Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Manoah, Asking About Samson

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In the biblical narrative, the account of Manoah's prayer and its subsequent answer is a profound example of divine communication and guidance. Manoah, a member of the tribe of Dan, is best known as the father of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. The account is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 13.

Context and Background

The Israelites were under Philistine oppression for forty years due to their disobedience to God. During this time, the Angel of the LORD appeared to Manoah's wife, who was barren, and announced that she would conceive and bear a son. This child was to be a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God, and he would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines.

Manoah's Prayer

Upon hearing the news from his wife, Manoah sought further understanding and guidance from God. He prayed earnestly for the Angel of the LORD to return and instruct them on how to raise the promised child. Judges 13:8 records his prayer: "Then Manoah prayed to the LORD, 'Please, O Lord, let the Man of God You sent us come again to teach us how to raise the boy who is to be born.'"

God's Response

God graciously answered Manoah's prayer. The Angel of the LORD returned to Manoah's wife while she was in the field. She quickly ran to inform her husband, and Manoah went to meet the Angel. In Judges 13:11-12 , Manoah inquires, "Are you the Man who spoke to my wife?" The Angel confirms, and Manoah asks, "When your words come to pass, what will be the boy’s rule of life and mission?"

The Angel of the LORD reiterated the instructions given to Manoah's wife, emphasizing the Nazirite vow and the lifestyle that Samson was to follow. This divine encounter provided Manoah and his wife with the necessary guidance to prepare for the birth and upbringing of Samson.

Significance

Manoah's prayer and its answer highlight several key themes in the biblical understanding of prayer:

1. Faith and Obedience: Manoah's response to the divine message demonstrates faith in God's promises and a desire to obey His instructions. His prayer reflects a heart seeking to align with God's will.

2. Divine Guidance: The narrative underscores the importance of seeking God's guidance in matters of great significance. Manoah's request for further instruction shows a reliance on divine wisdom rather than human understanding.

3. God's Accessibility: The account illustrates that God is accessible and responsive to the prayers of His people. He is willing to provide clarity and direction to those who earnestly seek Him.

4. Role of the Family: The account emphasizes the role of parents in the spiritual upbringing of their children. Manoah and his wife were entrusted with the responsibility of raising Samson according to God's specific instructions.

In summary, the answered prayer of Manoah serves as a testament to the power of prayer, the faithfulness of God, and the importance of seeking divine guidance in fulfilling one's God-given responsibilities.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 13:8,9
Then Manoah entreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which you did send come again to us, and teach us what we shall do to the child that shall be born.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Christian Behavior
... will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in ... 7. Follow all this with prayer
to God for them ... Somewhat like to this dealt Manoah's wife with her husband ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came in ... So they answered, We thank
thy Prince, pretty well; only ... that oversight of yours, in not asking for one ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... for it is sanctified by the word of God [by the command of the word, and by receiving
of it according to the limits thereof,] and prayer" (1 Timothy 4:4,5). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm