And God hearkened to the voyce of Manoah; and the Angel of God came againe vnto the woman as shee sate in the field: But Manoah her husband was not with her. Judges 13:9 (KJV)
Context: The book of Judges tells the story of Israel’s cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. In Judges 13, we find the account of the birth of Samson, who would later become a renowned judge of Israel. This verse is part of the narrative leading up to the birth of Samson.
God’s Response: The previous verses describe how Manoah and his wife, who had been barren, received a visit from an angel of the Lord. In verse 8, the text records that the LORD hearkened to Manoah’s voice and promised a deliverer. In verse 9, we see that Manoah’s prayer was heard, and God hearkened to his voice, demonstrating that God is attentive to the prayers of His people.
Divine Encounter: The angel of the LORD came again while Manoah was sitting in the field and his wife was in the house. The angel of God came again to the woman, but this time, Manoah was not present. The focus shifts to both parents, showing that God’s communication can occur in different settings and to more than one person at a time.
Spiritual Sensitivity: The woman, who is not named in this verse but is later identified as Manoah’s wife, was sitting in the field when the angel appeared to her. This indicates her spiritual sensitivity and openness to encountering God. It serves as a reminder for us to create space in our lives for God, to be attentive to His leading, and to position ourselves to hear His voice.
Application: This verse reminds us of the importance of prayer and being sensitive to God’s presence. It encourages us to have faith that God hears our prayers and responds to them in His timing and according to His plan. It also emphasizes the significance of personal encounters with God, where we can receive guidance, encouragement, and direction for our lives.
In conclusion, Judges 13:9 records the angel’s return as Manoah worked in the field and his wife stayed at home, continuing the revelation of God’s promise to raise a deliverer for Israel. The passage highlights the collaborative nature of divine encounters and invites us to be spiritually alert, supportive of one another, and confident that God answers prayer.
