges 13:3-22 1511 Trinity, relationships in
5976 visiting Judges 13:4-5 5794 asceticism 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 GloryOf 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 Links Judges 13:4 NIVJudges 13:4 NLTJudges 13:4 ESVJudges 13:4 NASBJudges 13:4 KJV
Judges 13:4 Commentaries
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