Judges 13:4
“Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing” (v.4) begins the angel’s instructions to the unnamed wife of Manoah in the hill country of Zorah, a town in the territory of Dan. This message unfolds sometime around the 12th or 11th century BC, when Israel was led by judges before the establishment of the monarchy. Because the angel of the Lord appears to announce the birth of Samson, this verse reveals God’s special calling for the child’s mother to live in a manner set apart. Samson was from the tribe of Dan and would ultimately become one of Israel’s most prominent judges (Judges 13–16) citeturn0file3.
The restrictions in “be careful not to drink wine or strong drink” connect closely with the Nazirite vow found in Numbers 6, where those under it refrained from alcohol and avoided ceremonial uncleanness for a specified period citeturn0file0. Here, however, Samson’s mother is instructed to adopt these dietary and purity regulations so the child she bears would be holy from conception. By not consuming any unclean thing, Samson’s mother affirms her obedience to God’s calling on her life and on Samson’s future role. These regulations demonstrate that holiness involves daily choices that honor God’s command.
Through “nor eat any unclean thing,” the Lord makes clear that His standards of purity prepare Samson for a life dedicated to rescuing Israel from Philistine oppression. This set-apart lifestyle foreshadows biblical themes of consecration, echoing calls to remain holy as God’s people. Though seemingly restrictive, these instructions underscore the divine purpose and authority guiding Israel’s deliverers.
God gives each of us a purpose, and He calls us to live in faithful expectation of His plans.
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 4:12-16 meaning. This passage describes the climactic battle between Barak’s forces and Sisera’s army. Deborah urges Barak to act, affirming that God has already secured victory. As Barak leads his men into battle, God intervenes, routing Sisera’s forces. Sisera flees on foot while his entire army is destroyed.
- Judges 4:1-3 meaning. The beginning of Judges 4 recounts the cycle of Israel’s disobedience and God’s response. After the death of Ehud, Israel again turns away from God, and as a consequence, they fall under the oppressive rule of Jabin and his commander Sisera, who wields a formidable military force. The Israelites, overwhelmed by this oppression, cry out to the Lord for deliverance.
- Judges 4:11 meaning. Judges 4:11 introduces Heber the Kenite. The details concerning Heber’s location and lineage in this verse foreshadow his involvement in the unfolding events of Sisera’s defeat, though it seems incidental at first.