Bible Verse Commentary: Judges 13:21

Overview: Judges 13:21 captures a significant moment in the story of Manoah and his wife, who are visited by an angel of the Lord. The passage highlights the divine revelation of its messenger and the miraculous nature of their encounter, emphasizing themes of faith and the supernatural.

Verse Context

This verse occurs within the narrative of Samson's birth announcement. After receiving a message from the angel, Manoah and his wife are astonished and seek further guidance. The initial appearance of the angel sets a foundation for the miraculous events that follow in Samson's life and his role as a judge of Israel.

Interpretations and Insights

Various public domain commentaries provide rich insights into Judges 13:21. The verse states: "But the angel of the Lord did no more appear to Manoah and his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the Lord."

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the significance of the angel's departure. It indicates that divine revelations are often brief and meant to instill awe and recognize God's presence. Manoah's acknowledgment of the angel's true identity illustrates a moment of realization that leads to a deeper understanding of God's involvement in their lives.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes provides an analysis of the fear and recognition experienced by Manoah. He notes that the appearance of the angel ultimately leads Manoah to a point of worship and acknowledgment of God's plans for their son, Samson, conveying the importance of divine guidance and intervention in human affairs.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke remarks on the historical context, recognizing the cultural implications of angelic visitations. The withdrawal of the angel signifies the completion of his mission, reinforcing the notion that understanding Scripture often requires discerning when God has provided clarity and insight.

Application for Today

For modern readers, Judges 13:21 serves as a reminder of the moments when God communicates with humanity. It encourages faith in divine messages and the importance of recognizing God's work in one's life, even when such signs may be fleeting.

Related Bible Verses

• Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."
• Judges 13:3 - "And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her..."
• Genesis 16:7 - "Now the Angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness..."

Summary

This verse encapsulates a profound encounter with the divine, manifesting not only the miraculous but also pointing believers toward a deeper understanding of faith. Engaging with this verse in a Bible study context can yield significant insights into the nature of God’s communication with His people and the meaning of divine interventions.

Further Study

Those interested in exploring this theme can utilize various bible study resources, such as commentaries, guides, and discussions within bible study groups. Additionally, understanding the historical context of Bible verses enriches one’s study and can clarify interpretations of difficult passages.