This verse from Judges 13:11 is a key moment in the story of Manoah and his wife, who are visited by an angel of the Lord (referred to as "the man" in this context). Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Manoah arose, and followed his wife...": This indicates that Manoah, who was not present during the angel's first visit to his wife (verse 9), has now heard her account of the encounter. He is intrigued and wants to meet this "man" for himself. His decision to "follow" his wife shows he trusts her testimony.
"...and came to the man...": They find the angel again. The angel has reappeared in the same location, indicating the divine purpose behind the visit.
"...and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to my wife?”: Manoah is directly addressing the angel, seeking confirmation of his wife's story. He wants to verify that this is indeed the same person who delivered the important message about their future son, Samson.
"He said, “I am.”: This is a straightforward confirmation from the angel that he is indeed the one who appeared to Manoah's wife. This confirms to Manoah that his wife was telling the truth, and the message she received is credible.
Significance of the Verse:
Manoah's Investigation: This verse highlights Manoah's proactive nature. He doesn't dismiss his wife's story, but seeks to understand it better. He wants to receive confirmation and clarification from the source himself.
Validation of the Message: The angel's affirmation is crucial. It validates the message about the miraculous birth of Samson and the special role he will play as a deliverer of Israel.
Preparation for the Future: By seeking clarification, Manoah is preparing himself and his wife for the responsibility of raising Samson according to the instructions given.
Theme of Divine Communication: The verse reinforces the theme of divine communication through angels. It shows how God communicates with individuals to fulfill His purposes.
In essence, Judges 13:11 is a pivotal moment in the story where Manoah acknowledges and seeks confirmation of the divine message his wife received, setting the stage for the birth and life of Samson. It displays faith, responsibility, and the direct intervention of God in the lives of ordinary people.
This verse from Judges 13:11 is a key moment in the story of Manoah and his wife, who are visited by an angel of the Lord (referred to as "the man" in this context). Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Manoah arose, and followed his wife...": This indicates that Manoah, who was not present during the angel's first visit to his wife (verse 9), has now heard her account of the encounter. He is intrigued and wants to meet this "man" for himself. His decision to "follow" his wife shows he trusts her testimony.
"...and came to the man...": They find the angel again. The angel has reappeared in the same location, indicating the divine purpose behind the visit.
"...and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to my wife?”: Manoah is directly addressing the angel, seeking confirmation of his wife's story. He wants to verify that this is indeed the same person who delivered the important message about their future son, Samson.
"He said, “I am.”: This is a straightforward confirmation from the angel that he is indeed the one who appeared to Manoah's wife. This confirms to Manoah that his wife was telling the truth, and the message she received is credible.
Significance of the Verse:
Manoah's Investigation: This verse highlights Manoah's proactive nature. He doesn't dismiss his wife's story, but seeks to understand it better. He wants to receive confirmation and clarification from the source himself.
Validation of the Message: The angel's affirmation is crucial. It validates the message about the miraculous birth of Samson and the special role he will play as a deliverer of Israel.
Preparation for the Future: By seeking clarification, Manoah is preparing himself and his wife for the responsibility of raising Samson according to the instructions given.
Theme of Divine Communication: The verse reinforces the theme of divine communication through angels. It shows how God communicates with individuals to fulfill His purposes.
In essence, Judges 13:11 is a pivotal moment in the story where Manoah acknowledges and seeks confirmation of the divine message his wife received, setting the stage for the birth and life of Samson. It displays faith, responsibility, and the direct intervention of God in the lives of ordinary people.