“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.”
Context:The book of Judges records a period in Israel’s history when they were governed by various judges, who were raised up by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. Judges 13 introduces the story of Samson, who would become one of the most famous judges.
The angel of the LORD:In this verse, the angel of the LORD appears to a woman who was barren. The identity of the angel is often believed to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ Himself. Throughout the Old Testament, the angel of the LORD is frequently associated with divine visitations and divine messages.
Barrenness:The woman mentioned in this verse was barren, which means she was unable to conceive and bear children. Barrenness was seen as a significant source of shame and disappointment in ancient cultures, as the ability to bear children was highly valued. However, this verse reveals that God had a special plan for this particular woman.
Promise of conception:The angel tells the woman that although she is currently barren, she will conceive and bear a son. This miraculous promise is similar to the stories of other barren women in the Bible who were granted the blessing of children through God’s intervention, such as Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19-20).
Foreshadowing of Samson:The son promised in this verse is Samson, who would go on to become one of the judges of Israel. Samson’s birth and life were marked by divine intervention and extraordinary strength. God had a specific purpose for Samson, as He does for each person He calls and chooses.
Spiritual application:This verse teaches us several valuable lessons. First, it reminds us that God is able to bring about miracles and fulfill His promises even in seemingly impossible situations. Second, it highlights the truth that God has a unique plan for each of our lives, and He can use us for His purposes despite our limitations and weaknesses. Lastly, it encourages us to trust in God’s timing and provision, knowing that He is faithful to His word.
As you continue reading the story of Samson in Judges 13 and the subsequent chapters, you will discover more about God’s plan for Samson’s life and the challenges he faced. It is a fascinating account that reveals God’s sovereignty and the complexities of human nature.
