Biblical Context:
The account of Manoah offering hospitality is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 13. Manoah, a member of the tribe of Dan, is the father of Samson, one of the most renowned judges of Israel. This narrative occurs during a time when the Israelites were under Philistine oppression due to their disobedience to God. The account of Manoah and his wife is pivotal as it sets the stage for the birth of Samson, who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

Scriptural Account:
In Judges 13, the Angel of the LORD appears to Manoah's wife, who is barren, and announces that she will conceive and bear a son. The Angel instructs her to abstain from wine, strong drink, and unclean food, as her son is to be a Nazirite from birth. When Manoah's wife relays this message to him, Manoah prays for the Angel to return and teach them how to raise the child.

The Angel of the LORD reappears, and Manoah, not recognizing Him as an angel, offers hospitality. Judges 13:15-16 records, "Then Manoah said to the Angel of the LORD, 'Please stay here, and we will prepare a young goat for You.' But the Angel of the LORD replied, 'Even if you stay, I will not eat your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.' For Manoah did not know that He was the Angel of the LORD."

Cultural and Theological Insights:
Hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture was a significant and sacred duty. Offering food and shelter to a stranger was a common practice, reflecting a person's character and reverence for God. Manoah's offer of hospitality demonstrates his piety and respect for the divine messenger, even though he does not yet understand the full identity of his guest.

The Angel's refusal to eat Manoah's food and the instruction to offer a burnt offering to the LORD highlights the divine nature of the encounter. This interaction underscores the holiness of the Angel and the importance of worship directed solely to God. The Angel's acceptance of the burnt offering, as described in Judges 13:19-20 , "And as the flame blazed up from the altar toward heaven, the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame," reveals His divine identity and confirms the message given to Manoah and his wife.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative:
Manoah's encounter with the Angel of the LORD is a critical moment in the biblical narrative, as it marks the divine intervention in the lives of the Israelites through the birth of Samson. The hospitality offered by Manoah, coupled with the subsequent revelation of the Angel's identity, emphasizes the theme of God's faithfulness and His plans for deliverance, even amidst Israel's unfaithfulness.

This account also foreshadows the miraculous births and divine callings seen throughout Scripture, where God raises individuals for specific purposes in His redemptive plan. Manoah's response to the divine visitation, characterized by reverence and obedience, serves as an example of faith and submission to God's will.