“And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, What is thy name, that when thy sayings come to pass we may do thee honour?”
Historical Context:The book of Judges is set in the period after the Israelites entered the Promised Land, following the death of Joshua. During this time, Israel experienced a cycle of disobedience, oppression by foreign nations, repentance, and deliverance through God-appointed judges. Judges 13 introduces the story of Samson, one of the well-known judges in Israel’s history.
Context of Judges 13:17:In this passage, an angel of the LORD appeared to Manoah and his wife, who were childless. The angel foretold the birth of a son who would be a Nazirite and deliver Israel from the Philistines. Manoah, desiring to offer proper honor and gratitude, asks the angel for his name.
Manoah’s Desire to Honor the Angel:Manoah’s question about the angel’s name reflects his desire to show respect and honor to the heavenly visitor. In biblical times, knowing someone’s name carried significance, as it denoted a deeper understanding of their character and identity. Manoah’s intention was to offer proper respect to the angel for the message delivered and the future blessing promised.
Symbolic Meaning of Names:Names often held symbolic meanings in biblical times. Manoah’s inquiry for the angel’s name suggests a desire to understand the angel’s nature and purpose more fully. In the Hebrew culture, knowing someone’s name could reveal something about their essence or role. By knowing the angel’s name, Manoah hoped to grasp the full significance of the message and the divine mission his future son would undertake.
The Angel’s Response:The angel of the LORD does not directly answer Manoah’s question about his name. Instead, he responds in Judges 13:18: “Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?” This response implies that the angel’s name was beyond human comprehension or understanding. It reinforces the idea that the angel was a representative of God Himself, carrying out His divine purposes.
Lessons from Judges 13:17:
- Honoring God’s Messengers:Manoah’s desire to honor the angel teaches us the importance of respecting and honoring God’s messengers when they bring His messages to us. We should have a heart of gratitude and reverence for those whom God uses to communicate His will.
- Seeking Deeper Understanding:Manoah’s question also demonstrates the human desire to seek deeper understanding of God’s plans and purposes. While we may not always receive all the answers we seek, we can trust in God’s wisdom and guidance as we navigate through life.
- Focusing on God’s Promises:Manoah’s intent to honor the angel stemmed from the confidence in the fulfillment of God’s promise regarding the birth of his son. Likewise, we can find assurance and hope in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them in His perfect timing.
In conclusion, Judges 13:17 captures Manoah’s desire to honor the angel of the LORD by asking for his name. This passage reminds us of the importance of showing respect and gratitude to those whom God uses as messengers, and it encourages us to seek deeper understanding of God’s plans and promises while trusting in His faithfulness.
