Judges 13:9

In Judges 13:9, we read how *“God listened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again to the woman as she was sitting in the field, but Manoah her husband was not with her.”* (v.9, NASB-95). This verse highlights the Lord’s attentiveness to His people, as He graciously responds to Manoah’s plea for further guidance regarding the promised birth of Samson. Manoah, who lived in the time of the Judges (circa 1100 BC), earnestly asked God to send the angel again so he might gain clarity about the child’s destiny. The text indicates that God heard Manoah and sent His messenger to the woman, displaying divine willingness to guide and confirm His plans to those who sincerely seek Him (see also James 1:5 NASB-95).

By describing how the angel of God appeared “as she was sitting in the field” (v.9), Scripture presents a simple, rural setting that underscores the humble nature of Samson’s origins. The fields in ancient Israel were crucial for farming and grazing livestock, and many daily tasks took place there. The phrase also suggests that the Angel of the Lord met Manoah’s wife right where she was, underlining that God’s guidance and presence extend beyond temple worship or formal gatherings, reaching people in their everyday lives (see also John 4:21-24 NASB-95).

Even though Manoah was not present in that moment, this event sets the stage for the couple to receive further instruction about the son they would soon have, who would eventually serve as a judge and deliverer for Israel. This child, Samson, would point to God’s overarching redemptive plan, which ultimately culminates in Jesus Christ, the Messiah (see Matthew 1:21 NASB-95). The Divine messenger’s readiness to reappear reflects God’s patient guidance for His people, both in ancient times and today.

God’s faithfulness is evident as He responds to genuine hearts seeking His will.