The Birth of Samson 1Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, so He delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. 2Now there was a man from Zorah named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, whose wife was barren and had no children. 3The angela of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are barren and have no children; but you will conceive and give birth to a son. 4Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and not to eat anything unclean. 5For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. And no razor shall touch his head, because the boy will be a Naziriteb to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” 6So the woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me. His appearance was like the angel of God, exceedingly awesome. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not tell me his name. 7But he said to me, ‘Behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. Now, therefore, do not drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb until the day of his death.’” 8Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, “Please, O Lord, let the man of God You sent us come to us again to teach us how to raise the boy who is to be born.” 9And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God returned to the woman as she was sitting in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. 10The woman ran quickly to tell her husband, “Behold, the man who came to me the other day has reappeared!” 11So Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he asked, “Are you the man who spoke to my wife?” 12Then Manoah asked, “When your words come to pass, what will be the boy’s rule of life and mission?” 13So the angel of the LORD answered Manoah, “Your wife is to do everything I told her. 14She must not eat anything that comes from the vine, nor drink any wine or strong drink, nor eat anything unclean. She must do everything I have commanded her.” 15“Please stay here,” Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “and we will prepare a young goat for you.” 16And the angel of the LORD replied, “Even if I stay, I will not eat your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.” For Manoah did not know that it was the angel of the LORD. 17Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes to pass?” 18“Why do you ask my name,” said the angel of the LORD, “since it is beyond comprehension?” 19Then Manoah took a young goat and a grain offering and offered them on a rock to the LORD. And as Manoah and his wife looked on, the LORD did a marvelous thing. 20When the flame went up from the altar to the sky, the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground. 21And when the angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, Manoah realized that it had been the angel of the LORD. 22“We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!” 23But his wife replied, “If the LORD had intended to kill us, He would not have accepted the burnt offering and the grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things or spoken to us this way.” 24So the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him. 25And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him at Mahaneh-dan,c between Zorah and Eshtaol. Footnotes: 3 a Or Angel; here and throughout chapter 13; corresponding pronouns may also be capitalized. 5 b Or set apart 25 c Mahaneh-dan means camp of Dan. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Judges 13 Summary The Birth of SamsonVerses 1–3 – Israel’s Oppression and Promise of Deliverance Verses 4–7 – Nazirite Instructions for the Mother and Child Verses 8–14 – Manoah’s Prayer and the Angel’s Second Visit Verses 15–23 – Sacrifice, Revelation, and Awe Verses 24–25 – Birth and Early Stirring of Samson Judges 13 introduces the account of Samson, an iconic character known for his extraordinary strength. This chapter sets the stage for the account by recounting an angelic encounter experienced by Manoah and his wife, and the divine prophecy regarding their son who was yet to be born. The pivotal role of Samson in the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines is foreshadowed here. Historical Setting and Philistine Oppression • Judges 13 opens the final major cycle in the book, shifting conflict to the Philistines, sea-people who had settled the coastal plain (Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, Gaza). • Forty years of oppression (v. 1) is the longest subjugation noted in Judges, highlighting both Israel’s stubbornness and God’s patience (cf. Judges 3:8; 4:3; 8:28). • The tribe of Dan occupied a narrow strip of land squeezed between Judah’s hills and Philistine territory (Joshua 19:40-48). Constant pressure later drove many Danites north (Judges 18), but Manoah stayed in Zorah, holding a tenuous foothold near enemy lines. Geography: Zorah, Eshtaol, and Mahaneh-dan • Zorah sits on a ridge