Judges 13:17 - Manoah said to Yahweh’s angel, “What is your name, that when your words happen, we may honor you?”
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What does "Judges 13:17" mean?
This verse, Judges 13:17, reveals a lot about Manoah's character, his understanding of divine encounters, and the nature of the angel he's speaking to. Let's break it down:
Context: Manoah and his wife are barren. An angel appears to his wife and tells her she will conceive and have a son (Samson) who will deliver Israel from the Philistines. Manoah prays for the angel to reappear to instruct them on how to raise the child. The angel reappears to Manoah.
"Manoah said to Yahweh’s angel..." This clarifies who Manoah is addressing: an angel representing Yahweh (God).
"...“What is your name..." This is a significant request. In ancient Near Eastern culture, knowing someone's name implied a degree of power or control over them. It suggested an understanding of their essence and identity. Manoah isn't simply being curious; he's seeking to understand the angel's authority and position. Names held great significance.
"...that when your words happen..." Manoah is expressing faith that the angel's prophecy about the child will come true. He acknowledges the power and authority behind the angel's message.
"...we may honor you?”" This is the crux of the verse. Manoah wants to give the angel proper respect and gratitude after the prophecy is fulfilled. He desires to acknowledge the angel's role in the miracle that will occur and appropriately venerate him. He wants to thank the angel appropriately. He wants to know what title or name the angel prefers so he can use it when thanking him.
In essence, Manoah's question reveals:
His faith: He believes the angel's prophecy.
His desire to show proper respect: He wants to thank and honor the angel when the prophecy comes to pass.
His understanding of names as significant: He realizes that the angel's name is more than just a label; it represents their authority and role.
His naivety (perhaps): He doesn't fully grasp the nature of the encounter. He treats the angel somewhat like a powerful human official who should be properly acknowledged and thanked.
Why this is important:
The angel's response in the following verse (Judges 13:18) is key. The angel says, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" This suggests the angel's name is beyond human comprehension, too sacred, or too powerful to be revealed. This reinforces the divine nature of the messenger. It also implies that the focus should be on Yahweh (God) who sent the angel, not the angel himself. Manoah is directed to venerate God, not the angel.
Therefore, the verse encapsulates Manoah's earnest but imperfect understanding of the divine and his desire to give honor where he believes it is due. The angel's refusal to reveal his name shifts the focus back to God and the truly "wonderful" power behind the prophecy. It highlights the proper target of worship: God himself.
Judges 13:17 - Manoah said to Yahweh’s angel, “What is your name, that when your words happen, we may honor you?”
What does "Judges 13:17" mean?
This verse, Judges 13:17, reveals a lot about Manoah's character, his understanding of divine encounters, and the nature of the angel he's speaking to. Let's break it down:
Context: Manoah and his wife are barren. An angel appears to his wife and tells her she will conceive and have a son (Samson) who will deliver Israel from the Philistines. Manoah prays for the angel to reappear to instruct them on how to raise the child. The angel reappears to Manoah.
"Manoah said to Yahweh’s angel..." This clarifies who Manoah is addressing: an angel representing Yahweh (God).
"...“What is your name..." This is a significant request. In ancient Near Eastern culture, knowing someone's name implied a degree of power or control over them. It suggested an understanding of their essence and identity. Manoah isn't simply being curious; he's seeking to understand the angel's authority and position. Names held great significance.
"...that when your words happen..." Manoah is expressing faith that the angel's prophecy about the child will come true. He acknowledges the power and authority behind the angel's message.
"...we may honor you?”" This is the crux of the verse. Manoah wants to give the angel proper respect and gratitude after the prophecy is fulfilled. He desires to acknowledge the angel's role in the miracle that will occur and appropriately venerate him. He wants to thank the angel appropriately. He wants to know what title or name the angel prefers so he can use it when thanking him.
In essence, Manoah's question reveals:
His faith: He believes the angel's prophecy.
His desire to show proper respect: He wants to thank and honor the angel when the prophecy comes to pass.
His understanding of names as significant: He realizes that the angel's name is more than just a label; it represents their authority and role.
His naivety (perhaps): He doesn't fully grasp the nature of the encounter. He treats the angel somewhat like a powerful human official who should be properly acknowledged and thanked.
Why this is important:
The angel's response in the following verse (Judges 13:18) is key. The angel says, "Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?" This suggests the angel's name is beyond human comprehension, too sacred, or too powerful to be revealed. This reinforces the divine nature of the messenger. It also implies that the focus should be on Yahweh (God) who sent the angel, not the angel himself. Manoah is directed to venerate God, not the angel.
Therefore, the verse encapsulates Manoah's earnest but imperfect understanding of the divine and his desire to give honor where he believes it is due. The angel's refusal to reveal his name shifts the focus back to God and the truly "wonderful" power behind the prophecy. It highlights the proper target of worship: God himself.