What can we learn from Manoah's wife's response to the angel's appearance? An Awe-Filled Encounter Judges 13:6 says, “Then the woman went and told her husband, ‘A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like that of the Angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name.’” • She immediately discerns something supernatural: “very awesome.” • Psalm 111:10 reminds us, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Her awe lines up perfectly with a right, reverent response to God’s presence. • Like Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6), she senses holiness and gives it weight. Immediate, Faith-Filled Communication • She “went and told her husband.” No debate—just a straightforward relay. • This shows trust that the message is truly from God and must be shared. • Genesis 18:9-10 records Sarah hearing God’s promise of a son through Abraham; Manoah’s wife likewise includes her husband in God’s plan. Humility in the Face of Mystery • “I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name.” • She does not demand extra proof or background details. • Compare with Luke 1:34, where Mary asks a single honest question, then submits. Humility welcomes God’s word without insisting on exhaustive explanations. Recognizing the Holy Without Idolatry • She calls the visitor “a Man of God” and “the Angel of God,” but never worships the messenger. • Revelation 22:8-9 shows John tempted to worship an angel and being corrected. Manoah’s wife keeps her focus where it belongs—on the Lord who sent the messenger. Choosing Hope Over Fear • A barren woman in ancient Israel had every cultural reason to despair (Judges 13:2). • Instead, she interprets the appearance as good news, echoing Isaiah 54:1—“Shout for joy, O barren woman.” • Her calm, hopeful spirit surfaces again in Judges 13:23 when she tells Manoah, “If the LORD had desired to kill us, He would not have accepted a burnt offering…” Building Unity in Marriage • She models respectful partnership: inform, include, invite. • 1 Peter 3:7 urges husbands to live with their wives “in an understanding way.” Manoah’s wife gives her husband every opportunity to join her in God’s unfolding plan. • Proverbs 31:11 notes that a virtuous wife’s husband “has full confidence in her.” Manoah quickly trusts her report and seeks the LORD with her. Applications for Today • Cultivate holy awe—treat every encounter with God’s Word as “very awesome.” • Share God’s revelations promptly with those He’s placed in your life; don’t hoard spiritual insight. • Hold mysteries with humility; obedience matters more than exhaustive explanations. • Keep focus on the Giver, not the messenger or the method. • Allow hope to overrule fear, even when circumstances look barren. • Strengthen marital (and other covenant) relationships by making them arenas for shared faith and obedience. |