Judges Chapter 13
The next judge in Israel would be announced in a unique and wonderful fashion. This time the man had not even been born yet, but God announced his birth to parents who had been longing to have a child. God was going to intervene in a couple’s life and give them a son who would be devoted to God
In Numbers 6:1-21 we find a description of what it meant to take a vow of a Nazirite. This was a vow meant to be taken for a specific period of time. Samson, however, would be under this vow from his birth. Taking a Nazirite vow meant that a person was dedicating themselves wholly to God. To give testimony of this vow the person would not cut their hair, nor drink wine nor strong drink, they were not to even eat grapes or raisins, and they were not to touch anything dead even if a family member died.
We can only assume that God chose this couple to raise this special child because He knew that they loved the Lord and would raise him to follow the Lord. We all have this opportunity in that if God blesses us with children, we should raise them in a home that honors the Lord God so that they are prepared for whatever purpose God has for them.
Let's Reflect
1. Why did God need to raise up a new leader in Israel? What had happened since the last judge was in leadership?
2. From what tribe of Israel would the next judge be born?
3. How did Manoah and his wife find out that they would have a son after they had not been able to have children?
4. What did Manoah’s wife mention that she forgot to ask the messenger? I think this was a woman who knew that her husband would ask her why she didn’t ask that question, so she told him up front.
5. What was Manoah concerned about when he heard the news from his wife? What did he pray about?
6. The angel of the Lord came once again, and Manoah got to talk with Him too. He voiced his concerns to the messenger. Did the angel answer Manoah’s question that he asked in verse 12?
7. Manoah wanted to prepare food for their guest. He began to realize that the visitor was someone special when He told him what?
8. Manoah did get around to that question his wife knew he would ask. He asked the messenger what His name was. What answer did he receive?
9. At what point did Manoah and his wife know for sure that they had been in the presence of God (in actuality Jesus)?
10. What did the couple name their son when he was born?
