In this chapter, the Israelites continue to do evil in the Lord’s sight, and an angel of the Lord appeared to Samson’s parents to prepare them for his birth. The chapter begins, “Again the Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, so the Lord handed them over to the Philistines, who kept them in subjection for forty years.
In those days, a man named Manoah from the tribe of Dan lived in the town of Zorah. His wife was unable to become pregnant, and they had no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife and said, “Even though you have been unable to have children, you will soon become pregnant and give birth to a son. You must not drink wine or any other alcoholic drink or eat any forbidden food. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will rescue Israel from the Philistines.” (Judges 13:1-5)
Manoah’s wife then ran and told her husband what had happened. He then prayed to the Lord to have the man of God return to give them more instructions about the birth of this son. God answered his prayer and the angel of the Lord once again appeared. “So Manoah asked him, “When your words come true, what kind of rules should govern the boy’s life and work?” The angel of the Lord replied, “Be sure your wife follows the instructions I gave her. She must not eat grapes or raisins, drink wine or any other alcoholic drink, or eat any forbidden food.” (Judges 13:12-14)
Then Manoah prepared a burnt offering to the Lord, as instructed by the angel of the Lord. At the time, Manoah didn’t know he was an angel. “And as Manoah and his wife watched, the Lord did an amazing thing. As the flames from the altar shot up toward the sky, the angel of the Lord ascended in the fire. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell with their faces to the ground.” (Judges 13:19-20) Manoah realized that they had seen God.
The chapter ends with the birth of Samson. God blessed him as he grew up, and the Spirit of the Lord began to take hold of him.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us recognize the angels you place before us, and allow your spirit to grow within us. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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