Judges 13:20
In this passage, Scripture recounts a miraculous moment as it says, *“For it came about when the flame went up from the altar toward heaven, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. When Manoah and his wife saw this, they fell on their faces to the ground”* (v.20). This event takes place in the time of the Judges, possibly around the 12th century BC. Manoah, who would become the father of Samson, had been visited by the angel of the LORD with news of a special child who would one day deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:24, NASB-95). When the angel ascends in the flame, both Manoah and his wife respond with immediate reverence, recognizing the supernatural in their midst.
The mention of *“the angel of the LORD”* (v.20) often hints at God’s direct intervention in human affairs during the Old Testament period. By ascending in the flame, the angel demonstrates divine authority, underscoring that this message and its implications for Samson’s birth come from God’s own counsel. Manoah and his wife bow down with awe, reflecting the humble posture to which Israel was continually called during times of oppression and distress. Though geographically the setting is in the region of Zorah, located west of Jerusalem in the tribal area of Dan, the text emphasizes a divine manifestation rather than describing the physical traits of the place, showing that the focus is on God’s action and revelation to His people.
This divine appearance sets the stage for Samson’s mission, linking his future life and calling to the power and presence of the LORD from the very start. The worshipful reaction of Manoah and his wife illustrates the profound respect expected when encountering God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:3, NASB-95). This scene also foreshadows the greater works of deliverance contained in God's plan, which ultimately points toward the complete deliverance found in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:14–15, NASB-95), reminding readers that God’s interventions in history serve a redemptive purpose.
God sends a powerful sign of His presence, and Manoah and his wife respond in reverence.
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:
- Matthew 16:13-20 meaning. Jesus begins a significant conversation with His disciples In Caesarea Philippi. He asks His disciples about the Son of Man and who He is. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus commends His disciple for God’s revealing this to him, and tells him that such bold faith will lead the church to overcome culture and Hades itself. Jesus also tells Peter that He will give him authority to act on behalf of kingdom of heaven.
- Acts 13:26-31 meaning. Paul tells his audience that Jesus was the promised Savior sent by God. He fulfilled the prophecies and promises made by God in the Old Testament. The leaders of Israel rejected Jesus and put Him to death, which was also prophesied in the Old Testament. God raised Jesus back to life. Many witnesses saw Jesus after He resurrected and have been spreading the news ever since.
- Genesis 10:15-20 meaning. Canaan was the father of eleven sons. The land of the Canaanites was called Canaan which later was conquered by the Jews. Ham had a total of 30 descendants.