We’re reading through Judges at Oak Tree Church, and I’m posting some observations from my daily readings here within a day or two after the reading. I’d love for you to join in the discussion.
Thoughts on Judges 13
This chapter begins the story of the famous Samson. He’s famous for his strength, but the story is about how God uses a rebellious young man to accomplish his plan anyway.
There was a man named Manoah from Zorah, from the Danite tribe. His wife was infertile and childless. Judges 13:2 NET
For some reason, God liked to use this as a precursor in the Old Testament story line before he did great things. For a few well-known instances, see Abraham and Sarah before Isaac (Genesis 11:30), Isaac and Rebekah before Jacob (Genesis 25:20-26), and Jacob and Rachael before Joseph (Genesis 30:1-2).
The LORD’s messenger told Manoah, “Your wife should pay attention to everything I told her.” Judges 13:13 NET
Ouch! Nothing like a direct scolding from God! This is similar to what happened in Eden – the wife got confused by the details (in Eve’s case it was because she fell for a lie; see Genesis 3:1-6). God has designed the husband to be the spiritual leader in the home. Manoah did well to ask for a second visit from God and get all of the necessary information.
What did you see in these verses? What was important to you in Judges 13 that I did not see?