Judges 13:22

"We are going to die," he said to his wife, "for we have seen God!"

Study Bible

We are going to die
This phrase reflects the immediate reaction of fear and awe that Manoah and his wife experience after realizing they have encountered a divine being. In the Hebrew context, the word for "die" (מוּת, "muth") is often used to express the ultimate consequence of encountering the divine, as it was believed that no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20). This fear is rooted in the holiness and otherness of God, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. The reaction of Manoah and his wife is consistent with the experiences of others in the Bible who have had direct encounters with God or His angels, such as Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:28).

he said to his wife
This phrase indicates the patriarchal context of the time, where the husband often took the lead in spiritual and family matters. Manoah's communication with his wife shows a partnership in their spiritual journey, reflecting the biblical principle of marriage as a union where both partners support and guide each other. The Hebrew culture placed significant importance on family and the roles within it, and this interaction highlights the mutual respect and concern they have for each other in the face of divine revelation.

for we have seen God!
The phrase "seen God" is significant in the Hebrew Bible, as it was a common belief that seeing God would result in death due to His overwhelming holiness and glory. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), which can refer to God Himself or, in some contexts, to divine beings or angels. In this narrative, it is understood that Manoah and his wife have seen an angel of the Lord, which they equate with seeing God due to the angel's divine authority and presence. This encounter underscores the theme of God's immanence and transcendence, where He is both near to His people and yet wholly other. The fear of death upon seeing God is a testament to the reverence and awe that the Israelites held for the divine, recognizing their own unworthiness and the majesty of God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Manoah
The father of Samson, Manoah is a Danite who, along with his wife, receives a divine message about the birth of their son, Samson, who is to be a Nazirite dedicated to God from the womb.

2. Manoah's Wife
Although her name is not mentioned, she plays a crucial role in the account. She is the first to receive the angelic message about Samson's birth and destiny.

3. Angel of the LORD
A divine messenger who appears to Manoah and his wife, delivering the prophecy of Samson's birth and instructing them on how to raise him.

4. Zorah
The town in the territory of Dan where Manoah and his wife live. It is significant as the birthplace of Samson.

5. Event of Revelation
The angel of the LORD appears to Manoah and his wife, revealing the future birth of Samson and his role as a deliverer of Israel from the Philistines.

Teaching Points

Reverence for the Divine
Manoah's fear upon realizing he has seen the angel of the LORD highlights the appropriate reverence and awe we should have for God's holiness and presence.

God's Sovereignty and Plan
The announcement of Samson's birth underscores God's sovereign plan and His ability to work through ordinary people to fulfill His purposes.

Faith in God's Promises
Despite their fear, Manoah and his wife trust in the promise of God regarding their son, teaching us to have faith in God's promises even when they seem beyond our understanding.

Role of Women in God's Plan
Manoah's wife is the first to receive the divine message, emphasizing the important role women play in God's redemptive history.

Divine Encounters and Transformation
Encounters with God or His messengers often lead to transformation and a new understanding of one's purpose, as seen in the lives of biblical figures like Jacob and Paul.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Manoah's reaction to seeing the angel of the LORD reflect the biblical understanding of God's holiness and our human frailty?

2. In what ways does the account of Samson's birth and the Nazirite vow connect to the broader account of God's deliverance of Israel?

3. How can we apply the faith and trust demonstrated by Manoah and his wife in our own lives when faced with divine promises or callings?

4. What lessons can we learn from the role of Manoah's wife in this account about the value and significance of women in God's plan?

5. How do other biblical encounters with the divine, such as those experienced by Moses or Isaiah, inform our understanding of Manoah's experience and response?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The fear of seeing God and dying, as expressed by Manoah, connects to other biblical instances where individuals feared death after encountering the divine, such as Moses at the burning bush and Isaiah's vision of the Lord.

The concept of the Nazirite vow, which Samson is to follow, is detailed in Numbers 6, providing context for the lifestyle and dedication required of Samson.

The angel of the LORD appearing to individuals is a recurring theme, seen in the accounts of Hagar, Gideon, and others, indicating divine intervention and guidance.