The biblical account of Manoah, the father of Samson, is found primarily in the Book of Judges, chapters 13 to 16. Manoah's account is set during a time when the Israelites were under Philistine oppression. The narrative highlights several miraculous events surrounding the birth and life of Samson, who was destined to begin the deliverance of Israel from the Philistines.

The Angelic Announcement

The first miracle associated with Manoah is the angelic announcement of Samson's birth. Manoah's wife, who was barren, received a visitation from the Angel of the LORD. The angel declared that she would conceive and bear a son who would be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. This miraculous announcement is recorded in Judges 13:3-5 : "The Angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, 'Behold, you are barren and have no children, but you will conceive and give birth to a son. Now please be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, and do not eat anything unclean. For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come over his head, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hand of the Philistines.'"

Manoah's Encounter with the Angel

Upon hearing his wife's account, Manoah prayed for the angel to return and instruct them on how to raise the child. God answered his prayer, and the angel appeared again. Manoah, unaware of the angel's divine nature, offered hospitality and sought guidance. The angel reiterated the instructions given to Manoah's wife. This encounter is marked by Manoah's request for the angel's name, to which the angel replied in Judges 13:18 : "Why do you ask My name," said the Angel of the LORD, "since it is beyond comprehension?"

The Miraculous Offering

Manoah prepared a young goat as an offering to the LORD. As the flame from the altar rose toward heaven, the angel performed a miraculous act by ascending in the flame. This event confirmed the divine nature of the messenger and left Manoah and his wife in awe and reverence. Judges 13:20-21 describes this miracle: "When the flame went up from the altar toward heaven, the Angel of the LORD ascended in the flame. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell facedown to the ground. The Angel of the LORD did not appear again to Manoah and his wife, and Manoah realized that it was the Angel of the LORD."

The Birth of Samson

The culmination of these miraculous events was the birth of Samson, as foretold by the angel. Judges 13:24 states: "So the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The boy grew, and the LORD blessed him." Samson's birth itself was a miracle, fulfilling the divine promise and setting the stage for his future exploits against the Philistines.

Samson's Feats of Strength

While not directly involving Manoah, the miraculous feats of strength performed by Samson are a continuation of the divine intervention that began with the angelic announcement. Empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, Samson's acts, such as slaying a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6) and defeating a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey (Judges 15:15), are seen as extensions of the miraculous purpose declared before his birth.

The miracles associated with Manoah and his family underscore the sovereignty of God in orchestrating the deliverance of His people through extraordinary means. These events highlight the divine plan and purpose that transcends human limitations, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His promises.Judges 13:19,20
So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it on a rock to the LORD: and the angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.
Nave's Topical Index

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... Hence Manoah's exclamation, "We shall die; for we have seen ... then, that Christ appealed
to his miracles in order ... no purpose toilsome, to form a catalogue of the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

What does it mean that God is a God of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What is the spiritual gift of miracles? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about demonic/satanic miracles? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus