Jdg 13:6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, A man of God came unto me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very terrible: but I asked him not whence he was, neither told he me his name.

Everyone knows Samson. He was the strongest man in the Bible. He was also a judge. And he had a weakness for foreign women. But mentioned his parents, well, most know very little about them.

Samson’s father was Manoah of the tribe of Dan. His mother’s name was not mentioned in the Bible. Still, from this little account in Judges 13, I can deduce they were a fantastic and lovely couple. How do I know?

One day, an angel of the Lord appeared to Mrs Manoah and told her that she would give birth to a son. The child was to be dedicated from the womb as a Nazirite, which entailed restrictions on his diet. Immediately, she went and told her husband, "A man of God came to me" (Judges 13:2-6).

That shows love! Mrs Manoah didn’t keep secrets from her husband. In fact, the first person she wanted to share the good news was with her husband. That’s what marriage is about: LOVE. Her husband was the first person she wanted to share her joy with.

What was Mr Manoah’s response to her message? He believed her. He didn’t say: “Sweetheart, I know you want a baby so badly. But I think you are hallucinating.” He believed her. In fact, he believed it so thoroughly that he asked God to send the man of God back again so they could get more information (Judges 13:8). Read carefully, his request was to ask the man of God to come and teach them how they should bring up their son; it was not to verify his wife’s story. Love believes all things (1 Corinthians 13:7).

One thing to note: Mrs Manoah was barren; she could not conceive. In those days, it was considered a curse and shame for a woman who was not able to give an heir to her husband. Nevertheless, Manoah did not look down on his wife. He did not take a second wife to bring about an heir. Love bears all things (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Both were ecstatic that after all this time they were going to have a son. Many couples break up because of differences. He likes to play games this but she doesn’t. She likes to watch drama series but he hates it. And so, one is not happy when the other is doing his favourite thing. Couples should communicate and make room for each other’s likes and dislikes. Love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4).

Mar and Mrs Manoah were a godly couple. The first thing that came to their minds was how to bring up this child who was to be a Nazarite. A Nazarite is one that has been consecrated to God. He is under a strict vow and a strict diet. They didn’t ask why their son had to be a Nazarite. They weren’t disappointed that he had to be a Nazarite. They were concerned how they should bring him up as a Nazarite so that they would not offend God. Manoah’s first question to the man of God was: “What is to be the child's manner of life, and what is his mission?” (Judges 13:12, ESV).

Paul exhorts fathers to bring them up their children the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). It takes godly parents to take heed to the apostle’s exhortation. Manoah and his wife wanted godly instructions for their child.

                                       

This lovely couple must have walked with God to have been counted worthy to receive such a marvellous gift from Him. They were glad that their son was to be separated unto God to do His work. I’m sure they did everything in their power to ensure that their son fulfilled his calling as a Nazirite and the deliverer of Israel. I wish all parents are like them.

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

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