"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."
Manoah’s Prayer:Manoah, Samson’s father, prays to the Lord, requesting the return of the angelic messenger sent by God to announce the birth of his son. Manoah desires further instruction regarding the upbringing and purpose of the child.
Key Themes:
- Divine Guidance:Manoah recognises the significance of the divine encounter and seeks further guidance from God. He acknowledges that the man of God sent by the Lord has knowledge and understanding beyond his own, and he desires to learn from him.
- Parental Responsibility:Manoah’s concern for the child’s upbringing reflects the understanding that parents have a critical role in nurturing and guiding their children. He recognises the need for divine wisdom in raising a child with a unique purpose.
- Obedience to God:Manoah’s prayer demonstrates his desire to align his actions with God’s will. He seeks divine direction, showing a willingness to listen and follow God’s instructions regarding the child.
Application:
- Seeking God’s Guidance:Like Manoah, we should seek the Lord’s guidance in all areas of our lives, including the upbringing of our children. Through prayer and a humble heart, we can invite God to teach us His ways and seek His wisdom in parenting.
- Recognising the Unique Purpose:Every child is unique and has a purpose in God’s plan. As parents, it is essential to understand that our role is not only to provide for their physical needs but also to nurture their spiritual growth and help them discover and fulfil their God-given purpose.
- Obedience and Trust:Manoah’s prayer reflects a willingness to submit to God’s instructions. Similarly, as parents, we should prioritise obedience to God’s commands and trust in His guidance as we raise our children.
Additional Scriptures:
- Proverbs 22:6 (KJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV): "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Remember to read the surrounding verses and explore the entire chapter for a comprehensive understanding of the context and message of the passage.
