Manoah, a figure from the Book of Judges, is best known as the father of Samson, one of the most prominent judges of Israel. His account is primarily found in Judges 13, where the narrative details the divine announcement of Samson's birth and Manoah's subsequent reaction.

Divine Encounter and Realization

The account begins with the Angel of the LORD appearing to Manoah's wife, who was barren, to announce that she would conceive and bear a son. This child was to be a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. When Manoah's wife relayed this message to him, Manoah prayed for the Angel to return and instruct them on how to raise the child. God answered his prayer, and the Angel of the LORD appeared again to the woman. She quickly ran to fetch Manoah, who then conversed with the Angel.

Manoah, unaware of the true identity of the visitor, asked for guidance on how to raise the child. The Angel reiterated the instructions given to his wife. Manoah, seeking to honor the visitor, offered to prepare a meal, but the Angel instructed him to offer a burnt offering to the LORD instead. Manoah complied, and as the flame blazed up from the altar, the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. It was at this moment that Manoah realized the true nature of their visitor.

Fear and Reverence

Upon witnessing this miraculous event, Manoah was filled with fear and reverence. Judges 13:22 records his reaction: "We are doomed to die!" he said to his wife. "We have seen God!" This response reflects a common biblical theme where encountering the divine presence evokes a profound sense of awe and fear. In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was believed that seeing God would result in death, as God's holiness was overwhelming and unapproachable for sinful humans.

Manoah's wife, however, offered a more reassuring perspective. She reasoned that if the LORD had intended to kill them, He would not have accepted their offering or revealed such things to them. Her response highlights a trust in God's intentions and a recognition of His grace and purpose.

Theological Implications

Manoah's realization and fear underscore the holiness and otherness of God, a central theme in the Old Testament. The encounter with the Angel of the LORD, often understood as a theophany or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, emphasizes the divine initiative in the deliverance of Israel. Manoah's fear reflects the appropriate human response to divine revelation, acknowledging both God's transcendence and the seriousness of His presence.

This narrative also illustrates the importance of faith and obedience. Despite his initial fear, Manoah followed the Angel's instructions, demonstrating a willingness to submit to God's will. His wife's calming response further exemplifies faith in God's goodness and His plans for their family and nation.

In summary, Manoah's realization and fear serve as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of God and the appropriate human response to His presence. The account encourages believers to approach God with reverence, trust in His purposes, and obedience to His commands.