Topical Encyclopedia Manoah, a figure from the Book of Judges, is a notable example of hospitality in the Old Testament. He is best known as the father of Samson, one of the judges of Israel. Manoah's account is primarily found in Judges 13, where his interactions with the Angel of the LORD highlight the cultural and spiritual significance of hospitality in ancient Israel.Biblical Account In Judges 13, the Israelites are under Philistine oppression, and the Angel of the LORD appears to Manoah's wife, announcing that she will bear a son who will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Upon hearing this news from his wife, Manoah prays for the Angel to return and teach them how to raise the promised child. God answers his prayer, and the Angel appears again to Manoah's wife. She quickly runs to fetch Manoah, who then speaks directly with the Angel. Manoah's response to the divine visitation is marked by hospitality. He offers to prepare a meal for the Angel, saying, "Please let us detain you, and we will prepare a young goat for you" (Judges 13:15). This offer reflects the customary practice of showing honor and respect to guests, especially those perceived as messengers from God. The Angel of the LORD, however, instructs Manoah to offer a burnt offering to the LORD instead. Manoah complies, and as the flame from the altar ascends, the Angel performs a wondrous act by ascending in the flame, confirming His divine nature. Manoah and his wife fall on their faces in reverence, recognizing they have encountered the divine presence. Cultural and Spiritual Significance Manoah's hospitality is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the importance of hospitality as a cultural norm in ancient Israel. Offering food and shelter to strangers was a deeply ingrained practice, reflecting a commitment to community and respect for others. Manoah's eagerness to host the Angel underscores this cultural value. Second, Manoah's interaction with the Angel of the LORD highlights the spiritual dimension of hospitality. By offering a meal, Manoah not only shows respect but also seeks to engage with the divine message brought by the Angel. His willingness to offer a burnt offering instead of a meal signifies his obedience and reverence for God's instructions, illustrating how hospitality can be an act of worship and submission to God's will. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, Manoah's account emphasizes the role of hospitality in divine encounters. The narrative suggests that hospitality can be a means through which individuals experience God's presence and receive His guidance. Manoah's respectful and obedient response to the Angel's instructions reflects a heart open to God's purposes, demonstrating how hospitality can facilitate a deeper relationship with the divine. Moreover, Manoah's experience foreshadows the New Testament teaching on hospitality, where believers are encouraged to show hospitality to strangers, as some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2). Manoah's account serves as a reminder of the potential for divine encounters in the ordinary act of welcoming and serving others. In summary, Manoah's example of hospitality in Judges 13 provides insight into the cultural, spiritual, and theological dimensions of this practice in biblical times. His account illustrates how hospitality can be an expression of faith and reverence, opening the door to divine revelation and blessing. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 13:15And Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, I pray you, let us detain you, until we shall have made ready a kid for you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Concerning the Fortitude of Samson, and what Mischiefs He Brought ... At the Marriage Feast Oration on the Holy Lights. The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What does the Bible say about hospitality? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 3 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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