This verse, Judges 13:12, captures a pivotal moment in the story of Samson's birth. Let's break down what it means:
"Manoah said, 'Now let your words happen.'" Manoah, a man from the tribe of Dan, and his wife were previously barren. An angel of the Lord had appeared to his wife, promising that she would conceive and bear a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:2-5). Manoah is essentially saying, "We believe you and desire this child and the purpose you have shared, so please let your prophecy come to pass." It expresses faith and a desire for the promised future.
"What shall the child's way of life and mission be?" This is the heart of the verse. Manoah wants to understand the specific instructions and requirements for raising this special child. He is asking for guidance on two key aspects:
Way of Life (Hebrew: mishpat): This refers to the rules, customs, and regulations that will govern the child's life. He's asking, "What restrictions or obligations will be placed on him? What type of upbringing should he have?" He is asking about the lifestyle he should live, including diet, customs, and interactions.
Mission (Hebrew: ma'aseh): This refers to the specific task or role the child is destined to fulfill. He's asking, "What is his specific purpose? How will he accomplish his role in delivering Israel?" He is asking how he should accomplish his role in saving Israel.
In essence, Manoah is demonstrating responsible parenthood. He's not just excited about having a child after being barren; he's concerned about fulfilling God's purpose for that child's life. He is requesting specific guidelines for how to raise the child so that he might fulfill his destiny. He understands that raising a child destined for a special mission requires specific instructions and diligent effort.
The angel's response in the subsequent verses clarifies that the boy is to be a Nazirite from birth, which will involve specific dietary restrictions and abstaining from cutting his hair (Judges 13:13-14). These details are crucial for understanding the context of Samson's life and the significance of his eventual downfall.
This verse, Judges 13:12, captures a pivotal moment in the story of Samson's birth. Let's break down what it means:
"Manoah said, 'Now let your words happen.'" Manoah, a man from the tribe of Dan, and his wife were previously barren. An angel of the Lord had appeared to his wife, promising that she would conceive and bear a son who would begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:2-5). Manoah is essentially saying, "We believe you and desire this child and the purpose you have shared, so please let your prophecy come to pass." It expresses faith and a desire for the promised future.
"What shall the child's way of life and mission be?" This is the heart of the verse. Manoah wants to understand the specific instructions and requirements for raising this special child. He is asking for guidance on two key aspects:
Way of Life (Hebrew: mishpat): This refers to the rules, customs, and regulations that will govern the child's life. He's asking, "What restrictions or obligations will be placed on him? What type of upbringing should he have?" He is asking about the lifestyle he should live, including diet, customs, and interactions.
Mission (Hebrew: ma'aseh): This refers to the specific task or role the child is destined to fulfill. He's asking, "What is his specific purpose? How will he accomplish his role in delivering Israel?" He is asking how he should accomplish his role in saving Israel.
In essence, Manoah is demonstrating responsible parenthood. He's not just excited about having a child after being barren; he's concerned about fulfilling God's purpose for that child's life. He is requesting specific guidelines for how to raise the child so that he might fulfill his destiny. He understands that raising a child destined for a special mission requires specific instructions and diligent effort.
The angel's response in the subsequent verses clarifies that the boy is to be a Nazirite from birth, which will involve specific dietary restrictions and abstaining from cutting his hair (Judges 13:13-14). These details are crucial for understanding the context of Samson's life and the significance of his eventual downfall.