“And God hearkened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again unto the woman as she sat in the field: but Manoah her husband was not with her.”
Context:The book of Judges tells the story of Israel’s cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. In Judges 13, we find the account of the birth of Samson, who would later become a renowned judge of Israel. This verse is part of the narrative leading up to the birth of Samson.
God’s Response:The previous verses describe how Manoah and his wife, who had been barren, received a visit from an angel of the Lord. The angel announced that they would conceive and bear a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. In verse 9, we see that Manoah’s prayer was heard, and God hearkened to his voice. It demonstrates that God is attentive to the prayers of His people.
Divine Encounter:The angel of God came again to the woman, but this time, Manoah was not present. It is unclear why Manoah was absent, but the focus is on the woman and her encounter with the angel. This highlights the significance of individual encounters with God and the fact that God can reveal Himself to individuals even when others are not present.
Spiritual Sensitivity:The woman, who is not named in this verse but is later identified as Manoah’s wife, was sitting in the field when the angel appeared to her. This indicates her spiritual sensitivity and openness to encountering God. She was in a place of solitude, perhaps seeking God or meditating on His promises. It serves as a reminder for us to create space in our lives for God, to be attentive to His leading, and to position ourselves to hear His voice.
Application:This verse reminds us of the importance of prayer and being sensitive to God’s presence. It encourages us to have faith that God hears our prayers and responds to them in His timing and according to His plan. It also emphasizes the significance of personal encounters with God, where we can receive guidance, encouragement, and direction for our lives.
In conclusion, Judges 13:9 portrays God’s response to Manoah’s prayer and the woman’s encounter with the angel of God. It highlights the significance of individual encounters with God and encourages us to be spiritually sensitive, create space for God in our lives, and have faith that He hears and answers our prayers.
