How does Judges 13:17 encourage us to seek God's name and character? The Verse in Focus “Then Manoah said to the Angel of the LORD, ‘What is Your name, so that when Your words come to pass we may honor You?’” (Judges 13:17) Immediate Lessons from Manoah’s Request • Desire for Personal Knowledge – Manoah wants more than information; he wants identity. • Expectation of Fulfillment – “When Your words come to pass” reflects faith that God’s promise will be kept. • Purpose of Honor – Knowing the name is tied to giving proper glory when God’s word is fulfilled. Why ‘Name’ Matters in Scripture • Hebrew shem means reputation, character, essence. • Exodus 3:13-15 – God reveals Himself as “I AM,” tying name to eternal, self-existent nature. • Psalm 9:10 – “Those who know Your name trust in You.” Knowledge leads to trust. • Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower.” His character is a refuge. Encouragements to Seek God’s Name and Character 1. Invitation to Intimacy – God discloses who He is; believers aren’t left with vague notions. 2. Confidence in Promises – When we know His unchanging nature, we rest in the certainty that what He says will come to pass (Hebrews 10:23). 3. Proper Worship – Accurate knowledge fuels rightful honor; ignorance breeds shallow praise (John 4:24). 4. Transformation by Relationship – Beholding His glory shapes us into Christ’s likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). Practical Ways to Pursue His Name Today • Read Scripture with focus on God’s self-descriptions (e.g., “The LORD, the LORD, compassionate and gracious,” Exodus 34:6-7). • Trace titles of Jesus—Immanuel, Lamb of God, King of kings—and note what each reveals about His heart (Philippians 2:9-11). • Memorize promises and pair them with the aspect of God’s character that guarantees their fulfillment (Numbers 23:19). • Celebrate fulfilled words in your life, consciously attributing praise to the specific attribute that came through—Provider, Healer, Shepherd. Conclusion Judges 13:17 shows Manoah instinctively reaching for the name behind the promise. Scripture invites believers to do likewise: pursue God’s revealed identity, trust His character, and honor Him when His words inevitably come to pass. |
    |