What does "Why do you ask my name?" reveal about God's nature? Setting the Scene in Judges 13 Manoah and his wife, desperate for a child, meet “the Angel of the LORD.” After promising them a son, the Messenger declines Manoah’s repeated request for a personal name, replying, “Why do you ask My name,” said the Angel of the LORD, “since it is wonderful?” (Judges 13:18). A Name Too Wonderful to Utter • “Wonderful” (Hebrew: p̱ilʾî) speaks of something incomprehensible, surpassing human explanation. • Isaiah 9:6 uses the same root for the Messiah: “His name will be called Wonderful Counselor…”—linking the Angel’s declaration with the incarnate Christ. • God’s self-disclosure remains deliberate, not driven by human curiosity (cf. Exodus 3:14). What This Moment Teaches About God’s Nature • Transcendence: He is infinitely above us; His essence cannot be reduced to a label (Psalm 145:3). • Mystery: Even when He appears, He withholds full explanation—our finite minds cannot contain Him (Job 11:7–9). • Holiness: A reserved name reminds us He is set apart, unapproachable except on His terms (Isaiah 6:3). • Sovereign Self-Revelation: God reveals what we need, when we need it; He is never obligated to answer human interrogation (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Continuity of Identity: The Angel of the LORD bears the same “wonderful” nature later ascribed to Jesus, pointing to the unity of God’s redemptive plan (John 1:14, 18). • Grace and Nearness: Though His name is wonderful, He still stoops to announce salvation—a son who will begin to deliver Israel (Judges 13:5; Titus 2:11). How to Respond Today • Stand in awe: Worship flows naturally when faced with a God whose very name is beyond description (Psalm 99:3). • Trust His self-revelation: Accept Scripture as sufficient, knowing He has told us all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). • Rest in His mystery: Let unanswered questions deepen reliance instead of doubt (Romans 11:33-36). • Celebrate His nearness in Christ: The One whose name is wonderful became flesh so we could know the Father (Hebrews 1:3). |
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