The appearances of an angel to Manoah and his wife are significant events recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 13. These encounters are pivotal in the narrative of the birth of Samson, one of the most renowned judges of Israel. The angelic visitations underscore the divine orchestration in the deliverance of Israel from Philistine oppression and highlight themes of divine promise, instruction, and consecration.

Context and Background

During the period of the Judges, the Israelites were subject to cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. At the time of Manoah, the Israelites were under Philistine domination for forty years due to their disobedience to God (Judges 13:1). Manoah, a Danite from the town of Zorah, and his wife were childless, a condition often viewed as a reproach in ancient Israelite society.

First Appearance to Manoah's Wife

The narrative begins with the angel of the LORD appearing to Manoah's wife, who is not named in the text. The angel announces that she will conceive and bear a son, despite her barrenness. The angel provides specific instructions: "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 over his head, because 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" (Judges 13:4-5).

This announcement is significant as it sets the stage for the birth of Samson, who is to be dedicated as a Nazirite, a person set apart for God's service with specific vows, including abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair.

Second Appearance to Manoah and His Wife

Upon hearing his wife's account, Manoah prays for the angel to return to instruct them further on how to raise the promised child. God answers Manoah's prayer, and the angel reappears to his wife while she is in the field. She quickly informs Manoah, who then meets the angel. Manoah seeks confirmation and guidance, asking, "When your words come to pass, what will be the boy’s rule of life and mission?" (Judges 13:12).

The angel reiterates the instructions given to Manoah's wife, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Nazirite vow. Manoah, desiring to honor the visitor, offers to prepare a meal, but the angel instructs him to offer a burnt offering to the LORD instead. Manoah complies, and as the flame blazes from the altar, the angel ascends in the flame, revealing his divine nature. This miraculous event leads Manoah to realize that they have encountered a divine messenger, prompting fear and reverence.

Significance and Theological Implications

The appearances of the angel to Manoah and his wife highlight several theological themes:

1. Divine Initiative and Promise: The angel's message underscores God's initiative in delivering Israel. The promise of a son to a barren woman echoes other biblical narratives where God intervenes to fulfill His purposes.

2. Consecration and Holiness: The Nazirite vow signifies a life set apart for God. Samson's consecration from the womb illustrates the call to holiness and dedication to divine service.

3. Faith and Obedience: Manoah and his wife's response to the angel's instructions reflects their faith and obedience. Their willingness to follow divine guidance is a model of trust in God's promises.

4. Revelation and Worship: The angel's ascent in the flame reveals the divine presence and elicits worship. Manoah's fear of death upon realizing they have seen God reflects the awe and reverence due to the divine.

In conclusion, the angelic appearances to Manoah and his wife are integral to the narrative of Samson's birth and mission. They serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty, the call to holiness, and the importance of faith and obedience in the life of believers.Judges 13:6,15-20
Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came to me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not from where he was, neither told he me his name:
Nave's Topical Index

The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua.
... a measure of the gifts of the Spirit of God ... in order that every thought of a lower
angel may be ... then, contains the indication, that such appearances must only ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the angel of the lord.htm

The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
... Thus the reply of the Angel to the inquiry of ... appear personally, and not merely in
spirit and power ... tradition represents his ministry and appearances as almost ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the annunciation of.htm

The Faith of Moses.
... the body of his servant, in the spirit of John ... Nothing is said of his appearances
before Pharaoh; nothing of ... they had heard the voice of the angel that spoke ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

part ii
... Judging by Satan's malicious actions in the world, by their number and power,
we can guess how powerful a spirit was Satan, the fallen angel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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