Judges 13:8
Then Manoah intreated the Lord, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.
Judges 13:8 (KJV)
Context
This verse belongs to the period of the judges, when Israel often turned from God and suffered under enemies. The Philistines oppressed them, and God chose to raise a deliverer. Before Samson’s birth, an angel appeared to Manoah’s wife and promised that she would bear a son. She told her husband what the messenger said. Manoah then prayed to the Lord, asking that the man of God would come again and teach them how to raise the child.
Meaning
Manoah’s prayer shows faith and humility. He calls the messenger “the man of God which thou didst send,” showing that he believed the message came from the Lord. He does not doubt the promise, but he wants more instruction. His request is specific: “teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.” He understands that raising this child is a serious duty, and he does not trust his own wisdom alone.
The title “O my Lord” expresses reverence. Manoah speaks directly to God, not to the angel, because he knows the messenger came from God. His prayer is a model of seeking divine guidance for a responsibility that God has given. This pattern continues in verse 12, where Manoah again asks how they should order the child, showing his ongoing desire to follow God’s instructions.
Biblical connections
Manoah’s desire to teach his child matches the command in Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where parents are told to keep God’s words in their hearts and teach them diligently to their children. The promised son was to be a Nazirite from birth, set apart for God’s service. Manoah’s request for instruction shows that he wanted to obey God’s specific plan for the child, not just raise him by common custom.
Application
Like Manoah, believers can bring their questions and needs to God in prayer. When God gives a task, He also gives the wisdom to do it. Parents today can ask God to teach them how to raise children who have a purpose in His plan. This includes not only providing for physical needs but also nurturing spiritual growth and helping a child discover God’s calling.
Seek God’s guidance in every responsibility, especially parenting.
Trust that God answers prayers for wisdom and direction.
Be willing to obey the instructions God gives, even when they are specific.
Reflection
Manoah’s prayer reminds us that God welcomes our requests for clarity. He does not despise our questions when they come from a desire to obey. The same God who sent the messenger to Manoah is ready to guide His people today. A humble heart that asks, “What shall we do?” opens the way for God to teach and lead.
