Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, "Please, O Lord, let the man of God You sent us come to us again to teach us how to raise the boy who is to be born." Then Manoah prayed to the LORDThe phrase "Then Manoah prayed to the LORD" highlights the immediate response of Manoah, the father of Samson, to the divine revelation given to his wife. The Hebrew root for "prayed" is "פָּלַל" (palal), which means to intercede or make supplication. This indicates Manoah's earnest desire to seek God's guidance and understanding. In the historical context of the Judges, Israel was in a cycle of sin and deliverance, and Manoah's prayer reflects a turning to God for direction amidst national and personal uncertainty. His prayer is an act of faith, acknowledging the LORD as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. and said, “O Lord, please let the Man of God You sent The phrase "and said, 'O Lord, please let the Man of God You sent'" shows Manoah's recognition of the divine messenger as a "Man of God," a term often used for prophets or divine messengers in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "Lord" here is "אֲדֹנָי" (Adonai), a title of respect and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Manoah's request for the return of the messenger underscores his desire for confirmation and further instruction, demonstrating humility and a willingness to obey God's will. This reflects a broader biblical theme of seeking God's presence and guidance in times of uncertainty. come to us again The phrase "come to us again" reveals Manoah's longing for continued divine interaction. The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or come back, indicating Manoah's hope for further revelation. This request signifies a deep yearning for clarity and assurance regarding the divine promise. In the scriptural context, it emphasizes the importance of seeking repeated encounters with God to gain a fuller understanding of His will and purpose. Manoah's plea is a model of persistent faith, encouraging believers to continually seek God's presence and guidance. to teach us The phrase "to teach us" highlights Manoah's desire for instruction and understanding. The Hebrew root "יָרָה" (yarah) means to instruct or direct, often used in the context of teaching God's law or ways. Manoah's request for teaching underscores the importance of divine instruction in fulfilling God's purposes. It reflects a heart posture of humility and readiness to learn, recognizing that human understanding is limited without divine guidance. This aligns with the biblical principle that true wisdom and understanding come from God, and believers are encouraged to seek His teaching in all aspects of life. how we should raise the boy who is to be born.” The phrase "how we should raise the boy who is to be born" indicates Manoah's concern for the proper upbringing of the promised child, Samson. The Hebrew word "נַעַר" (na'ar) for "boy" can refer to a child or young man, emphasizing the importance of early instruction and guidance. Manoah's inquiry reflects a recognition of the child's divine calling and the responsibility of parents to nurture and guide their children according to God's purposes. This request highlights the biblical theme of parental responsibility in spiritual and moral education, underscoring the role of family in God's covenantal plan. It serves as an inspiration for parents to seek God's wisdom in raising their children to fulfill their God-given destinies. Persons / Places / Events 1. ManoahManoah is the father of Samson, a member of the tribe of Dan. He is a devout man who seeks guidance from God on how to raise his promised son. 2. Manoah's WifeAlthough her name is not mentioned, she is a central figure in this account. She is initially visited by the Angel of the LORD and receives the promise of a son who will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. 3. Angel of the LORDA divine messenger who appears to Manoah's wife to announce the birth of Samson. This figure is often interpreted as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. 4. ZorahThe town in the territory of Dan where Manoah and his wife lived. It is significant as the birthplace of Samson. 5. PhilistinesThe oppressors of Israel during this period. Samson's life and mission are set against the backdrop of Philistine domination. Teaching Points Seeking Divine GuidanceManoah's prayer in Judges 13:8 demonstrates the importance of seeking God's guidance in parenting and life decisions. Believers are encouraged to pray for wisdom and understanding in fulfilling God's purposes. Faith and ObedienceManoah and his wife's response to the angel's message shows their faith and willingness to obey God's instructions. This teaches the importance of trusting God's promises and acting in faith. God's Sovereignty and PlanThe account underscores God's sovereignty in choosing and preparing individuals for His purposes. It reminds believers that God has a plan for each life, even before birth. Role of Parents in Spiritual FormationThe passage highlights the responsibility of parents to raise their children according to God's instructions, emphasizing the role of family in spiritual development. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Manoah's response to the angelic message in Judges 13:8 reflect his faith and desire for guidance? How can we apply this attitude in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the account of Manoah and his wife parallel other biblical accounts of miraculous births? What does this teach us about God's intervention in human history? 3. How does the role of the Angel of the LORD in this passage enhance our understanding of divine encounters in the Old Testament? 4. What lessons can parents today learn from Manoah and his wife's approach to raising their promised child? How can these lessons be applied in modern parenting? 5. How does the account of Samson's birth and mission connect to the broader theme of deliverance in the book of Judges? How can this theme encourage believers facing oppression or challenges today? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 2:16-19This passage provides context for the cyclical pattern of Israel's sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, which sets the stage for the need for judges like Samson. 1 Samuel 1:9-18The account of Hannah and the birth of Samuel parallels the account of Manoah and his wife, highlighting themes of divine intervention and the birth of a significant leader. Luke 1:11-20The announcement of John the Baptist's birth to Zechariah shares similarities with the angelic announcement to Manoah's wife, emphasizing God's plan and purpose for specific individuals. People Dan, Danites, Manoah, SamsonPlaces Eshtaol, Mahaneh-dan, Pirathon, ZorahTopics Beg, Born, Boy, Bring, Child, Clear, Direct, Entreated, Entreaty, Intreated, Maketh, Manoah, Mano'ah, O, Oh, Please, Prayed, Prayer, Teach, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 13:8 1230 God, the Lord 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 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 13:8 NIVJudges 13:8 NLTJudges 13:8 ESVJudges 13:8 NASBJudges 13:8 KJV
Judges 13:8 Commentaries
Bible Hub |