“And the woman made haste, and ran, and shewed her husband, and said unto him, Behold, the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto me the other day.”
Context: The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites were governed by a series of judges. In Judges 13, we find the story of Samson, who would become one of the most famous judges of Israel. This verse occurs when the angel of the Lord appears to Samson’s parents to announce the birth of Samson and give them instructions concerning his upbringing.
The woman’s reaction: In this verse, the woman (Samson’s mother) is filled with excitement and urgency upon seeing the angel. She immediately runs to her husband to inform him about the extraordinary encounter she had. Her response demonstrates her eagerness to share this divine revelation with her husband and indicates the significance of the angel’s visitation.
Importance of the message: The appearance of the angel is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Samson’s birth. It signifies that Samson’s birth and subsequent life would be divinely ordained and set apart for a special purpose. The angel’s visitation foreshadows the incredible strength and leadership Samson would possess as a judge of Israel.
Obedience and trust: The woman’s response reveals her obedience and trust in the message conveyed by the angel. Despite the extraordinary nature of the encounter, she does not doubt or question the validity of what she experienced. Instead, she promptly shares the encounter with her husband, recognizing the significance of this divine visitation.
Communication within marriage: This verse also highlights the importance of open communication within a marital relationship. The woman’s immediate action to share the encounter with her husband demonstrates a level of trust and unity between them. It shows the value of discussing and sharing spiritual experiences within the context of marriage, fostering a deeper understanding and support for one another.
Application: This passage reminds us to be attentive to divine encounters and messages from God, just as the woman in this verse was attentive to the angel’s visitation. It encourages us to respond with obedience, trust, and a sense of urgency when God reveals Himself to us or gives us specific instructions. Additionally, it underscores the significance of open communication and mutual support within our relationships, particularly within the context of marriage.
Overall, Judges 13:10 provides insights into the response of Samson’s mother upon encountering the angel of the Lord. It highlights her eagerness to share the divine revelation with her husband, emphasizing obedience, trust, and the importance of open communication within marriage.
