Judges 13:13
In *“So the angel of the LORD said to Manoah, ‘Let the woman pay attention to all that I said’”* (v.13), the heavenly messenger reiterates the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. Manoah, who lived around 1100 BC, was from the tribe of Dan in the region near Zorah, located approximately fifteen miles west of Jerusalem. During this period, the Israelites were in the era of the judges, a time characterized by recurring cycles of disobedience and deliverance. The angel’s words are meant to ensure that Manoah’s wife follows every detail already given to her, because their forthcoming son—Samson—was to be set apart as a Nazirite (Judges 13:7, NASB-95). By emphasizing the woman’s need to heed these instructions, God underscores His plan to raise a deliverer for Israel.
The mention of the “angel of the LORD” in *“So the angel of the LORD said to Manoah…”* (v.13) often signifies either a special divine messenger or a theophany, an appearance of God in a revealing form. This verse parallels the announcements found later in the New Testament, where messengers from God bring monumental news (Luke 1:13, NASB-95). Much like Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was called to a holy responsibility, Manoah’s wife needed to maintain a distinctive lifestyle in preparation for the birth of Samson. The connection highlights God's consistent pattern of choosing individuals for His redemptive work throughout history, ultimately culminating in Jesus Christ.
By saying *“Let the woman pay attention to all that I said”* (v.13), the angel makes it evident that specific instructions matter greatly to the fulfillment of God’s purpose. These instructions focused on dietary restrictions and conduct, demonstrating the seriousness of setting Samson apart for lifelong service to God. Faithful obedience to even the smallest detail would shape Samson to be the judge that God intended him to be—although Samson’s life would later exhibit both triumphs and failings, God’s command in this verse rings with timeless truth about committing ourselves wholly to His ways.
This verse highlights the importance of precise obedience to God’s guidance for the sake of future blessings.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Deuteronomy 17:8-13 meaning. Moses advises local judges to appeal to the Levitical priests or to the judge in office at the central sanctuary in order to seek guidance when some cases seem too difficult for them to handle.
- Exodus 18:13-23 meaning. The day after Jethro, Moses, Aaron, and the elders celebrated a sacrificial to honor the LORD, Moses went about his usual duties in managing the affairs of the people. On this day, his job was to mediate disputes and dispense justice when there was an issue between Israelites. This was an extremely burdensome task to Moses because it lasted all day. Jethro saw what it was doing to Moses and spoke to him about the wisdom of training others to share the responsibility of governing.
- Daniel 7:13-14 meaning. A Son of Man arrives, surrounded by clouds. God gives Him power and glory to rule the earth forever.