Topical Bible: Conception: Miraculous: Manoah's Wife

◄ Conception: Miraculous: Manoah's Wife ►

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The account of Manoah's wife, the mother of Samson, is a significant example of miraculous conception in the Bible. This narrative is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 13. Manoah's wife, whose name is not mentioned in the Scriptures, was barren and had no children, a condition that was often seen as a source of great distress and social stigma in ancient Israelite culture.

The miraculous nature of her conception is initiated by a divine encounter. An angel of the LORD appears to her with a message of hope and promise. Judges 13:3 states, "The Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, 'Behold, you are barren and have borne no children, but you will conceive and give birth to a son.'" This announcement is reminiscent of other biblical accounts where God intervenes in human barrenness to fulfill His purposes, such as with Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah.

The angel provides specific instructions regarding the child to be born, indicating the special role he will play in Israel's history. Judges 13:4-5 records the angel's words: "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."

The Nazirite vow, which includes abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair, signifies a life set apart for God's service. The angel's instructions underscore the divine purpose for Samson's life even before his birth, highlighting the sovereignty of God in orchestrating His plans through miraculous means.

Manoah's wife, upon receiving this revelation, shares the encounter with her husband, Manoah, who then prays for further guidance. The angel reappears to both Manoah and his wife, reiterating the instructions and confirming the divine promise. This interaction emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises, as well as the role of both parents in the spiritual upbringing of their child.

The birth of Samson, as foretold by the angel, marks the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history. Samson's life, though marked by personal failings, is used by God to deliver Israel from Philistine oppression, fulfilling the prophecy given to his mother.

The account of Manoah's wife and the miraculous conception of Samson serves as a testament to God's power to bring life where there is barrenness and to fulfill His purposes through extraordinary means. It reflects the biblical theme of God's intervention in human history to accomplish His redemptive plan, often through unexpected and miraculous events.

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Judges 13:3-24
And the angel of the LORD appeared to the woman, and said to her, Behold now, you are barren, and bore not: but you shall conceive, and bear a son.
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