What can we learn from Manoah's wife's response to the angel's return? Setting the Scene Before Samson’s birth, “the Angel of the LORD” first appeared to Manoah’s wife, announcing the miraculous pregnancy and the child’s lifelong Nazirite calling (Judges 13:2-7). Sometime later the Angel returned, and her reaction is recorded in one brief verse. The Verse at the Center “Then the woman ran quickly to tell her husband, ‘Behold, the Man who came to me the other day has appeared to me!’ ” (Judges 13:10) Snapshots of Her Heart in One Sentence • She “ran” – energetic, immediate obedience • She ran “quickly” – urgency born of faith • She “told her husband” – honoring God-given order in the home • She said “Behold” – confident testimony, no hesitation • She called Him “the Man” – consistent recognition of the same divine Messenger Lessons for Today 1. Prompt obedience honors God • No second-guessing or delay; compare Genesis 22:3—Abraham rose “early in the morning.” • Faith that acts fast prevents apathy from taking root (Hebrews 3:15). 2. Urgency flows from assurance • She believed the first message, so the second appearance ignited action, not debate. • Romans 4:20-21: being “fully persuaded” produces bold steps. 3. Spiritual experience is meant to be shared at home first • She did not keep the encounter private; she involved her husband. • Psalm 78:4—“We will not hide them from their children.” • Acts 10:24—Cornelius gathered his household to hear Peter. 4. Respectful communication nurtures unity • Instead of commanding Manoah, she informed him. • Ephesians 5:33: respect strengthens marital partnership in God’s service. 5. Discernment grows through consistency • She recognized the Angel immediately, evidence of attentive, discerning faith (John 10:4, “My sheep know His voice”). Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • Mary “got ready and hurried” to Elizabeth after Gabriel’s visit (Luke 1:39). • The Samaritan woman “left her water jar” and ran to town (John 4:28-29). • The shepherds “hurried off” to see the newborn Christ (Luke 2:15-16). All three mirror Manoah’s wife: encounter → certainty → swift witness. Taking the Truth Home A heart that trusts God’s Word moves without delay, honors family order, and naturally testifies, turning private revelation into shared blessing. May our response to God’s fresh dealings be just as immediate, confident, and contagious. |
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