Manoah is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, known primarily as the father of Samson, one of the most renowned judges of Israel. His account is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in chapters 13 to 16. Manoah was a member of the tribe of Dan and lived in the town of Zorah, which was located in the territory allotted to the Danites.

Divine Encounter and Promise

The account of Manoah begins with a divine visitation to his wife, who is described as barren. An angel of the Lord appeared to her, announcing that she would conceive and bear a son. This child was to be a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and he would begin to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Philistines. The angel instructed her to abstain from wine, strong drink, and unclean food, as these were part of the Nazirite vow (Judges 13:3-5).

When Manoah's wife relayed the message to him, Manoah prayed to the Lord, asking for the angel to return and teach them how to raise the child who was to be born. God answered his prayer, and the angel appeared again to his wife. She quickly ran to fetch Manoah, who then spoke with the angel. Manoah asked about the boy's future and the manner of life they should follow. The angel reiterated the instructions given to his wife, emphasizing the Nazirite vow (Judges 13:8-14).

Sacrifice and Revelation

Desiring to honor the divine messenger, Manoah offered to prepare a young goat for him. The angel declined to eat but instructed Manoah to offer a burnt offering to the Lord. Manoah prepared the offering on a rock, and as the flame blazed up from the altar, the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame. This miraculous event revealed to Manoah and his wife that they had been in the presence of a divine being. Manoah, filled with awe and fear, expressed concern that they would die for having seen God. However, his wife reassured him, pointing out that the Lord had accepted their offering and had shown them these things, indicating His favor (Judges 13:15-23).

Role as Samson's Father

Manoah's role as Samson's father is marked by his obedience to God's instructions and his support of the Nazirite vow for his son. Although the biblical narrative does not provide extensive details about his life beyond these events, Manoah's faith and willingness to seek God's guidance are evident. He named his son Samson, and as the child grew, the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him, setting the stage for Samson's future exploits against the Philistines (Judges 13:24-25).

Legacy

Manoah's legacy is intrinsically linked to that of his son, Samson, who became one of the most famous judges of Israel. While Samson's life was marked by both triumphs and failures, Manoah's initial encounter with the divine and his adherence to God's instructions played a crucial role in the unfolding of Israel's history during a time of Philistine oppression.