The announcement of Samson's birth is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 13. This narrative marks the beginning of the account of one of Israel's most renowned judges, Samson, whose life was set apart for a divine purpose even before his birth.

Context and Background

The period of the Judges was a tumultuous time in Israel's history, characterized by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, leading to their subjugation by surrounding nations. In Judges 13, the Israelites are under the oppressive rule of the Philistines, which lasted for forty years (Judges 13:1).

The Angelic Announcement

The birth of Samson is announced by the Angel of the LORD, a theophany often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. This divine messenger appears to Manoah's wife, who is described as barren, highlighting the miraculous nature of the forthcoming birth. The Angel declares, "You are barren and have no children, but you will conceive and give birth to a son" (Judges 13:3).

Nazirite Vow

The Angel instructs Manoah's wife on how to raise the child, emphasizing that he is to be a Nazirite from birth. The Nazirite vow, as outlined in Numbers 6, involves abstaining from wine and other fermented drink, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and not cutting one's hair. The Angel commands, "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).

Manoah's Response

Upon hearing his wife's account of the Angel's visit, Manoah prays for further guidance, asking the LORD to send the Angel again to teach them how to raise the child. God answers his prayer, and the Angel reappears to Manoah's wife. Manoah then meets the Angel and seeks confirmation of the instructions given to his wife. The Angel reiterates the importance of adhering to the Nazirite vow (Judges 13:8-14).

The Offering and Revelation

Manoah, unaware of the Angel's divine nature, offers hospitality and prepares a young goat for a meal. The Angel declines to eat but instructs Manoah to offer a burnt offering to the LORD. As Manoah offers the sacrifice, the Angel performs a wondrous act: "As the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground" (Judges 13:20). This miraculous event confirms the divine origin of the message and fills Manoah and his wife with awe and reverence.

The Birth of Samson

Following the Angel's instructions, Manoah's wife gives birth to a son, whom they name Samson. The narrative notes, "The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him" (Judges 13:24). This marks the beginning of Samson's life, which would be characterized by extraordinary strength and a complex relationship with the Philistines, ultimately fulfilling the divine purpose announced before his birth.

The announcement of Samson's birth is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about deliverance for His people through chosen individuals, even from the womb.