Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJudges 13

An Angel Appears to Manoah's WifeThis chapter begins with another cycle of Israel’s sin and suffering. Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord

v. 2: Samson’s parents were from the tribe of Dan, and his birth was a fulfillment of God’s plan for deliverance. The tribe of Dan had a history connected with judgment, as Jacob had prophesied, Dan shall judge his people (Genesis 49:16 ). Samson’s parents had been childless for a long time, as were the mothers of other significant figures like Isaac, Samuel, and John the Baptist. This delay made the blessing of a child even more meaningful and showed that God’s gifts are worth waiting for (Isaiah 54:1 ).

v. 3–5: An angel of the Lord

v. 6–7: Samson’s mother told her husband, Manoah, about the angel’s visit. She described the messenger as a man of God with a majestic and awe-inspiring appearance. She shared the promise of a son and the instructions she received about avoiding wine and unclean food (Judges 13:6-7 ). This communication between husband and wife shows the importance of sharing spiritual experiences and encouraging each other in obedience to God.

The Angel's Appearance to ManoahThis section tells about the angel’s second visit, this time to both Manoah and his wife. Manoah believed his wife’s story about the angel and wanted to learn more about how to raise their promised son. He prayed earnestly for guidance, showing a heart that trusted God and wanted to do what was right. God kindly answered Manoah’s prayer, sending the angel again to give clear instructions about raising Samson as a Nazarite.v. 8: Manoah prayed to the Lord

v. 9: God listened to Manoah’s prayer and sent the angel again . God is always willing to guide those who sincerely want to do what is right.

v. 10–11: The angel appeared again to Manoah’s wife while she was alone in the field. She quickly ran to get her husband so he could meet the angel too (Judges 13:10-11 ). Manoah eagerly followed her to see the man of God. This shows how families should help each other grow in faith and understanding of God’s will.

v. 12: Manoah humbly asked the angel to let the promise come true and to explain again how they should raise the child . He wanted to make sure he and his wife followed God’s instructions exactly. It is important for parents to work together and ask for God’s wisdom in raising their children.

v. 13–14: The angel repeated the instructions: Manoah’s wife must not eat or drink anything from the vine, must avoid wine and strong drink, and must not eat anything unclean (Judges 13:13-14 ). These rules were important because their son would be a Nazarite, set apart for God. This teaches us to be careful and watchful in how we live, especially when God has given us a special calling or responsibility.

Manoah's AlarmThis section describes the further interaction between Manoah, his wife, and the angel. The angel did not initially reveal his true identity, allowing Manoah and his wife to converse with him as if he were a prophet. However, the angel eventually made it clear that he was a divine messenger, which caused Manoah to fear for their lives. But Manoah's wife responded with great faith, reassuring her husband that God would not have shown them such favor if He intended to destroy them.v. 15–16: Manoah wanted to show hospitality to the man, offering to prepare a young goat for him. But the angel declined, telling Manoah to offer it to the Lord

v. 17–18: Manoah asked the angel for his name, wanting to honor him if his words proved true. But the angel refused to give his name, saying it was "secret" or "wonderful" (Judges 13:17-18 ). This showed that some things about God and His messengers should remain mysterious to us.

v. 19–20: Manoah offered the sacrifice to the Lord

v. 21–22: After the angel departed, Manoah realized he had seen an angel of the Lord

v. 23: However, Manoah's wife responded with strong faith. She reasoned that if God had accepted their sacrifice and revealed such promises to them, He would not now intend to destroy them . Her faith reassured Manoah and showed the importance of spouses supporting each other in times of fear or doubt.

The Birth of SamsonThis section tells of the fulfillment of God’s promise to Manoah and his wife. The birth of Samson was a sign that God’s word always comes true. Samson’s life was special from the start; he was born to be a deliverer for Israel. The Spirit of the Lord

v. 25: As Samson grew, the Lord