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 the subsequent events that unfold. Manoah's encounter with the angel of the LORD provides a profound insight into human fear and divine reassurance.

Context and Background

The Israelites were under Philistine oppression for forty years due to their disobedience to God (Judges 13:1). In this period of turmoil, God chose to raise a deliverer from the tribe of Dan. Manoah and his wife, who was barren, were selected for this divine purpose. An angel of the LORD appeared to Manoah's wife, announcing that she would bear a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:3-5).

Manoah's Fear

Upon hearing his wife's account of the angelic visitation, Manoah prayed for the angel to return and instruct them on how to raise the promised child (Judges 13:8). God answered his prayer, and the angel appeared again to Manoah's wife. She quickly informed Manoah, who then conversed with the angel, seeking confirmation and guidance (Judges 13:9-12).

After the angel reiterated the instructions, Manoah offered to prepare a meal, but the angel instructed him to offer a burnt offering to the LORD instead (Judges 13:15-16). As Manoah and his wife watched, the angel ascended in the flame of the altar, and they realized they had seen a divine being (Judges 13:20-21).

Manoah's fear was immediate and intense. He exclaimed to his wife, "We are doomed to die! ... for we have seen God!" (Judges 13:22). This reaction reflects the common biblical theme that seeing God or His angelic messengers could result in death, as seen in other scriptural accounts (e.g., Exodus 33:20).

Reassurance from Manoah's Wife

In response to Manoah's fear, his wife provided a calming reassurance. She reasoned, "If the LORD had intended to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor shown us all these things or told us this" (Judges 13:23). Her logic was sound; the acceptance of their offering and the revelation of the divine plan indicated God's favor and purpose, not impending doom.

Theological Implications

Manoah's fear and his wife's reassurance highlight several theological themes. First, it underscores the holiness and awe-inspiring nature of divine encounters. The fear of the LORD is a recurring biblical motif, emphasizing reverence and the recognition of God's majesty and power.

Second, the narrative illustrates the role of faith and understanding in interpreting divine actions. Manoah's wife demonstrated discernment and trust in God's intentions, providing a model of faith that sees beyond immediate fear to the broader purposes of God.

Lastly, this account foreshadows the life and mission of Samson, who, despite his flaws, was used by God to begin the deliverance of Israel. The divine reassurance given to Manoah and his wife set the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through their son.

In summary, Manoah's fear and the subsequent reassurance from his wife serve as a testament to the human experience of encountering the divine, the importance of faith, and the assurance of God's benevolent purposes for His people.