“And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.”
Historical context:The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history when the Israelites were ruled by a series of judges, who were raised up by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. The events of Judges 13 occur during a time when the Israelites were oppressed by the Philistines.
The story of Samson:Judges 13 introduces the story of Samson, who would become one of the most well-known judges in Israel’s history. Samson’s birth was foretold by an angel of the Lord to his parents, Manoah and his wife. Judges 13:22 records the reaction of Manoah after realizing that he and his wife had seen God.
The fear of death:Manoah’s response to seeing God was a fear of imminent death. It is not uncommon in the Bible for people to be overwhelmed by the presence of God or encountering supernatural beings. In this case, Manoah believed that seeing God would bring about his demise because it was commonly understood that no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20).
Reverence and awe:Manoah’s fear was rooted in a deep sense of reverence and awe for God. Witnessing a divine manifestation stirred within him a realization of his own unworthiness and the holiness of God. The encounter left him with a profound understanding that being in the presence of the Almighty had potentially life-altering consequences.
Lessons from Manoah’s response:
- Awareness of God’s holiness:Manoah’s fear highlights the holiness and otherness of God. It reminds us that God is not to be taken lightly or approached casually. We should approach God with reverence and respect.
- Humility and recognition of our own limitations:Manoah recognized his own mortality and human limitations. In the presence of God, we are reminded of our frailty and the vast difference between the Creator and His creation.
- Fear of God’s judgment:While Manoah feared immediate death, it is essential to note that God’s presence does not always result in physical death. However, encountering God can bring about a sense of accountability and awareness of His righteous judgment.
- God’s grace and mercy:Despite Manoah’s fear and awareness of his sinfulness, God did not strike him down. Instead, God showed grace and mercy by allowing Manoah and his wife to live and fulfill the purpose for which Samson was born.
Application for believers today:
- Reverence in worship:Just as Manoah responded with fear and reverence, we should approach God with deep respect and awe during times of worship and encounter with His presence.
- Humility before God:Recognizing our own limitations and the holiness of God should lead us to a place of humility, acknowledging our need for His grace and forgiveness.
- Trust in God’s mercy:Manoah’s fear was relieved by God’s mercy. As believers, we can trust in God’s abundant grace and mercy, knowing that He does not desire to destroy us but rather to save and restore us.
In summary, Judges 13:22 provides insight into Manoah’s response to encountering God. It emphasizes the holiness of God, the fear and reverence that His presence can evoke, and the need for humility and trust in His mercy. It serves as a reminder for us to approach God with awe, recognize our own limitations, and trust in His grace.
