This verse from Judges 13:15 reveals several key aspects of the story and the characters involved:
Manoah's Hospitality: Manoah, the father of Samson, is offering the angel hospitality. This was a crucial virtue in ancient Israelite culture. It was a sign of respect and a way to honor a guest, especially one who appeared to be a man of God.
Manoah's Recognition (Partial): Manoah recognizes that this is a special person, perhaps a prophet or a messenger from God ("Yahweh's angel"). He wants to honor this divine visitor with a sacrifice, specifically a young goat. This suggests he knows this is more than just an ordinary traveler. However, it's likely that he doesn't fully comprehend the angel's divine nature yet.
Intention to Offer a Sacrifice: The offer of a young goat isn't just a meal. It's meant as a sacrifice, a way to show reverence and possibly seek favor or a blessing. Sacrifices were a common practice in ancient Israelite religion to communicate with God.
Implied Humility and Respect: The request for the angel to "stay with us" underscores Manoah's humility. He wants to spend more time with the angel and learn from him, indicating a desire to connect with the divine.
In summary, Judges 13:15 shows Manoah acting as a hospitable Israelite, recognizing a divine presence (at least partially), and offering a sacrifice to honor the angel of the Lord. It sets the stage for the angel's further revelations about Samson's birth and destiny. The angel's response to this offer is also significant and reveals more about the nature of the encounter.
This verse from Judges 13:15 reveals several key aspects of the story and the characters involved:
Manoah's Hospitality: Manoah, the father of Samson, is offering the angel hospitality. This was a crucial virtue in ancient Israelite culture. It was a sign of respect and a way to honor a guest, especially one who appeared to be a man of God.
Manoah's Recognition (Partial): Manoah recognizes that this is a special person, perhaps a prophet or a messenger from God ("Yahweh's angel"). He wants to honor this divine visitor with a sacrifice, specifically a young goat. This suggests he knows this is more than just an ordinary traveler. However, it's likely that he doesn't fully comprehend the angel's divine nature yet.
Intention to Offer a Sacrifice: The offer of a young goat isn't just a meal. It's meant as a sacrifice, a way to show reverence and possibly seek favor or a blessing. Sacrifices were a common practice in ancient Israelite religion to communicate with God.
Implied Humility and Respect: The request for the angel to "stay with us" underscores Manoah's humility. He wants to spend more time with the angel and learn from him, indicating a desire to connect with the divine.
In summary, Judges 13:15 shows Manoah acting as a hospitable Israelite, recognizing a divine presence (at least partially), and offering a sacrifice to honor the angel of the Lord. It sets the stage for the angel's further revelations about Samson's birth and destiny. The angel's response to this offer is also significant and reveals more about the nature of the encounter.