overlooking the Sorek Valley; modern excavations at Tel Tzora have uncovered Iron Age walls and silos. • Eshtaol lies roughly three miles east. The area’s rolling hills provided hiding spots and vantage points for future raids. • Mahaneh-dan (“camp of Dan”) between the two towns (v. 25) became Samson’s staging ground, a reminder that God can raise deliverers in small, seemingly insignificant places. The Angel of the LORD • Called both “Angel of the LORD” (vv. 3, 13, 15-21) and “Man of God” (vv. 6, 8), He speaks with divine authority, accepts worship, and ascends in the flame—signs that this is a visible manifestation of God Himself (compare Genesis 16:7-13; Exodus 3:2-6; Judges 6:11-23). • His name is “beyond comprehension” (v. 18), echoing Isaiah 9:6, “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor…” The Hebrew root (peleʾ) links the passages, hinting at a greater Deliverer yet to come. Nazirite Vow: Set Apart from Birth Numbers 6:1-21 outlines a temporary Nazirite vow, but three men—Samson, Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and John the Baptist (Luke 1:15)—were dedicated for life. Key features: 1. No wine, strong drink, or grape products. 2. No razor to cut the hair. 3. No contact with corpses (strict ritual purity). In Samson’s case, even prenatal life was covered; his mother had to adopt the restrictions. God’s concern for the unborn child underscores the sanctity of life before birth (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5). Barrenness Turned to Blessing Barren women—Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth—become models of divine intervention. Each account underscores that deliverance is God’s gift, not human achievement. Manoah’s wife, though unnamed, joins this honored line, showing that God sees and values the overlooked. Manoah and His Wife: Everyday Faith in Action • Manoah’s immediate prayer (v. 8) demonstrates humble dependence: he wants to parent according to God’s design. • The wife’s calm reasoning (v. 23) balances Manoah’s fear, portraying a marriage in which both partners seek God together—a pattern echoed in 1 Peter 3:7. • God repeatedly speaks first to the wife. The narrative lifts the dignity of women often unseen in ancient culture, echoing how the risen Christ first appeared to women (Matthew 28:1-10). Fire from the Rock: Divine Signature • The angelic ascent in flame mirrors Gideon’s call (Judges 6:21) and Elijah’s later fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:38). • Fire symbolizes acceptance of a sacrifice (Leviticus 9:24) and God’s presence (Exodus 13:21-22). The couple’s offering on “the rock” (v. 19) foreshadows Christ, the spiritual Rock (1 Corinthians 10:4), upon whom the ultimate sacrifice would be made. Names and Meanings • Samson (Shimshon) likely comes from shemesh, “sun.” His life will flash with brilliance yet end in darkness—an ironic play on light. • Manoah means “rest” or “quiet.” God brings “rest” through a son whose life will be anything but restful, reminding readers that God’s ways transcend human naming. Archaeological Notes • Philistine pottery with Mycenaean motifs (Bichrome ware) attests to their Aegean origins, matching biblical references to “Caphtor” (Amos 9:7). • Tel Zorah excavations reveal wine presses; abstaining from wine in vineyard country underscores the cost of consecration. • Iron-age grain silos and fortified walls in the Judean foothills illustrate the constant tug-of-war between Israelites and Philistines during this period. Connections to Other Scripture • Miraculous births: Isaac (Genesis 17-18), Samuel (1 Samuel 1-2), John the Baptist (Luke 1), and Jesus (Luke 1-2) all involve angelic announcements. Each signals a turning point in redemptive history. • Hebrews 11:32 lists Samson among the faithful, reminding readers that God values faith even in flawed people. • The Spirit “began to stir” Samson (v. 25), paralleling how the Spirit came upon Othniel (Judges 3:10) and will later empower Jesus at His baptism (Luke 3:22). Instruction for Life and Service • God often works through extended seasons of discipline (forty years) before raising new deliverers. Waiting is not abandonment. • Parents are called to shape children for God’s purposes. Manoah’s plea—“teach us how to raise the boy” (v. 8)—is a timeless model (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4). • Personal consecration may include giving up legitimate pleasures (wine, haircuts) so that God’s power can flow unhindered (Romans 12:1-2). • Fear of God is healthy (v. 22), but the recognition of His grace (v. 23) brings balance and peace (1 John 4:18). Foreshadowing the Greater Deliverer Samson will “begin” to rescue Israel; his work is partial and flawed. Centuries later Jesus will finish the task fully and perfectly. Where Samson’s strength is corruptible, Jesus’ power is unwavering (Matthew 12:29). Where Samson dies avenging himself (Judges 16:30), Jesus dies forgiving