Manoah His Wife & The Angel
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | March 17, 2024
Open your Bibles to Judges chapter 13, verses 15 through 25. This sermon, “Manoah His Wife & The Angel,” is the tenth in our series on biblical encounters with angels, continuing last week’s message. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this great host today, both here and online. Save souls, guide us to trust Christ, and help me preach Your truth, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
In Judges 13, an angel visits Manoah’s wife, promising a son—Samson—dedicated as a Nazarite to deliver Israel. Last week, we saw Manoah pray to meet this messenger, and God answered. Now, in verses 15-25, Manoah offers a meal to the angel, who turns it into a burnt offering, ascends in the flames, and leaves them awestruck. This incredible story teaches us three lessons: recognizing who we’re dealing with, reflecting on God’s wondrous work, and remembering what He wants us to do.
Recognize Who We’re Dealing With
“Manoah knew not that it was an angel of the Lord” (v. 16). At first, Manoah and his wife thought this was just a man of God, not realizing they were facing the divine. The angel insists any offering be made to the Lord, not him, revealing his true nature. Pastor Rains urges us to see beyond creation to the Creator, beyond self to the Savior, beyond man to the Master. Quoting Psalm 19, he reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God”—a truth echoed by Lincoln, who couldn’t fathom denying God while gazing at the stars. Recognizing we’re dealing with God, not just men or circumstances, changes everything.
Reflect on His Wondrous Work
“The angel did wondrously; and Manoah and his wife looked on” (v. 19). When Manoah offers a kid and meat on a rock, the angel ignites it into a sacrifice and ascends in the fire—an awe-inspiring act. Pastor Rains highlights the word “wondrously,” reflecting God’s wonderful nature. Isaiah 9:6 calls Him “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God”, and here, His secret name adds mystery. As Manoah and his wife fell on their faces, we too should marvel at God’s works—His person, His power—standing in awe, not just as spectators, but as worshippers of a holy God.
Remember What God Wants Us to Do
“If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering… nor told us such things” (v. 23). Manoah fears death after seeing God, but his wife wisely notes God’s intent isn’t judgment but guidance. Pastor Rains stresses God wants us to focus on our spiritual lives and dedicate our children to Him, not worldly pursuits. He shares plans to dedicate twins at the altar, inviting others to do the same. God’s will is simple: get saved, serve Him, and raise our kids to know Him—ensuring they, and their children, reach heaven.
