Judges 13:21
The verse says, *“Now the angel of the LORD did not appear to Manoah or his wife again. Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD.” (Judges 13:21)* This moment occurs in the time of the Israelite Judges, roughly somewhere between the late 14th century BC and the early 11th century BC, a period of recurring cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance for the nation of Israel. Manoah is the father of Samson, called by God to be a Nazarite and a deliverer for Israel. Samson’s story unfolds in the Book of Judges, showcasing God’s desire to rescue His people despite their failings. The location where Manoah and his wife receive the angelic visitation is near Zorah, a region west of Jerusalem, close to the land of the Philistines.
When the text reports that *“the angel of the LORD did not appear to Manoah or his wife again” (v.21)*, it emphasizes the finality and seriousness of God’s message. There was no further clarification from the angel beyond the initial visit and the instructions given about raising the child who would be Samson. In the ancient near-eastern setting, receiving any form of divine announcement was significant, so the sudden end to these mystical appearances served to show the couple that God had given them all they needed for the mission at hand. Just as the angel’s mission was complete and he departed, the rising role of Samson was set in motion, illustrating God’s pattern of moving from revelation to action among His people.
At the end of the verse, we see that *“Then Manoah knew that he was the angel of the LORD” (v.21)*, meaning Manoah fully realized the divine nature of their visitor. This recognition likely brought both awe and a weighty understanding of the task before them—raising Samson under special guidance for God’s plans. In many ways, Manoah’s acknowledgment parallels the moments when others in Scripture recognized the presence of God’s emissary, foreshadowing how people in the New Testament recognized Jesus as God’s ultimate revelation (Matthew 16:16 NASB-95). A deeper trust emerges in the heart of one who perceives the hand of God, and Manoah’s response highlights that trust in the face of a mysterious and extraordinary calling.
Samson’s parents received the divine message with reverent fear and obedience.
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 22:13-21 meaning. Moses described the steps to be taken when a husband falsely accused his wife of not having been a virgin at the time of marriage. He also described what to do if these accusations were true.
- Genesis 21:9-13 meaning. Sarah wants Abraham’s son, Ishmael, sent away from their house. She wants her own son, Isaac, to be the sole heir of Abraham. Abraham worries what will become of Ishmael, but God promises that a nation will be born from Ishmael.
- Exodus 13:17-22 meaning. This section (verses 17 – 22) describes the beginning of the journey from Egypt to the Red Sea. It stresses that the LORD led them with a pillar of cloud or fire. He chose a route to the Red Sea for a specific purpose. The point is also made that Moses made sure that Joseph’s bones were carried with them.