Biblical Context:
The account of Manoah meeting the angel is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 13. This narrative is set during a time when the Israelites were under Philistine oppression due to their disobedience to God. The account introduces Manoah and his wife, who were childless, and it marks the beginning of the life of Samson, one of the most renowned judges of Israel.

Scriptural Account:
In Judges 13:2-3 , the text states, "Now there was a man from Zorah, from the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had no children. The Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, 'Behold, you are barren and have no children, but you will conceive and give birth to a son.'"

The angel's appearance to Manoah's wife is significant as it heralds the birth of Samson, who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. The angel instructs her on how to raise the child, emphasizing that he is to be a Nazirite from birth, a vow that includes abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting his hair (Judges 13:4-5).

Manoah's Encounter:
Upon hearing his wife's account of the angelic visitation, Manoah prays for the angel to return to instruct them further. Judges 13:8 records, "Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, 'Please, O Lord, let the Man of God You sent us come again to teach us how to raise the boy who is to be born.'"

God answers Manoah's prayer, and the angel returns. Manoah, unaware that he is speaking with an angel, asks for guidance on how to raise the child. The angel reiterates the instructions given to Manoah's wife. Manoah then offers hospitality, wishing to prepare a meal, but the angel instructs him to offer a burnt offering to the LORD instead (Judges 13:15-16).

Revelation of the Angel's Identity:
As Manoah offers the sacrifice, the angel performs a wondrous act. Judges 13:19-20 describes, "And as the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground." It is at this moment that Manoah realizes they have seen the Angel of the LORD, expressing fear that they would die, for they had seen God (Judges 13:22).

Theological Significance:
The encounter between Manoah and the angel is rich with theological implications. It underscores the sovereignty of God in choosing and preparing deliverers for His people. The angel's instructions highlight the importance of consecration and obedience to God's commands. Furthermore, the narrative foreshadows the miraculous and divinely orchestrated events that would characterize Samson's life and mission.

Symbolism and Typology:
The angel's appearance and the subsequent events can be seen as a typology of divine intervention and the foreshadowing of Christ's miraculous birth. The angel's identity as the "Angel of the LORD" is often interpreted by conservative theologians as a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.

Cultural and Historical Context:
Manoah's account is set in the tribal period of Israel's history, a time marked by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Philistine oppression serves as a backdrop for God's intervention through Samson, whose life and exploits would become a testament to God's power and faithfulness despite human weakness and failure.

Conclusion:
The narrative of Manoah meeting the angel is a profound testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His divine purposes through chosen individuals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and the recognition of God's presence and work in the lives of His people.