Biblical Reference: Judges 13:1-25

Context and Background:
The account of the Angel of the LORD appearing to Manoah's wife is found in the Book of Judges, a period marked by Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This narrative occurs during a time when the Israelites were under Philistine domination due to their disobedience to God. The account sets the stage for the birth of Samson, one of Israel's judges, who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

The Appearance:
The Angel of the LORD appears to the wife of Manoah, a Danite from the town of Zorah. She is described as barren, unable to have children, which in ancient Israelite culture was often seen as a source of personal and social distress. The Angel's appearance is a divine intervention that brings hope and a promise of deliverance.

Message Delivered:
The Angel of the LORD delivers a significant message to Manoah's wife, as recorded in Judges 13:3-5 : "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. Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean. For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.'"

Nazirite Vow:
The child to be born is to be a Nazirite, a person set apart for God's service, from birth. The Nazirite vow, as outlined in Numbers 6:1-21, includes abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair. This vow signifies a life dedicated to God, and in Samson's case, it is a lifelong commitment initiated by divine command.

Manoah's Response:
Upon hearing his wife's account, Manoah prays for further guidance, asking God to send the Angel again to teach them how to raise the promised child. God answers his prayer, and the Angel of the LORD appears once more to the woman while she is in the field. She quickly informs Manoah, who then converses with the Angel, seeking confirmation and instructions.

The Sacrifice and Revelation:
Manoah offers a young goat as a burnt offering to the LORD, and as the flames rise from the altar, the Angel of the LORD ascends in the flame. This miraculous event reveals to Manoah and his wife that they have encountered a divine messenger. Manoah, realizing the gravity of the encounter, fears for their lives, saying, "We will surely die, for we have seen God!" (Judges 13:22). However, his wife reassures him, noting that the LORD would not have accepted their offering or revealed such things if He intended to harm them.

Significance:
The appearance of the Angel of the LORD to Manoah's wife is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's deliverance. It underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to bring life and hope where there is barrenness and despair. The encounter also highlights the importance of obedience and dedication to God's commands, as seen in the Nazirite vow imposed on Samson. This divine visitation sets the stage for Samson's role as a judge and deliverer of Israel, emphasizing God's ongoing involvement in the lives of His people.