Topical Encyclopedia Manoah is a significant figure in the Book of Judges, known primarily as the father of Samson, one of the most famous judges of Israel. His account is found in Judges 13, where he is depicted as a man of the tribe of Dan, residing in the town of Zorah.Background and Family Manoah's wife, whose name is not mentioned in the biblical text, was barren, which was a source of great distress in ancient Israelite society. The couple's childlessness sets the stage for a divine intervention that would lead to the birth of one of Israel's most renowned deliverers. Divine Encounter The narrative begins with an angel of the LORD appearing to Manoah's wife, announcing that she would conceive and bear a son. The angel instructed her to abstain from wine, strong drink, and unclean food, as her son was to be a Nazirite from birth. This vow of the Nazirite, as outlined in Numbers 6, included abstaining from cutting the hair, consuming any product of the vine, and avoiding contact with the dead. Upon hearing his wife's account of the angelic visitation, Manoah prayed to the LORD, seeking further guidance on how to raise the promised child. God answered his prayer, and the angel appeared again to his wife. She quickly ran to inform Manoah, who then accompanied her to meet the angel. Interaction with the Angel Manoah's interaction with the angel is marked by reverence and a desire for understanding. He inquired about the proper upbringing of the child and offered hospitality to the angel, not realizing his divine nature. The angel declined to eat but instructed Manoah to offer a burnt offering to the LORD. Manoah asked for the angel's name, to which the angel replied, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" (Judges 13:18). As Manoah offered the sacrifice, the angel ascended in the flame of the altar, revealing his divine identity. This miraculous event filled Manoah and his wife with awe and fear, prompting Manoah to exclaim, "We are doomed to die! We have seen God!" (Judges 13:22). However, his wife wisely reassured him that the LORD's acceptance of their offering and the promise of a son indicated His favor, not impending doom. The Birth of Samson In accordance with the angel's prophecy, Manoah's wife bore a son, whom they named Samson. The child grew, and the LORD blessed him, beginning to stir him in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol. Samson's life and exploits as a judge of Israel are detailed in the subsequent chapters of Judges, where he is depicted as a man of extraordinary strength and a complex character, whose life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Legacy Manoah's role in the biblical narrative, though brief, is pivotal. His faith and obedience in the face of divine revelation set the stage for the birth and mission of Samson, who would become a deliverer of Israel from the oppression of the Philistines. Manoah's account underscores themes of faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God's promises, serving as a testament to the LORD's sovereignty and faithfulness in the history of His people. Library Go in Peace Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel The Story of Samson, the Strong Man Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy. Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ... Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies. A Sight of the Crowned Christ The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ... Christian Behavior Thesaurus Manoah's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Manoah's (1 Occurrence). ... For it had not come into Manoah's mind that he was the angel of the Lord. (BBE). ... /m/manoah's.htm - 6k Mano'ah (14 Occurrences) Man-pleaser (1 Occurrence) Barren (44 Occurrences) Barrenness (3 Occurrences) Samson (37 Occurrences) Woman (4043 Occurrences) Intercession (12 Occurrences) Resources Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the source of Samson's strength? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian deal with infertility? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Manoah's (1 Occurrence)Judges 13:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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