Judges
chapter 13 introduces us to the parents of the infamous Samson. Once
again, God chooses to work through unlikely people. This couple does
not have to pass some spiritual test of worthiness first. It is
interesting to note that we learn Samson’s father (Manoah) is from
the tribe of Dan and from the town of Zorah, but we are never even
told his wife’s name. In fact, we are only told she is “sterile
and childless“.
God specializes in using those of us that are obviously imperfect to
complete His perfect will. 1 Corinthians 27-29 reminds us that God
chooses the foolish things to confound the wise; and the weak things
to confound the mighty, “So
that no one may boast before Him“.
The chapter begins with the nation of Israel in rebellion to God
once again and once again in bondage. This time, “The
Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty
years“.
Next we read about another appearance of “The
Angel of the Lord“,
the term for God Himself in human form (Jesus Christ). He appears
before Mrs. Manoah to tell her she will give birth to a son. He also
gives her unusual directions about her pre-natal behavior; “See
to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and do not eat
anything unclean“.
He also explains that the boy is to be a “Nazirite
from birth until the day of his death“.
The vow of the Nazirite (detailed in Numbers 6) was an individual
vow of dedication to God, taken for a designated (short) period of
time. It included no wine, no cutting of the hair, and not touching
anything that is dead.
After
telling her husband all that the Lord had told her, Manoah prayed
that the Lord would appear to him as well. Oh that the excitement we
have after spending time with God would cause such a reaction to
those around us! “God
heard Manoah’s prayer.”
Interesting, the first words spoken by the Angel of the Lord to
Manoah (when asked if He is the man that instructed his wife) are “I
AM“.
Remember, this is the name given to Moses at the burning bush as the
name of the Lord. After confirming His message concerning the boy,
Manoah invites the Angel of the Lord to stay and eat with them. He
is instead directed to prepare a burnt offering to the Lord. Next
Manoah asked his guest, “What
is Your name that I might honor you when your word comes true?”
The Angel of the Lord answers, “Why
do you ask My name seeing it is wonderful?”
This is yet another name given to the messiah by Isaiah (Is 9:6).
This controversial verse has been taken to mean that God’s name is
not to be spoken and only a select few can know it. I believe God
looks at our hearts, not our lips. Anyone that repents from their
sin and by faith asks for forgiveness through the blood of the Lamb
of God will be restored completely. God speaks all languages and
even knows the desires of our heart before we speak.
The
chapter ends with Manoah and his wife sacrificing the young goat to
the Lord as a burnt offering. “As
the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the Angel of the
Lord ascended in the flame. Seeing this, Manoah and his wife fell
with their faces to the ground“.
They finally realized, “We
have seen God!”
Often we do not recognize the presence of God in our lives until we
look back at the results. God is ALWAYS faithful! It is important
to note the encouragement of Mrs. Manoah. Manoah fears they are
doomed (for no man sees the face of God and lives), but she gently
reminds him, God accepted their offering and revealed His plans to
them. The chapter concludes with, “The
woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson… and the Spirit of
the Lord began to stir in him“.
Let’s encourage one another today!