His enemies (Luke 23:34). Judges 13 thus points forward, urging readers to look beyond human heroes to the Savior who never fails. Connections to Additional Scriptures Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Birth 1 Samuel 1:9-20 parallels the account of another barren woman who receives a child through divine intervention, emphasizing God's power and purpose. The Nazirite Vow Numbers 6:1-21 provides the detailed requirements of the Nazirite vow, offering further insight into the significance of Samson's calling. God's Faithfulness 2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. Teaching Points Divine Intervention in BarrennessJudges 13:2-3 introduces Manoah's wife, who was barren. The angel of the LORD appeared to her, announcing that she would conceive a son. This highlights God's power to bring life and hope where there seems to be none. Nazirite Vow In Judges 13:4-5, the angel instructs Manoah's wife that her son is to be a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God. This vow included abstaining from wine, avoiding unclean things, and not cutting his hair, signifying a life set apart for God's purposes. God's Faithfulness to His Promises Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant. Judges 13:5 reveals that Samson is to begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines, showing God's commitment to His people. Manoah's Response Manoah's desire for confirmation and guidance (Judges 13:8-12) reflects a heart seeking to understand and obey God's will. His interaction with the angel demonstrates the importance of seeking God in prayer and being open to His instructions. Worship and Reverence In Judges 13:19-20, Manoah and his wife offer a sacrifice to the LORD, and the angel ascends in the flame. This act of worship underscores the importance of reverence and awe in God's presence. Practical Applications Trust in God's TimingJust as God intervened in the life of Manoah's wife, we can trust that He is working in our lives, even when circumstances seem impossible. Living a Life Set Apart Like Samson's Nazirite vow, we are called to live lives that are distinct and dedicated to God, reflecting His holiness in our daily actions. Seeking God's Guidance Manoah's example encourages us to seek God's wisdom and direction through prayer, especially when faced with significant decisions. Faithfulness Amidst Unfaithfulness God's commitment to Israel despite their disobedience reminds us of His unwavering faithfulness to us, encouraging us to remain faithful in return. People 1. The Angel of the LORDThis figure appears to Manoah's wife to announce the birth of Samson. The Angel of the LORD is often interpreted as a theophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, due to the divine attributes and authority displayed. The Hebrew term used is "מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה" (mal'akh YHWH), which can be translated as "messenger of Yahweh." 2. Manoah's Wife Although her name is not mentioned, she is a central figure in the chapter. She is described as barren but is promised a son by the Angel of the LORD. Her faith and obedience are highlighted in the narrative. 3. Manoah He is the husband of the woman who receives the promise of a son. Manoah seeks confirmation and guidance from the Angel of the LORD regarding the upbringing of the promised child. His interactions reflect a desire for understanding and faithfulness to God's instructions. 4. Samson While not directly active in this chapter, Samson is the promised child who is to be a Nazirite from birth. The chapter sets the stage for his future role as a judge of Israel. The name "Samson" (שִׁמְשׁוֹן, Shimshon) is derived from the Hebrew word for "sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh), symbolizing strength and might. Places 1. ZorahZorah is mentioned as the hometown of Manoah, Samson's father. It is located in the territory of the tribe of Dan. The Hebrew root for Zorah (צָרְעָה) suggests a place of hornets or wasps, indicating a potentially challenging environment. 2. Eshtaol Eshtaol is mentioned in conjunction with Zorah as part of the region where the Spirit of the Lord began to stir Samson. It is also in the territory of Dan, near Zorah. The name Eshtaol (אֶשְׁתָּאוֹל) may derive from a root meaning "to ask" or "to inquire," possibly indicating a place of seeking or questioning. Events 1. Israel's Apostasy and OppressionThe Israelites again did evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their oppression by the Philistines for forty years. This cycle of sin and oppression is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, highlighting Israel's repeated disobedience and the consequences thereof. 2. The Angel of the LORD Appears to Manoah's Wife An angel of the LORD appears to the wife of Manoah, who is barren, and tells her she will conceive and bear a son. The angel instructs her to abstain from wine, strong drink, and unclean food, as her son is to be a Nazirite from birth. The term "Nazirite" comes from the Hebrew root "nazir," meaning "consecrated" or "separated." 