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Judges 13

25 verses

TL;DR

The chapter recounts how a barren woman, the wife of Manoah, receives an angelic announcement of her future son Samson, who will be a Nazarite and deliver Israel from the Philistines. The angel appears twice, guides a sacrificial rite, and ascends in fire before vanishing, confirming its divine nature.

Summary

Israel again turns away from God, resulting in a forty‑year captivity by the Philistines. Manoah, a man of Zorah from the Danite family, has a barren wife. The angel of the LORD visits her, foretelling a son who will be a Nazarite and deliver Israel. The angel instructs her to abstain from wine, strong drink, and unclean foods. Manoah prays for the angel’s return to give further instructions. The angel appears again; Manoah and his wife offer a burnt and meat sacrifice on a rock. The angel marvels at the offering, then ascends in the fire, confirming its divine identity. The couple, humbled, recognize they have seen God. The wife eventually gives birth to Samson, who grows in the camp of Dan, with the Spirit of the LORD moving him. Samson’s future role as a deliverer is hinted.

Outline
  1. Israel’s disobedience and 40‑year Philistine oppression
  2. Divine revelation to Manoah’s wife and guidance on Nazarite vows
  3. Sacrificial ceremony, angelic ascent, and Samson’s birth
Themes
Divine intervention and covenant faithfulnessThe sanctity of the Nazarite vowHuman awe and recognition of God's power
Keywords
BarrenNazariteAngel of the LORDPhilistinesBurnt offeringMeat offeringFlameSpirit of the LORDSamson
People
ManoahWoman of ManoahAngel of the LORDSamsonPhilistines
Places
ZorahDanEshtaolCamp of Dan
Things
Nazarite vowAngel of the LORDBurnt offeringMeat offeringRock altarFire/flame of the altarSpirit of the LORD
Key Verses
  • Judges 13:5: Introduces Samson’s Nazarite identity and mission to deliver Israel
  • Judges 13:19-20: Describes the angel’s ascension in the fire, confirming divine nature
  • Judges 13:24: Marks the birth of Samson, the prophesied deliverer
Questions
  • What does the Nazarite vow reveal about Israel’s relationship with God during this period?
  • How does the angel’s appearance influence Manoah and his wife’s understanding of divine sovereignty?
  • In what ways does the burning of the altar symbolize the transition of divine presence?
  • How might the birth of Samson serve as a response to Israel’s earlier disobedience?
Sentiment

mixed
The narrative blends awe at divine revelation with humility and foreboding, reflecting a complex emotional landscape.