Judges 13:18
In the period of the Judges, around the 12th century BC, Israel was in a cycle of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. This is the setting where Manoah, living in the region of Zorah in the inheritance of the tribe of Dan, encountered a mysterious visitor foretelling the birth of Samson. Within this context, we read: *But the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?”* (v.18). Manoah had asked for the visitor’s name, unaware that this was no ordinary messenger. The angel’s response—stating that His name was “wonderful”—alludes to divine attributes too marvelous for human comprehension (cf. Isaiah 9:6 NASB-95).
According to many Old Testament passages, “the angel of the LORD” stands in the position and authority of God, often speaking as though He is God Himself citeturn0file11. This title is regularly associated with a special, divine presence, leading many to believe that these appearances were manifestations of the preincarnate Christ. The phrase “seeing it is wonderful” highlights a transcendence far beyond a mere angelic being. Manoah’s inability to grasp this being’s name underscores the majesty of God, who reveals Himself but also preserves the mystery and glory of His nature (Exodus 3:14 NASB-95).
By asking about the angel’s name, Manoah may have been seeking greater understanding or a way to honor this remarkable visitor after the pronounced blessing of a child to be born. The angel’s answer, however, calls Manoah—and all readers—to recognize the boundless nature of God. In a time when the Israelites struggled to remain faithful to their covenant, this scene reminds us that God remains intimately involved, sending direct help and revelation at pivotal moments in history. In Samson’s birth, we glimpse God’s redemptive plan unfolding even amid Israel’s recurring struggles (Judges 2:16-19 NASB-95).
This verse underscores that God’s ways are beyond tracing out and that His name is beyond human grasp.
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:
- 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.
- Judges 5:12-18 meaning. Deborah and Barak’s victory song continues, praising those tribes who joined the fight and criticizing those who stayed behind.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 meaning. Paul comforts the Thessalonians who were worried that if they died before Jesus’ second coming, they would remain dead and would miss out on spending eternity with Jesus. Paul clarifies that dead believers will be resurrected and meet Jesus in the air at His coming, and living believers will subsequently join them, and all will be with the Lord forever.