3. The Nazirite Vow for the Unborn Child The angel specifies that the child is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb, and that no razor shall touch his head. This vow signifies a life set apart for God's purposes, emphasizing the child's future role in delivering Israel from the Philistines. 4. Manoah's Wife Informs Her Husband Manoah's wife relays the encounter with the angel to her husband, describing the angel as a man of God with an appearance like an angel, very awesome. She recounts the message about the child and the Nazirite vow. 5. Manoah Prays for Guidance Manoah prays to the LORD, asking for the man of God to return and teach them how to raise the child who is to be born. This reflects Manoah's desire for divine guidance in fulfilling the angel's instructions. 6. The Angel Returns to Manoah's Wife The angel of the LORD appears again to Manoah's wife while she is in the field. She quickly runs to inform Manoah, who then follows her to meet the angel. 7. Manoah Meets the Angel Manoah asks the angel to confirm his earlier message and inquires about the child's future role. The angel reiterates the instructions given to Manoah's wife, emphasizing the importance of following them. 8. Manoah Offers Hospitality Manoah offers to prepare a young goat for the angel, but the angel instructs him to offer it as a burnt offering to the LORD. This reflects the angel's divine nature and the importance of worship directed solely to God. 9. The Angel Ascends in the Flame As Manoah offers the sacrifice, the angel of the LORD ascends in the flame from the altar. Manoah and his wife fall on their faces to the ground, realizing they have seen a divine messenger. 10. Manoah's Fear and Reassurance Manoah fears they will die because they have seen God, but his wife reassures him that if the LORD intended to kill them, He would not have accepted their offering or revealed such things to them. 11. The Birth of Samson The woman gives birth to a son and names him Samson. The child grows, and the LORD blesses him, setting the stage for his future role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. The name "Samson" is derived from the Hebrew word "shemesh," meaning "sun," possibly indicating strength or brightness. Topics 1. Israel's Apostasy and OppressionThe chapter begins with the Israelites once again doing evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their oppression by the Philistines for forty years. This cycle of sin and oppression is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, highlighting Israel's need for deliverance and the consequences of turning away from God. 2. The Angel of the LORD Appears to Manoah's Wife An angel of the LORD appears to the barren wife of Manoah, a man from the tribe of Dan, announcing that she will conceive and bear a son. This divine encounter emphasizes God's intervention and the miraculous nature of Samson's birth. The term "angel of the LORD" (מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה, mal'akh YHWH) often signifies a theophany, a visible manifestation of God. 3. Nazirite Vow for the Unborn Child The angel instructs Manoah's wife that her son is to be a Nazirite from birth, meaning he must abstain from wine, unclean foods, and cutting his hair. The Nazirite vow (נָזִיר, nazir) is a special consecration to God, setting Samson apart for a divine purpose. 4. Manoah's Prayer for Guidance Manoah prays for the angel to return and teach them how to raise the child. This reflects a desire for divine guidance and understanding of God's will, demonstrating Manoah's faith and responsibility as a parent. 5. The Angel's Return and Instructions The angel returns and reiterates the instructions to Manoah and his wife, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. This reinforces the sacredness of the Nazirite vow and the need for careful adherence to God's instructions. 6. Manoah's Offering and the Angel's Departure Manoah offers a burnt offering to the LORD, and the angel ascends in the flame of the altar. This miraculous event confirms the divine nature of the message and the angel's identity. The Hebrew word for offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) signifies a gift or tribute to God, symbolizing worship and devotion. 7. Manoah's Realization and Fear After the angel's departure, Manoah realizes they have seen a divine being and fears for their lives, believing they will die. His wife reassures him, pointing out that God would not have accepted their offering or revealed such things if He intended to harm them. This interaction highlights the human response to divine encounters and the assurance of God's grace. 