Judges 13:2

Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children.

Study Bible

Now there was a man from Zorah
Zorah was a town located in the territory of the tribe of Dan, near the border of Judah. It is situated in the Shephelah, a region of low hills in Israel. This geographical location is significant as it places the narrative within the context of the tribal allotments described in Joshua 19:40-48. Zorah's proximity to Philistine territory is also relevant, as the Philistines were oppressors of Israel during this period (Judges 13:1).

named Manoah
Manoah's name means "rest" or "peace," which is ironic given the turbulent times in which he lived. The introduction of Manoah sets the stage for the birth of Samson, a judge who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Manoah's role as Samson's father is crucial, as he is involved in the divine instructions regarding Samson's Nazirite vow (Judges 13:3-5).

from the clan of the Danites
The Danites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah (Genesis 30:6). The tribe of Dan struggled to secure its allotted territory and later migrated northward (Judges 18). This context highlights the challenges faced by the Danites and sets the stage for Samson's role as a judge who would confront the Philistines, who were encroaching on Israelite land.

whose wife was barren and had no children
Barrenness is a recurring theme in the Bible, often preceding the birth of significant figures, such as Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3), Jacob (Genesis 25:21), and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:5-20). This motif underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention in human affairs. The barrenness of Manoah's wife sets the stage for the angelic announcement of Samson's birth, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the special purpose for which Samson was chosen. This also foreshadows the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, born to the Virgin Mary, highlighting the theme of divine intervention in salvation history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manoah
A man from the tribe of Dan, living in Zorah. He is the father of Samson, a significant figure in Israel's history.

2. Zorah
A town in the territory of Dan, located in the Shephelah region of ancient Israel. It is significant as the birthplace of Samson.

3. The Danites
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Dan, the son of Jacob and Bilhah. The tribe is known for its struggles to secure a permanent inheritance in the Promised Land.

4. Manoah's Wife
Although unnamed in the text, she plays a crucial role as the mother of Samson. Her barrenness is a central theme, highlighting God's intervention.

5. Barrenness
A condition of being unable to bear children, often seen in the Bible as a significant challenge that God can overcome to fulfill His purposes.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Human Weakness
God often chooses to work through human weakness and limitations, such as barrenness, to demonstrate His power and fulfill His purposes.

Faith in God's Promises
The account encourages believers to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible, as God is faithful to fulfill His word.

The Role of Prayer and Patience
The accounts of barren women in the Bible often involve prayer and waiting on God, teaching us the importance of persistent prayer and patience in our spiritual journey.

God's Purpose in Our Lives
Just as God had a specific purpose for Samson, He has a unique plan for each of us, which may involve unexpected paths and challenges.

Community and Support
The account highlights the importance of community and support within the family of faith, as seen in the shared struggles and triumphs of biblical families.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Manoah and his wife challenge our understanding of God's timing and intervention in our lives?

2. In what ways can we draw strength from the accounts of other biblical figures who faced similar challenges, such as barrenness or waiting on God's promises?

3. How can we apply the lessons of faith and patience from this passage to our current life situations?

4. What role does community play in supporting individuals and families facing difficult circumstances, as seen in the account of Manoah and his wife?

5. How can we discern and embrace God's unique purpose for our lives, even when it involves unexpected challenges or paths?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 25:21
Isaac prays for Rebekah, who is barren, and God grants his request, leading to the birth of Esau and Jacob. This parallels the divine intervention in the lives of barren women.

1 Samuel 1:5-20
Hannah's account of barrenness and her prayer to God, resulting in the birth of Samuel, mirrors the theme of God opening the womb of a barren woman for His purposes.

Luke 1:7, 13
Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, is also barren until God intervenes, showing a consistent biblical theme of God working through seemingly impossible situations.