Judges 13:22
Manoah, who would become the father of Samson, reacts in awe after encountering the Angel of the LORD in the region of Zorah, located in the land allotted to the tribe of Dan (in the southwestern part of ancient Israel). We read, *“So Manoah said to his wife, ‘We will surely die, for we have seen God.’” (v.22)* The immediate context reveals that Manoah and his wife recognized the holiness and power associated with seeing the divine messenger. In ancient Israelite culture, people often assumed they could not survive an encounter with a heavenly being or God’s own presence (Exodus 33:20 NASB-95). This response underscores a deep reverence for the sacred, reflecting the understanding that God’s holiness was beyond human capacity to endure unaided.
The timing of this event places Manoah around the 12th or 11th century BC. He stands in a lineage of Israelite judges and leaders who rose up during the period of the Judges, a turbulent era between the death of Joshua and the establishment of the monarchy, spanning roughly from 1375 BC to 1050 BC. Manoah and his wife, who was barren before the Angel of the LORD’s announcement, were chosen to parent Samson, a future deliverer. When Manoah says, *“We will surely die” (v.22)*, he reveals his terror and incomplete understanding of God’s redemptive plan. Yet, this moment also demonstrates God’s merciful character, because—as the narrative continues—He spares them to fulfill His promise.
Seeing God, or in this case an angelic presence that represented God, foreshadows the theme of substantial divine revelation found throughout Scripture, ultimately culminating in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14 NASB-95). Manoah’s fear highlights humanity’s faith journey: though we may stand in awe of God’s holiness, His plan is not to destroy but to redeem. These verses remind us that the Lord’s mighty works and instructions come with the assurance of His love and care, even when they defy our human expectations.
Manoah’s fear teaches us the importance of recognizing God’s holiness and trusting in His kindness.
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:
- Judges 1:22-26 meaning. The tribes Ephraim and Manasseh, with the Lord’s assistance, goes up against Bethel, previously known as Luz. They use a local man to find the city’s entrance, conquer Bethel, and spare the man’s family. The man then relocates to the land of the Hittites, where he builds a new city and names it Luz.
- 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.
- 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.