“And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not.”
Historical Context:The book of Judges describes a period in Israel’s history after they settled in the Promised Land but before they had a king. During this time, the Israelites went through a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The events of Judges 13 took place when Israel was under the oppression of the Philistines for forty years.
Introduction of Manoah:The verse introduces us to a man named Manoah, who belonged to the tribe of Dan and lived in the town of Zorah. The mention of his name and tribal affiliation provides a specific context and helps us understand the individual involved in the story.
Barrenness of Manoah’s Wife:Manoah’s wife was barren and had not been able to conceive a child. In biblical times, barrenness was seen as a source of shame and a hindrance to the fulfilment of God’s promises of descendants. The mention of her barrenness sets the stage for the miraculous birth of Samson, which follows in subsequent verses.
Symbolism of Barrenness:Throughout the Bible, barrenness is often used symbolically to represent a state of emptiness, unfruitfulness, or spiritual desolation. In this case, the barrenness of Manoah’s wife serves to emphasise the supernatural nature of the upcoming birth and highlights the miraculous intervention of God.
Parallel to Other Barren Women:The theme of barrenness is a recurring motif in the Bible, and Manoah’s wife joins a list of other significant women who were initially unable to conceive but later gave birth to important figures in God’s plan. Examples include Sarah (Isaac), Rebekah (Jacob and Esau), Rachel (Joseph and Benjamin), and Hannah (Samuel).
Foreshadowing of God’s Intervention:Despite Manoah’s wife’s barrenness, God was about to intervene and grant her a child. This foreshadows the miraculous intervention that will occur later in the chapter, where an angel appears to Manoah and his wife, announcing the birth of a son who would deliver Israel from the Philistines.
God’s Sovereign Choice:The choice of Manoah’s wife, a barren woman, to be the mother of Samson is a testament to God’s sovereignty. God often chooses unlikely candidates or circumstances to display His power and bring about His purposes. In this case, the barrenness of Manoah’s wife serves as a backdrop for the extraordinary birth and subsequent exploits of Samson.
Application:The story of Manoah and his wife encourages us to trust in God’s timing and His ability to bring forth life and blessings even in seemingly impossible situations. It reminds us that God can use the weak and the unlikely to accomplish His purposes and that His plans often surpass human understanding.
In summary, Judges 13:2 introduces us to Manoah and his barren wife, setting the stage for the miraculous birth of Samson. The verse highlights God’s sovereign choice and power to bring forth life and blessings even in unlikely circumstances.
