Judges 13:16 - Yahweh’s angel said to Manoah, “Though you detain me, I won’t eat your bread. If you will prepare a burnt offering, you must offer it to Yahweh.” For Manoah didn’t know that he was Yahweh’s angel.

Generated Verse: Judges 13:16

What does "Judges 13:16" mean?


This verse from Judges 13:16 is part of the story of Manoah and his wife, who were childless. An angel of the Lord appears to them to announce that they will have a son, Samson, who will begin to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Let's break down the verse:

"Yahweh’s angel said to Manoah, “Though you detain me, I won’t eat your bread." Manoah is trying to be hospitable. He wants to offer the angel food and keep him longer. However, the angel declines to eat. This is significant because eating a meal together would typically signify a bond and acceptance of hospitality. The angel's refusal suggests he's not acting on his own behalf, and he has a different agenda.

"If you will prepare a burnt offering, you must offer it to Yahweh." The angel redirects Manoah's hospitality towards Yahweh (God). A burnt offering was a sacrifice completely consumed by fire, symbolizing dedication and worship. The angel implies that if Manoah feels compelled to express gratitude, it should be directed to God, not to him.

"For Manoah didn’t know that he was Yahweh’s angel." This is a crucial piece of information for the reader. Manoah doesn't recognize the true nature of his visitor. He just sees him as a man of God, someone worthy of hospitality. This ignorance highlights the divine nature of the visitor and sets the stage for Manoah's growing realization of who he's dealing with. It also underscores the importance of discerning God's presence, even in unexpected forms. The angel's refusal to eat underscores the divine nature of the visitor.

In essence, this verse emphasizes:

The angel's divine mission: He is not there for personal gain but to deliver a message from God.
The importance of worshipping God: Any expression of gratitude or devotion should be directed to Yahweh.
Manoah's initial lack of awareness: He doesn't understand the true nature of his visitor, highlighting the mystery surrounding divine appearances in the Old Testament.

The verse is also important because it sets up the next part of the story, where Manoah will eventually realize he has been speaking to a divine being and will offer the burnt offering as instructed. The realization of who the angel truly is will bring both fear and awe to Manoah and his wife.

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