Judges 13:8-14 – Manoah Prays
At first, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah’s wife, and, as we read yesterday, she told her husband about her encounter and the Angel’s promise and commandments concerning the son she was to bear. We read today that Manoah prays to the Lord that the man (whom he does not yet know is God Himself), may return and teach them what they are to do with the child. Notice that Manoah does not seem to doubt his wife’s word or the Angel’s promises. Indeed, when the Angel returns to Manoah’s wife in the field, and she fetches her husband, he says to the Angel, “Now when your words come true, what is to be the child’s manner of life, and what is his mission?” He does not say “if” but “when.” Manoah is confident in the Lord’s promises.
The Angel reiterates his instructions to Manoah’s wife. We can see further evidence that this is the Lord Himself and no mere angel, in that, rather than saying, “Do what God has commanded,” He says, “All that I have commanded, let her observe.” Notice also, that he does not answer Manoah’s question about the boy’s mission. He simply points to the commandments He has already given.
When we are unclear about what God wants us to do in a specific situation we must consider His commandments and pray. We must not do what God has forbidden, and we must not neglect to do what He has commanded. Beyond that, we ought to pray for the wisdom to do what is the most profitable for God’s Kingdom in any given situation. Moreover, like Manoah, we must pray in faith, trusting that, whether our questions are answered or not, the Lord knows and will do what is best for us.
Questions
- How does Manoah express his confidence in the Angel’s promises?
- What evidence do we find that the Angel of the Lord is God, Himself?
- What should we do when we don’t know what God wants in a specific situation?
Prayer Points
- Pray for wisdom to do what is most profitable for God’s Kingdom.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.