Judges 13:9

And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God returned to the woman as she was sitting in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her.

Study Bible

And God listened to the voice of Manoah
This phrase highlights the responsiveness of God to human prayer. The Hebrew root for "listened" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also understanding and responding. This indicates a personal God who is attentive to the cries of His people. Manoah's prayer reflects a deep desire for guidance, and God's response underscores His willingness to engage with those who earnestly seek Him. Historically, this interaction is set in a time when Israel was under Philistine oppression, and divine intervention was crucial for deliverance.

and the Angel of God came again to the woman
The "Angel of God" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often seen as a theophany, or a manifestation of God Himself. The Hebrew term "מַלְאַךְ" (malak) can mean messenger, and in this context, it suggests a divine envoy with a specific mission. The fact that the Angel appears "again" to the woman, rather than to Manoah directly, emphasizes the importance of her role and God's recognition of her faith. This also reflects the biblical theme of God choosing unexpected individuals to fulfill His purposes.

while she was sitting in the field
The setting of "the field" is symbolic of openness and receptivity. Fields in biblical times were places of labor and sustenance, but also of solitude and reflection. The woman's presence in the field suggests her readiness to receive divine revelation away from the distractions of daily life. This setting can inspire believers to seek quiet places for prayer and meditation, where they might be more attuned to God's voice.

but her husband Manoah was not with her
This detail highlights the separate experiences of Manoah and his wife in encountering the divine. It underscores the personal nature of God's communication with individuals. The absence of Manoah at this moment can be seen as a test of faith and trust between the couple, as well as a reminder that God's plans often unfold in ways that challenge human expectations. This can encourage believers to trust in God's timing and methods, even when they do not align with their own.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God
The sovereign deity who listens to the prayers of His people and orchestrates events according to His divine plan.

2. Manoah
A man from the tribe of Dan, husband to the barren woman, who earnestly seeks God's guidance regarding the promised child.

3. The Angel of God
A divine messenger, often understood as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, who delivers God's message to Manoah's wife.

4. The Woman (Manoah's Wife)
A barren woman chosen by God to bear Samson, a future judge of Israel, highlighting God's power to bring life and purpose.

5. The Field
The setting where the Angel of God appears to the woman, symbolizing a place of divine encounter and revelation.

Teaching Points

God Hears and Responds
God listens to the prayers of His people, as seen in Manoah's plea. This encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing He is attentive to their needs.

Divine Timing and Revelation
The Angel of God appears at the right moment, teaching us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ways of revealing His will.

Faith in God's Promises
Manoah's wife receives the promise of a son despite her barrenness, reminding us to have faith in God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
The woman is the first to receive the divine message, highlighting the significant role women play in God's redemptive history.

Seeking God's Guidance
Manoah's desire for further instruction from God demonstrates the importance of seeking divine guidance in fulfilling God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Manoah's prayer and God's response in Judges 13:9 encourage us to pray with expectation and faith?

2. In what ways does the appearance of the Angel of God to Manoah's wife parallel other biblical accounts of divine messengers? How does this deepen our understanding of God's communication with His people?

3. What can we learn from Manoah's wife's response to the Angel of God about trusting God's promises in our own lives?

4. How does the setting of the field as a place of divine encounter challenge us to find God in the ordinary places of our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a decision. How did this passage encourage you to continue seeking His direction and wisdom?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 16
The appearance of the Angel of the Lord to Hagar, emphasizing God's care and attention to those in distress.

Luke 1
The announcement of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth, paralleling the miraculous birth and divine purpose.

Psalm 34:15
The assurance that God hears the prayers of the righteous, reinforcing the theme of divine attentiveness.