What is the meaning of Judges 13:24? So the woman gave birth to a son “So the woman gave birth to a son” (Judges 13:24a) • God keeps His word. The angel’s promise in Judges 13:3–7 comes true exactly, echoing earlier fulfilled promises such as Isaac’s birth to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21:1-3) and Samuel’s birth to Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19-20). • The conception highlights divine initiative. Manoah’s wife had been barren (Judges 13:2), yet nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:36-37). • Every life begins under God’s sovereignty. Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the LORD.” Samson’s life story starts with God’s gracious gift. and named him Samson. “…and named him Samson.” (Judges 13:24b) • Naming is an act of faith and obedience. Like Abraham naming Isaac (Genesis 17:19) or Zechariah naming John (Luke 1:63), Manoah and his wife accept God’s plan by giving the child the name disclosed through the angel (Judges 13:8, 13). • A name sets direction. Throughout Scripture, God-given names hint at destiny—think of Jesus, “for He will save His people” (Matthew 1:21). Samson’s name positions him for the role foretold in Judges 13:5: “He will begin the deliverance of Israel.” • Parents participate in God’s redemptive narrative. By naming their son as instructed, they align their household with God’s purposes, much like Joshua’s declaration, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him. “The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him.” (Judges 13:24c) • Growth underscores normal development under extraordinary favor. Similar wording describes Samuel (1 Samuel 2:26) and Jesus (Luke 2:40), showing a pattern of divinely guided maturation for deliverers and redeemers. • The blessing is personal and present. It is not merely future promise but ongoing empowerment, anticipating the Spirit’s stirring in Samson (Judges 13:25) and echoing God’s blessing over Isaac (Genesis 26:12-13). • God equips before He sends. Philippians 1:6 assures believers that the One who begins a good work will carry it to completion. Samson’s early blessing foreshadows the strength he will wield on Israel’s behalf. summary Judges 13:24 records God’s faithfulness from promise to fulfillment, the parents’ obedient alignment with His plan, and the Lord’s active blessing on the child destined to deliver Israel. The verse invites confidence that God initiates life, names purpose, and nurtures His servants for the work He assigns. |