What is the meaning of Judges 13:5? Behold, you will conceive The angel’s opening words announce God’s direct intervention in human history. Just as He spoke life into barren circumstances for Sarah (Genesis 18:10-14) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19-20), He now promises Manoah’s wife a child. This immediate, declarative “behold” signals certainty—God’s plans cannot be thwarted (Isaiah 14:24). Like Gabriel’s message to Mary, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son” (Luke 1:31), the statement underscores that conception itself is a work of the Lord (Psalm 127:3). And give birth to a son A specific gender is named because this child will carry a divinely appointed mission. Similar pattern: • Isaac—promised son (Genesis 17:19) • Samuel—promised son (1 Samuel 1:11, 20) • John the Baptist—promised son (Luke 1:13) Each birth marks a turning point for Israel. Samson’s arrival will likewise shift the national story line from oppression toward deliverance. God often raises one person to spark wider change (Ezekiel 22:30). No razor shall touch his head This prohibition comes straight from the Nazirite regulations: “All the days of his vow... no razor shall pass over his head” (Numbers 6:5). The uncut hair serves as a continual, visible reminder of consecration. In Samson’s case: • Lifelong sign of separation to the Lord • Physical distinction setting him apart among his peers • A boundary that, if broken, jeopardizes his strength and calling (Judges 16:17-19) A Nazirite to God from the womb Most Nazirites chose a temporary vow (Numbers 6:1-8), but Samson is set apart before birth, echoing “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Other womb-commissioned servants include: • John the Baptist—“He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15) • Paul—“Set apart from my mother’s womb” (Galatians 1:15) Lifelong consecration stresses that Samson’s identity, purpose, and power all flow from God’s claim on him, not personal achievement. He will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines The verb “begin” hints at a process rather than a one-man finale. Samson will ignite resistance that others—Samuel, Saul, David—will eventually complete (1 Samuel 7:13; 14:47; 2 Samuel 8:1). Key observations: • God hears Israel’s cry after forty years of Philistine domination (Judges 13:1; cf. Judges 3:9). • Deliverance is God’s work; Samson is His chosen instrument (Judges 15:20). • Even Samson’s flawed choices will not derail divine purpose (Judges 16:30; Romans 8:28). summary Judges 13:5 unfolds a birth announcement packed with purpose. God promises a son, marks him with the Nazirite sign, and assigns him to start freeing Israel from Philistine oppression. Every phrase underscores divine initiative, lifelong consecration, and national deliverance. The verse invites us to trust that when God sets someone apart—even from the womb—He equips and sustains that person to launch His saving plans, no matter how daunting the enemy or how long the process. |
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