"Why do you ask my name," said the angel of the LORD, "since it is beyond comprehension?" Why do you ask My nameThis phrase reflects a common theme in the Old Testament where the name of God or His messengers is often shrouded in mystery. In Hebrew culture, a name is not merely a label but a representation of one's character and essence. The angel's response suggests that the divine nature cannot be fully grasped by human understanding. This echoes the encounter between Jacob and the angel in Genesis 32:29, where the name is withheld, emphasizing the transcendence and holiness of God. replied the angel of the LORD
The "angel of the LORD" is a significant figure in the Old Testament, often seen as a manifestation of God Himself. The Hebrew term "mal'ak YHWH" can mean "messenger of Yahweh," and in many instances, this figure speaks with divine authority, as seen in the burning bush encounter with Moses (Exodus 3:2-6). This suggests that the angel is not merely a created being but a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, which underscores the sacredness of the message being delivered. since it is beyond comprehension
The phrase "beyond comprehension" in Hebrew is "פֶּלִאי" (peli), which can also be translated as "wonderful" or "extraordinary." This term is used in Isaiah 9:6 to describe the Messiah as "Wonderful Counselor," indicating something that is marvelous and beyond human understanding. The use of this word here highlights the divine mystery and majesty of God's nature, which surpasses human intellect and invites believers to a posture of awe and reverence. This serves as a reminder of the infinite nature of God, encouraging faith and trust in His divine plan, even when it is not fully understood. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Angel of the LORDA divine messenger who appears to Manoah and his wife, announcing the birth of Samson. This figure is often seen as a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. 2. ManoahThe father of Samson, who seeks to understand the identity and instructions of the Angel of the LORD. 3. Manoah's WifeThe mother of Samson, initially visited by the Angel of the LORD and given the prophecy of Samson's birth. 4. ZorahThe town in the territory of Dan where Manoah and his family lived. 5. SamsonThough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the promised child whose birth is foretold by the Angel of the LORD. Teaching Points The Mystery of GodThe Angel of the LORD's response, "Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?" ( Judges 13:18), reminds us of the mystery and majesty of God. We are called to trust in His character even when we do not fully understand His ways. Reverence for the DivineManoah's encounter teaches us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and our limited understanding. God's Sovereign PlanThe announcement of Samson's birth underscores God's sovereign plan and His ability to work through unexpected means and people to fulfill His purposes. Faith in God's PromisesJust as Manoah and his wife believed the Angel's message, we are encouraged to have faith in God's promises, trusting that He will bring them to fruition in His perfect timing. The Pre-Incarnate ChristThe appearance of the Angel of the LORD can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, reminding us of the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the Angel of the LORD's response to Manoah's question about His name deepen our understanding of God's nature? 2. In what ways does the encounter between Manoah and the Angel of the LORD parallel other biblical accounts of divine appearances? 3. How can we apply the lesson of reverence and awe in our daily walk with God, especially when we face situations we do not understand? 4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of faith in God's promises, and how can we cultivate such faith in our lives? 5. How does the concept of the pre-incarnate Christ appearing in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of the unity and continuity of the Bible's message? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 32:29Jacob asks the angel for his name, similar to Manoah's inquiry, highlighting the mystery and divine nature of these encounters. Exodus 3:14God's response to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM," parallels the Angel of the LORD's response to Manoah, emphasizing the incomprehensibility and holiness of God. Isaiah 9:6The prophecy of the coming Messiah, whose name will be called "Wonderful," connects to the Angel of the LORD's description of His name as "wonderful." | Cheer for the Faint-Hearted | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 13:1-25 | | Education of Children | W. A. Scott, D. D. | Judges 13:1-25 | | Fears Removed | W. Jay. | Judges 13:1-25 | | God and His People | Thomas Kirk. | Judges 13:1-25 | | God's Past Mercies a Ground of Hope for the Future | W. A. Scott, D. D. | Judges 13:1-25 | | Manoah and His Wife | Homilist | Judges 13:1-25 | | Manoah and His Wife | R. Halley, D. D. | Judges 13:1-25 | | Manoah's Wife | J. Parker, D. D. | Judges 13:1-25 | | Manoah's Wife and Her Excellent Argument | Spurgeon, Charles Haddon | Judges 13:1-25 | | Money Bequeathed by Parents to Their Children | W. Arnot. | Judges 13:1-25 | | Mysteries of Providence | A. P. Peabody. | Judges 13:1-25 | | Past Tokens of Divine Favour an Encouragement Against Fears | | Judges 13:1-25 | | Some Lessons of Catastrophes | John Jamieson, M. A., Arthur Ritchie. | Judges 13:1-25 | | The Angelic Appearances to Manoah and His Wife | H. J. Bevis. | Judges 13:1-25 | | The Spectacle of Life and the Opposite Conclusions Drawn from It | W. W. Newton. | Judges 13:1-25 | | The Spirit World | Homilist | Judges 13:1-25 | | Unrecognised Angels | Wm. Ewen, B. D. | Judges 13:1-25 | | The Mystery of a Name | W.F. Adeney | Judges 13:17, 18 | | The Wonderful Name | A.F. Muir | Judges 13:17, 18 |
People Dan, Danites, Manoah, SamsonPlaces Eshtaol, Mahaneh-dan, Pirathon, ZorahTopics Angel, Askest, Beyond, Hidden, Messenger, Questioning, Secret, Seeing, Thus, Understanding, Wherefore, Wonder, WonderfulDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 13:2-23 8474 seeing God Judges 13:2-25 5652 babies Judges 13:3-22 1511 Trinity, relationships in
5976 visiting Judges 13:17-18 5042 name of God, significance 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 13:18 NIVJudges 13:18 NLTJudges 13:18 ESVJudges 13:18 NASBJudges 13:18 KJV
Judges 13:18 Commentaries
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