8. The Birth of Samson The chapter concludes with the birth of Samson, who grows and is blessed by the LORD. The Spirit of the LORD begins to stir him, indicating the divine empowerment that will enable him to fulfill his role as a deliverer of Israel. The name Samson (שִׁמְשׁוֹן, Shimshon) is derived from the Hebrew word for "sun" (שֶׁמֶשׁ, shemesh), symbolizing strength and brightness. Themes 1. Divine Intervention and PromiseJudges 13 begins with the Israelites once again doing evil in the sight of the LORD, leading to their oppression by the Philistines for forty years. In response to their plight, God intervenes by sending an angel to Manoah's wife, who was barren, promising her a son. This theme highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to bring hope and deliverance through miraculous means. The Hebrew word for "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh) signifies a messenger, emphasizing the divine origin of the promise. 2. Nazirite Vow and Consecration The angel instructs Manoah's wife that her son is to be a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God. This includes abstaining from wine, unclean foods, and not cutting his hair. The theme of consecration is central, as the Nazirite vow (נָזִיר, nazir) signifies a life set apart for God's purposes. This reflects the importance of holiness and dedication in fulfilling God's plans. 3. Faith and Obedience Manoah and his wife demonstrate faith and obedience in response to the angel's message. They seek further guidance from God, showing their desire to understand and fulfill His will. This theme underscores the importance of trusting in God's promises and being willing to act according to His instructions. 4. Divine Mystery and Revelation When Manoah asks the angel for his name, the angel responds, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" (Judges 13:18). The Hebrew word for "wonderful" (פֶּלִאי, peli) suggests something beyond human comprehension. This theme highlights the mystery of God's ways and the revelation of His character, which often surpasses human understanding. 5. Worship and Sacrifice After the angel's visit, Manoah offers a burnt offering to the LORD, and the angel ascends in the flame of the altar. This act of worship signifies reverence and acknowledgment of God's presence and power. The theme of worship and sacrifice is central to the narrative, emphasizing the appropriate response to divine encounters. 6. God's Faithfulness to His People Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant by raising a deliverer in Samson. This theme reflects God's unwavering commitment to His people and His willingness to provide salvation, even when they stray from His commandments. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Judges 13:2–3, how could a barren woman conceive after one angelic encounter without any natural explanation? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the theme of God's sovereignty come to play in Judges 13? 2. How would you have reacted if you were in Manoah's or his wife's place upon seeing the Angel of the Lord? 3. What is the significance of the Nazirite vow in Samson's life and in the context of the chapter? 4. Why do you think the Angel chose to appear to Manoah's wife first, and not directly to Manoah? 5. What is the symbolic significance of the Angel ascending in the flame of the burnt offering? 6. How does Judges 13 encourage faith in times of oppression or difficulty? 7. How does the story demonstrate obedience to God's commandments? 8. Why do you think God allowed the Israelites to be oppressed by the Philistines in the first place? 9. What can we learn about prayer from Manoah's interaction with God? 10. How does God's choosing of Samson, even before his birth, reflect on the concepts of predestination and free will? 11. What can we learn from the Angel's insistence on not revealing his name? 12. How might the narrative of Samson's birth give hope to those facing impossible circumstances today? 13. Discuss the implications of Samson's life being set apart even before his birth. How does this compare with our calling as Christians today? 14. Why was it important for Manoah's wife to follow the angelic instructions during her pregnancy? 15. How does the Angel of the Lord’s appearance in Judges 13 manifest God’s divine plan? 16. What are some situations in your life where you have felt God's intervention like Manoah and his wife did? 17. What lessons can modern believers draw from the faith and obedience of Manoah and his wife? 18. How can we apply the principle of God hearing and answering prayers, as seen in Manoah’s prayer, to our lives today? 19. How does the story of Samson’s birth inspire you in terms of God’s unique plan for each person? 20. In what ways can you relate to the struggle of the Israelites under Philistine oppression, and how does Samson's promised deliverance offer hope in your own life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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