13:19 So Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered [it] upon a rock unto the LORD: and [the angel] did {i} wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on.(i) God sent fire from heaven to consume their sacrifice, to consume their faith in his promise. read more
SAMSON THE NAZARITE The close of chapter 12 furnishes the history of three other civil judges, and then we reach that of another warrior as picturesque as Gideon or Jephthah. Sampson’s life is so full of inconsistencies and mysteries from the divine standpoint, that again we can only await the explanations until we shall know as we are known. THE PROMISED SON (Judges 13:0 ) Here is another theophany, for “the angel of the Lord” is none other than Jehovah Jesus. The beginning of this... read more
Judges 13:0 (Annotated) Judges 13:0 1. And the children of Israel did evil again [see chap. Judges 3:7 , Judges 4:1 , Judges 6:1-11 , Jdg 10:6 ] in the sight of the Lord; and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines [who from this point to the reign of David play a most important part. By Philistines we are not to understand Canaanites, but foreign conquerors; the name means camps ] forty years [terminating with the battle of Ebenezer, 1Sa 7:13 ]. 2. And there was a certain... read more
"Handfuls of Purpose" For All Gleaners "Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?" Judges 13:18 . Men are continually driven back from secret altars, and forbidden to indulge their curiosity in sacred places. We may receive anonymous blessings. It is difficult to distinguish sometimes between curiosity and reverent inquiry. Sometimes we are more interested in the secret things than in the things revealed. When we are conscious of such interest we may know that we are animated... read more
Jacob felt the same desire, in the interview he had with the angel Genesis 32:29 . Reader! what a mercy is it, to you and to me, that that name, which is now so dear to his people, is no longer secret. Now we know him in that lovely name of Jesus, a Saviour; the Lord our righteousness, and all the other precious appellations by which he comes home, revealed to our hearts: and which are as ointment poured forth. Matthew 1:21 ; Jeremiah 23:6 ; Song of Solomon 1:3 . Oh! thou precious Emanuel; may... read more
What a most interesting scene this must have been! It seems as if the man and his wife did nothing but look on. Yes, our faith can go no further. To lift a tool upon the altar is to pollute it. Exodus 20:25 . Jesus is both the sacrifice, the rock or altar on which the sacrifice is offered, and the High Priest to offer. Well might they look on when the Lord did things so wondrously. There could be no longer a question who this was, when he ascended in the flame of the altar. Whether fire came... read more
Wonderful. Hebrew Peli. Some have concluded that this was the proper name of the angel, as it is one of the titles of the Messias, Isaias ix. 6. But it is more probable that the angel did not reveal his name. (Chaldean) Others divide this sentence thus, "and he (the angel, or rather God) was wonderful." He was the author of all miracles, to whom sacrifice was immediately offered. It is doubtful whether the angels have distinctive names. But we read of Michael, &c., and there is no reason... read more
On. Manue was convinced that the person who had authorized him to offer sacrifice, had power to dispense with him. (Worthington) --- The angel "did wonderful things," as the Hebrew may be explained, causing a flame to proceed from the rock and to consume the victim, as Josephus assures us, (Calmet) and as the angel who had appeared to Gedeon had done, chap. vi. 21. (Menochius) read more
15-23 What Manoah asked for instruction in his duty, he was readily told; but what he asked to gratify his curiosity, was denied. God has in his word given full directions concerning our duty, but never designed to answer other questionings. There are secret things which belong not to us, of which we must be quite contented to be ignorant, while in this world. The name of our Lord is wonderful and secret; but by his wonderful works he makes himself known as far as is needful for us. Prayer is... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Judges 13:1-25
6. Sixth Declension: Under the Philistines and Samson CHAPTER 13 1. Israel delivered to the Philistines (Judges 13:1 ) 2. Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:2-23 ) 3. Samson born (Judges 13:24-25 ) The sixth and last declension of Israel in this book is now before us. This section has deep and interesting lessons. The darkest period is reached. The Philistines lorded over Israel. We miss in connection with this declension the statement which occurs in every preceding departure from Jehovah:... read more