What does Judges 13:3 mean?
Once more in Judges, "the angel of the LORD" appears, as He did to the people of Israel (Judges 2:1–3) and to Gideon (Judges 6:11–23). The angel of the Lord—or "the angel of Yahweh"—is so closely associated with God Himself that He is often identified both ways when He appears, sometimes called "the Lord" and other times called "the angel of the Lord." This strongly suggests a theophany: God in visible, temporary human form.Here, "the angel of the LORD" appears to Manoah's wife when her husband is not present. Though she is never named, she is the primary focus of God's attention. The Angel does not begin with any greeting other than "behold," which implies, "listen!" Instead, He gets straight to His revelation: you are barren, but you will give birth to a son.
This was likely the best news Manoah's wife could have hoped to hear. In addition to any natural longing to be a mother, barren women in this era were deeply stigmatized. Her personal loss was a double blow that brought decreased social value. Now, she learns that not only will she conceive, but the baby will be a boy, elevating her status in the family and in society.
Judges 13:1–7 begins as Israel, once again, descends into sin and evil, resulting in hardship. This passage describes an interaction between a childless women and a messenger from God, possibly Yahweh Himself in human form. He tells her she will give birth to a son who is to be dedicated as a Nazirite from the womb. This child's purpose will be to begin rescuing Israel from oppression under the Philistines. The woman tells her husband, Manoah, who is from the tribe of Dan.
The Lord appoints another deliverer for Israel, this time in response to oppression under the Philistines. An impressive stranger appears to Manoah and his wife, announcing they will have a son. This child is to be set apart as a Nazarite from before birth until death. His mother must not drink wine or strong drink or eat any unclean thing. This visitor then disappears into the flames of a burnt offering. The couple realizes they have seen a manifestation of Yahweh, Himself. Samson is born and soon shows signs of God's influence.
